Live Review: Regurgitator, Ouch My Face

Regurgitator fans are out in full force tonight. It's a real mixed bag; clearly the original fans are here, but there's also a new generation of followers too and it's safe to say that some probably weren't even born when Regurgitator released their first album.

Three-piece support Ouch My Face are incredible to watch and they sound even better. Their grimy and grungy sound mixed with dirty riffs and vocals that might send some running for the hills get everyone in the mood for a good time. It's angry, it's raw, it's everything good garage-rock should be.  

In all their energetic glory, Regurgitator — Quan Yeomans, Ben Ely and Peter Kostic — hit the stage donning very shiny gold capes (as if we'd expect anything less from these guys). The vibe is pumping as they smash out Blood And Spunk."Greetings, earthlings!" Ely calls out as Yeomans uses his cape as some kind of rock crown and announces, "By the power of rock'n'roll!" It's clear that even after two decades they still love performing and don't take themselves too seriously. Ely yells, "Let's bounce!" as they get straight into Track 1 and the moshpit follows his instruction — there's not a single person in the room not jumping around. Just when you think it's not possible for more energy to fly around, they get into I Will Lick Your Arsehole. Yeomans sticks the mic out into the crowd as hundreds of people scream the lyrics, over and over. The set is packed with the favourites: Polyester Girl is well received (as expected), Born Dumb and I Sucked A Lot Of Cock To Get Where I Am (which is dedicated to Tony Abbott). Things mellows out a little but it doesn't stay that way for too long. Like musical chameleons they morph in and out of grunge, rock, pop and hip hop. The sound is big, the riffs are killer and Kostic doesn't miss a beat. A quick Sweet Child Of Mine riff gets the crowd amped up as Regurgitator fly into and finish up with Kong Foo Sing.  

After what seems like half an hour, the band come back out and it's immediately obvious why they took so long. A pair of giant tongs, a giant piece of bread and two sequinned 'sausage girls' walk on stage — these costumes are insane! They finish up with Astronaut Barbecue Party (obviously) and ! (The Song Formerly Known As), while the giant toast takes out everyone dancing around on stage. It's weird. It's great. It's Regurgitator.