Hostile Objects + Dark Horse + The FUCK OUTS + Two Faced
Black Wire Records, Sydney
19 June 2015
Review by Salla Harjula
Black Wire Records hosted an EP launch for hardcore punks Hostile Objects and an assorted ensemble of other kindred spirits. The chilly Friday night was cosy and fun and snug in that merrily furious way a good hardcore night should be.
It’s all local bands all night, which makes for a friendly vibe as soon as you walk in. Two Faced start off with a nice small crowd in the small venue. Their raging brand of hardcore is straightforward and effective with catchy aggressive riffage.
The band looks and sounds super American with their baseball caps and singlets and lots of Sick of it All inspired tunes. The material is in good portions groovily heavy and other times just fast and angry – like the fun 30-second blast of fury that is ‘The Choice’.
The FUCK OUTS go in a punkier direction. It’s an explosion of short bursts of punk rock road rage on the express lane. This is not about elegant composition or precise timing; it’s about energy and vigor.
It’s fun to just watch too. The guys are probably a bit older than the other bands on here, but that doesn’t stop the feisty singer wearing an adorable hot orange safety vest and flat cap combo, or the guitarist rocking it out in a Geelong bobble hat and bare feet.
So it’s not like the night has been lacking in oomph when Dark Horse get down to it. They set out with a handicap, as their bassist is away. The remaining trio kills it all by themselves, though. This set is actually the standout highlight of the evening.
The band is one of those hardcore outfits with cheerful, bouncy, metallic riffs with high-octane racing drums and just totally in your face vocals. The hero here is the drummer. He’s all drenched in sweat by the third song, working so damn hard. Absolute fun times.
And since it’s the EP launch night of Hostile Objects, they round up the night at the end. Maybe because Dark Horse did so well just before, the kick off feels like it has a bit less punch than you’d hope. Luckily the action does pick up pace all throughout in strength and general vibe.
These guys have a clear line of inspiration to some true American legends like Black Flag and Agnostic Front. Heavier, more metallic guitar work and a tad less speed than some other bands tonight. The singer – who looks exactly like legendary drummer Adrian Erlandsson and sounds a lot like Roger Miret – goes at it with power and clear enjoyment.
When they finish with the explosive EP title track ‘Cave In’, it’s no holds barred. The song is easily the heaviest thing on the menu tonight, and the crowd goes into instant headbang mode.
All in all the night is a success. You get the feeling people have come to see everyone: bands and each other. The venue has a bit of mood lighting going on with twinkly Christmas lights over the red walls. The whole thing actually reminds you of a kitchy Christmas story: fun, warm, comfortable vibe all over. With angry hardcore punk on top. Sick!
