Truckfighters + Witch Fight + F*ck The Fitzroy Doom Scene
The Factory Floor, Sydney
7 January 2016
Review by Greg Smith
Photos by Jess Miller
The intimate setting of the Factory Floor seemed like the perfect venue for an evening of stoner rock.
First up, the rock-infused roller coaster that is F*ck the Fitzroy Doom Scene. The band treated the small but swelling crowd to their infectious blend of blistering leads, catchy rhythms, and powerful bass lines. Their set mainly featured tracks from their debut EP Facing the Ruin, including Dream, White Crystal Lady, Blind Faith, and Better Off Dead.
They also played a new song, Tulips, as well as a ripping rendition of Motorhead’s Ace of Spades. They closed the set with EP title track, Facing The Ruin, with a huge arena-rock finish, it went over well with the punters.
Next up was Sydney stoner punk powerhouse, Witch Fight. Despite some early technical difficulties, the guys persevered to deliver a scorching set which drew heavily on their 2014 LP, Astonishing Tales of… Witch Fight. For a two-piece band, their sound is HUGE, and new guitarist Mr Bones seems to have slotted in seamlessly, while drummer / vocalist Boskie was on fire.
Highlights included Shidoshi, Flowing, Knock 3 Times, and Gas-House Gorilla. Every song drew an eager response from the now near-capacity crowd. If you’re into stoner rock, or punk, or if you just love that loud, vintage sound, check these guys out.
With the small venue now full, Swedish stoner-gods, Truckfighters took to the stage to a rousing reception. They opened the set with Mind Control from new album Universe, which went over well, and really set the tone for the rest of the evening. The band also played songs from previous releases Hidden Treasure of Fuzz, Mania, and Phi. Guitarist Niklas ‘Dango’ Källgren has an enormous stage presence, and his musicianship and high-energy antics, complimented by the more laid-back persona of bassist / vocalist Oskar ‘Ozo’ Cedermalm, had the crowd in a fuzz-induced frenzy.
There were many highlights, but the standouts were Majestic, and The Chairman, along with the double encore of In Search of (The), and the big closer, Desert Cruiser, which had the audience singing along heartily, and a handful of lucky punters invited up on stage to jump around with the band. It was a great way to end an awesome set.
