The anticipation surrounding Mammal’s album launch show was heightened to a near frenzy, as the Corner Hotel completely sold out of tickets for the performance.

Support act .hinge began on the back foot, appearing to almost be performing to an invisible wall separating them from the crowd. Of course it didn’t help that they were having issues with the sound, but that was quickly put to rights as they focused on breaking down the barrier between themselves and the slowly filling room.

Granted, a support act often has a difficult time engaging the audience, who are obviously there to see the headline act, but once in a while, supports can often take a punter by surprise and put on a stunning performance. Whilst .hinge never quite made it to the realms of ‘stunning’, about halfway through the set, they appeared to find their feet and progressed through the second half of their time on stage performing at the level .hinge fans know and love.

Mammal’s live shows are always an explosion of energy, full of fist pumping action and chant-worthy phrases. With the strong groove focus on the new album, it was going to be interesting to see how the tracks translated live. At the previous single launch, Mammal presented two new numbers to the audience – title track The Majority and Clear Enough. Tonight, the same two tracks almost literally blew the roof off the Corner Hotel, with the capacity crowd raising their fists, following every lyric and movement of consummate front man Ezekiel Ox.

Opening track The Aural Underground was met with a huge roar from the crowd, many of which had most likely feverishly studied the album since its release in anticipation of tonight. Drummer Zane Rosanowski was in fine form, the drumsticks almost blurring in his hands as he easily matched the intensity radiating from Ox. His prowess with the drums was showcased during Maker, where bassist Nick Adams joined him in the spotlight whilst Ox ran into the crowd on his numerous jaunts in. Guitarist Pete Williamson is always a pleasure to watch on stage, and tonight was no exception as he covered the stage in his mission to keep up the spirits of the crowd, who, to be honest, needed no encouragement in keeping up with the band.

Smash the Piñata incited a riot in the front of the room, hence it was no surprise that a barrier had been put in place to contain the crowd. Perennial favourites Think and Slaves/Nagasaki in Flames were all warmly received, but it was the new tracks that really generated an honest response from punters.

Religion, the only non-political track on the album, according to Ox, and the following track Mr. Devil were situated perfectly within the set list – having begun with the heavy hitting numbers, punters were given a moments respite to breathe and groove around. They also had a chance to appreciate the diversity of the band, and the band showcase dtheir ability to produce material that is interesting, stimulating and yet, still essentially Mammal.

The main set ended on a high note, with Clear Enough producing one last major salute from the room, Zeke leading the crowd in asking the explosive question ‘Have I painted a portrait or picture that’s clear?’

Joining the band on stage for the encore of New Breed Judas were the Mirrorball Helmet Crew – five Mammal devotees and their own mirrorball helmets, invited by the band to dance out the finale on stage. Had Zeke also decked himself out in the fancy piece of headgear, it would have been a stunning end to the night.

Nevertheless, the new album showcases a band not afraid to experiment with diversity. The live show proves that Mammal has not mellowed one bit, and courtesy of the groove factor blended in with the new tracks, be prepared to get swept up in the majority movement that is Mammal.

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