Propagandhi, Lungs, and MaryJane Kelly @ The Metro Theatre

Tue 17th Feb, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Another – œFat Wreck’ show sweeps through the country; and for the first time since the glorious 90s, this one feels a lot different. Propagandhi hadn’t been out here for eleven years, in stark contrast to label-mates who may as well apply for Visas and get part time jobs out here.

As usual with a show in this vein, the warm up act MaryJane Kelly was treated with only fair interest with punters preferring to reunite with friends that they probably hadn’t seen since Lagwagon. Besides the lack of support MJK put on an energetic show, albeit nothing overly new. Definitely a band much more at home in a smaller venue still.

Constant mutterings from the crowd invariably included “Why is this on a Sunday night?” and “Work is going to be a struggle tomorrow” as bar lines swelled in anticipation of much hyped Sydney outfit Lungs. Tom Alexanders frantic drumming is only topped by the guitar noodling of frontman Adam Lees. The last time they played the metro the vocals seemed to get lost in the room; but were much improved this time around. It was clear that nothing was going to get the crowd moving besides the headliner however; but there was little doubt that Lungs put on another great show to an impressed audience. Most notable song was obviously – œI lost my legs’ from their debut album; but their sound was just so consistent it was evident that this was only down to being the most recognized rather than stand out brilliance.

Leaving the stage after what felt like minutes after they entered it; Lungs were gone and back to the bar line went many. The wait wasn’t too long before Propagandhi took their stage. Cue wall of sound – A Speculative Fiction starts the display to a hungry roar and urgent push from the crowd. Fists pumping to every lyric are only interrupted to maintain balance and wipe away sweat due to an unusually hot metro. Pulling tracks from an amazing array of their albums, you’d be forgiven to think that Propagandhi weren’t out here promoting an as yet unheard record. Supporting Caste is due out next month, and only a few songs have been introduced to the hordes before the show. Despite this; the new songs stood up against the rest, with the unmistakable fist pumping continuing throughout. Title track being the standout of the four new ones played.

With all their albums sounding remarkably different from one another, the concerts blend was impeccable. It was also extraordinary to hear such a large level of sound with such tight and crisp delivery. Band prac was definitely up there as one of the only things I could imagine them doing in the past 11 years.

Like any self-respecting North American punk band, the between song banter was paramount, and today; successful. “We love you Melbourne!” was met with cheers and boos at the same time; as a confused audience simply couldn’t stay mad at a band that took so long to get here, and aced it so well when they finally did. Less than an hour and a half after they started, they were gone again. The crowd; utterly impressed, yet dying for more regains their breath only to break into a collective groan as the houselights come on.

T-Shirt count
Pennywise -15
Nofx – 24

Photo thanks to http://bitter-and-then-some.blogspot.com/