Pour Habit @ The Arthouse,Melbourne (22/09/09)

Sun 27th Sep, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Mid-week shows have a reputation as being quieter, more relaxed and having an atmosphere that doesn’t come anywhere near as exhilarating as their weekend counterparts. Tuesday night with Pour Habit however, threw all of these preconceptions out of the window. From the opening note of the first support, to the final clap following the encore, it was an evening of entertainment, amusement, and punk music as it was meant to be.

The Victorian boys of Anchors opened the show and earned their very warm reception. An admirable group dynamic teamed with a tight and synchronised performance quickly made the crowd more than susceptible to their music. The surprisingly inviting set could be said to embrace true punk form with a number of two minute, three chord songs partnered with a rapid full-pace. This was only further complimented by frontman, Brett’s, audience interaction and his comically named Tuesday Night Banter.

A few minutes after second support, Lost Boy Found, took to the stage the audience learnt that school teachers (well at least one, vocalist/bassist Nathan) definitely know(s) how to rock. Anything that can incorporate punk rock, jokes based on Pythagoras’s Theorem and performance professionalism is something that is worthwhile experiencing.

A thoroughly warmed-up crowd was now prepared for and eagerly awaiting what would be perhaps the most energetic and entertaining set that this reviewer has seen all year. The moment that Pour Habit picked up their instruments the audience became very much alive, both vocally and physically, and things were to continue to escalate.

The boys had been in the country only a matter of hours before they graced The Arthouse with their presence, but this in no way impinged upon their lively performance. Chuck, the band’s frontman, possessed a maniacal energy. He utilised his character in his performance, doing everything from jumping into the raging moshpit, to performing headstands. He was constantly drawing the audience in, engaging with them and allowing them to fuel his energy in return.

A set list of steady punk rock beats, guitar riffs and lyrics concentrating on alcohol, women and the numerous trials and tribulations of life, carried Pour Habit to be held in high regards by most in the room. It was the song Zion, from their current album Suiticide, however that won the biggest audience response. The slower-paced beginning was accompanied by a chorus of singers in the enthralled crowd, and the returning fast beat triggered a frenzy of jumping and an increasingly active mosh.

The boys entertained, impressed and proved themselves to be as invigorating live as one hopes all bands to be. Above all, Chuck, Eric, Colin, Shaun and Steve displayed an immense dedication to and appreciation of their Australian fans, which was most humbling to witness. It was an honour to be a part of Pour Habit’s first ever Australian show; they came and there is no doubting that they delivered.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE