Propagandhi, Stolen Youth, IExist @ ANU Bar, Canberra(24/5/11)

Thu 26th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

The ANU Bar was populated by a colourful bunch on Tuesday night that had thankfully been blessed by the gods, with the recent rain cleansing Canberra town vacating just in time for Canadian hardcore punk icons Propagandhi, who stopped by the capital on the back of their highly anticipated national tour.

Canberra’s own I Exist, fresh out of the studio following the recording of their second full length, squeezed up on stage to kick things off with what we’ve all come to expect from the up and coming genre-melding local favourites; an energetic, sludge fuelled romp that vehemently thrives and barks with each delicious, filthy riff in a swirling pastiche of all the best parts from metal and hardcore in the last twenty years. Offering a few tasty glimpses of what’s to come from The Broken Passage (which drops through Resist Records on June 17), I Exist played a tight set that made the beer tasted better and culled any worries of disappointment. Be sure to catch them at the album launch show at The Basement on June 25.

With a sound playing distinct homage to the night’s headline act, Stolen Youth picked up the pace with a well oiled and frantic performance, made all the more enjoyable through a great mix that lasted the whole night. The Adelaide five-piece tore through their set of hardcore punk numbers, infused with a dash of metal sensibilities that not only installed dynamic new textures through the music but also made for a fantastic spectacle. A fantastic rendition of Humans, the first track off their self-titled EP, was a particular highlight that drew a strong and positive reaction from an appreciative crowd.

The games of pool were discarded and the bar vacant by the time Propagandhi, took the stage, the refectory packed with eager faces and welcoming smiles. The stage wobbled to and fro, the bass amp precariously swaying about as the band played a varied and intriguing set that touched across the spectrum of the bands oeuvre. The set-list was decorated with short fast numbers dispersed in-between the longer more ‘metal’ tracks, keeping the undivided attention of those before them, and creating a thoroughly enjoyable journey and exploration of Propagandhi’s sound. In between numbers guitarist/vocalist David Guillas (and former Canberran) kept the punters entertained with a sharp sense of wit and humour that made tuning up just as enjoyable as the rest of the show.

The night ended only too soon by the time Propagandhi had wrapped things up. As everyone filtered out into the chilly night air already excitedly reminiscing about the gig, all one could see was a crowd of satisfied Propagandhi fans, some newly converted and others with faith aptly reassured.