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REGURGITATOR
+ Party Dozen
+ Cry Club + Displeasure
@ The Forum, Melbourne,
18th May 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Tristan Skell

Photos by Drew Hill (@drewhillphotos)

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REGURGITATOR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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On May 18th, The Forum in Melbourne became an epicentre of musical fervour, as Australian rock legends Regurgitator unleashed their “Invader” album tour upon the city. The night was a remarkable display of music, traversing the realms of punk, alternative indie, and rock, with support from a captivating lineup that included Party Dozen’s experimental jazz punk, Cry Club’s infectious glitter punk-pop, and the digital hardcore of New Zealand trio Displeasure.

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DISPLEASURE / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Kicking off the night was Displeasure, who treated the early arrivals to their uncompromising brand of hardcore punk. Though the crowd was still gathering, those present were treated to a visceral and intense performance. Displeasure’s raw energy was on full display, their performance underscored by a “Free Palestine” banner that throbbed with every bass kick and sent shockwaves through the crowd. The intensity was palpable, a testament to the power of their digital hardcore punk. This was a band with something to say, and they weren’t holding back. Their music, unavailable on Spotify, could be found streaming on undertheradar.co.nz under the album title “Vortex of Shit” – a fittingly chaotic label for a band that clearly revels in sonic mayhem.

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CRY CLUB / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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The transition from Displeasure’s raw intensity to Cry Club’s queer punk-pop was seamless. Frontperson Heather Riley, a force of nature on stage, commanded the spotlight with their magnetic presence and innate storytelling ability. Backed by guitarist Johnathon Tooke and touring drummer Emily Chen, the trio’s performance was a masterclass in stagecraft, showcasing Heather’s undeniable talent and proving that they were, quite simply, BORN to be in front of a crowd.

Drawing from their 2020 album “God I’m Such a Mess” and the more recent 2023 release “Spite Will Save Me”, Cry Club turned The Forum stage into their personal playground. Their performance transcended mere musicianship, embodying the essence of artistic expression and setting an incredibly high bar for the rest of the evening.

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PARTY DOZEN / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Now next up was a band to remember, Party Dozen, the two-piece noise band from Sydney. Kirsty Tickle on saxophone and Johnathan Boulet on drums, a seemingly simple pairing, created a complex tapestry of sound that was greater than the sum of its parts. Their synergy was undeniable, each musician pushing the other to new heights of musical exploration.

In place of traditional guitars, Tickle wielded an arsenal of effects pedals, twisting and contorting her saxophone’s sound into something utterly unique and mesmerising. Her performance was proof to the power of a single instrument in the hands of a true virtuoso.

Tickle’s innovative use of the saxophone as a vocal manipulator took their performance to another level. Her distorted vocals, twisted through the instrument’s brass body, added an unexpected depth to an already mesmerising performance. Complemented by Boulet’s earth-shaking drum solos and raw, the duo proved that their combined energy and musicality were more than enough to create a truly unforgettable experience. They didn’t need a full band, elaborate stage setup, or additional instrumentation – just themselves and their undeniable genius.

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REGURGITATOR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Proceeding Party Dozen was Regurgitator. As the lights dimmed, the stage was transformed into a mesmerising spectacle, setting the scene for well awaited headliner. Four industrial fans, bathed in an ethereal glow of swirling light beams and a kaleidoscope of RGB colours, created an otherworldly atmosphere akin to a futuristic spaceship. A dramatic two-minute orchestral overture further heightened the anticipation, sending shivers down the spines of eager concertgoers.

The band’s chemistry was unmatched, with Quan Yeomans’ charismatic stage presence leading the charge. His effortless banter with both the crowd and his fellow bandmates – bassist Ben Ely, guitarist and keytarist Sarah Lim, and drummer Peter Kostic – created an intimate atmosphere, as if the audience were simply hanging out with friends. Yeomans’ quick wit also shone through, with one memorable quip about choosing your friends wisely: “You’re gonna hang out with the wrong people. Just make sure they’re the right wrong people.”

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REGURGITATOR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Given the sheer magnitude of Regurgitator’s epic 27-song set, delving into the nuances of each individual performance would be a Herculean task. While every song was undoubtedly evident to the band’s enduring creativity and boundless talent, a comprehensive analysis simply isn’t possible within the confines of this review. Suffice it to say, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

Midway through Regurgitator’s set, the audience was treated to an unexpected surprise: Double J Radio and TV host Dylan Lewis joined the band on stage. This unexpected appearance was a treat to fans, especially those familiar with Lewis’ recent jam session with Quan Yeomans on his Double J show. You could almost say, this was a way of Regurgitator repaying Lewis for hosting Quan! Lewis remained on stage for the majority of the set, adding another layer of energy and excitement to the performance as he took on the role of DJ. His presence felt like a natural extension of the band’s collaborative spirit and willingness to embrace spontaneity, further solidifying the night as a truly outstanding experience.

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REGURGITATOR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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As the set progressed, Regurgitator’s musical palette shifted towards a more melancholic tone, marked by a captivating costume change during “The Bastard Poem That Nobody Wanted”. The band emerged in matching outfits adorned with whimsical doodles of faces, figures, quotes, and animals, adding a visual layer of depth to the evolving emotional landscape of their performance.

Regurgitator closed out their set, and the night, with a rousing cover of Simple Minds’ classic “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”. The crowd erupted in a sing-along that filled the venue, creating a euphoric and unforgettable finale. It was a fitting end to a night that showcased a diverse range of musical genres and talent. This show was a testament to Regurgitator’s enduring legacy and their ability to continually reinvent themselves. The new material from “Invader” seamlessly integrated into their set, solidifying the album as a defining moment in their discography. The energy, passion, and musicality on display were undeniable, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of a band at the peak of their creative powers.

This was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of the power of music to connect, inspire, and uplift. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a night that will not soon be forgotten.

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REGURGITATOR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Check out Drew Hill’s (@drewhillphotos) full gallery of this event HERE

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REGURGITATOR / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Check out REGURGITATOR below
WEBSITUATION – BANDCRAMP – FACEBOOKINGS
INSTANTGRAM – METUBE GURG BOX – SPUTIFIED

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Interview with
QUAN YEOMANS
from
REGURGITATOR

(7th May 2024)

Interview with Bri Steele and Dave Bruce

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AMNPLIFY – DB