Review by Kenada Quinlan
M.C.U.D (Hed’s Jahred Gomes) stops to briefly meet and greet fans at the back of the line before piling into a minivan and fleeing the scene, permitting the venue doors to slide open.
Kid Crusher’s loyal horror masked comrade drops dirty bass under his allegedly shocking lyrics. Spitting rhymes and perfected deep throated howls cause the few ‘in the know’ to bounce to his semi-interesting blend of rap and vinyl induced metal noise.
With the venue filling steadily, Sydney’s RECOIL takes the stage and unleashes their brand of fierce double kick driven metal. Musicianship is precise, complex guitar work in order. Stunning vocals propel from centre stage, refreshing the senses. Giving away a free band Tee encourages further movement in the front row, while nods of endearment multiply during their all too short but sweet residency.
Jeffrey Nothing appears, face distorted by a clear ladies stocking. Army geared up and spookily motionless under the bright lights he begins to project his hair metal sounds – drowning the initial high by creating a lifeless drone. The get up of his band members continues the theme of blood thirsty combat theatrics. They stomp in unison as the Hi-Fi jerks into second gear for more than 30 minutes.
The usual caps and attitude chant “(Hed) PE” shaking the stage as the band enters from the wings to unleash an all encompassing funk introduction. Their musical expertise flipping the stern outer street images to one love and unity. Back on two feet and dancing the heat rises rapidly to ‘Sophia’ and space is limited. ‘Truth Rising’ changes the script to the hip hop/metal expectation followed by a powerful 2 and a half minutes of hardcore punk. This furious injection was welcomely rife throughout the set.
Jahred’s positive stance of justified strength eloquently charging the party to explosive by hitting old school notes with ‘Killing Time’ and ‘Crazy Legs’. The roar of each lyric from the crowd drowned the MC in respect. Humbled by the sheer electricity of the night he encourages more of the same giving every individual the opportunity to perform their part in the celebrations. A stage dive and a completely legal high later, Marley’s ‘Is This Love’ is sung to perfection. ‘Bartender’ setting off the beginning of the end, 15 more minutes to riot with healthy doses of reggae and funk before the house lights offer a merch stand meet and a 2013 promise.
Review by Kenada Quinlan
Artists: (Hed) P.E.
Jeffery Nothing
Recoil
Kid Krusher
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Photographer: KristaBella Photography