Live Review: The Smith Street Band, The Front Bottoms

The Smith Street Band kicked off their Throw Me In the River National Tour in Hobart, the Brisbane Hotel welcoming punters to the sold-out show. Opening the night were local band This Is A Robbery. An Irish twang and a cello help set this band apart from the rest. All they need is a bit more of a polished on tage presence and they’re set for big things.

Hailing from London, Apologies, I Have None were playing their first show to a Tassie audience and it’s hoped they will return soon. The crowd was warmly receptive although few were familiar with their songs, lyrically and musically sound with Josh McKenzie’s strength being the brutal vocals, much like a British version of Luca Brasi. Psychedelic undertones and flawless flow from song to song supported what was a great set.

The biggest surprise of the night was The Front Bottoms, who come from Jersey, USA. The crowd loved the cheeky Americans and no one could wipe the smile off their face for all the fun-filled energy. As soon as they began a mosh pit erupted from seemingly nowhere and the band clearly had some already dedicated fans, along with the new ones they just made. With songs written with help from singer Brian Sella’s grandmother, these guys were a brilliant choice to support The Smith Street Band. Special mention must be made to multi-talented band member Ciaran O’Donnell, who through their set not only played the keyboards but also the trumpet and various percussions instruments.

It has been noted by The Smith Street Band that Tassie holds a special place in their heart so it wasn’t a huge surprise that they began their national tour here. Any long-time fan of these hard workers would find it heartwarming to see they’re the same old boys The Brisbane Hotel punters fell in love with several years ago. If you’re worried they won’t play your old favourite song don’t worry – there was plenty of the old alongside the new. Beginning their set with Sunshine And Technology, Australian punk sweetheart Wil Wagner quickly reminded us why The Smith Street Band are in such high demand that they have been touring for almost two years straight.

Providing the crowd with a shirtless Wagner singing about rain seemed the perfect entertainment that led to the outro from their new album, which you can be assured is even more spine-tingling live than on record. Punters were treated to an encore of Young Drunk and were still left wanting more. Luckily it isn’t long before The Smith Street Band will be back on Tassie soil with them recently being announced to play at Party in the Paddock in February.