Live Review: Dune Rats, Skegss

Metro Theatre was filled to the brim with keen punters from the very start of the night, with every single individual adorned in merch representing the bands on this bill — very proud to be repping their threads. The atmosphere was completely set from the get-go. Everyone was extremely pumped and, considering this was an all-ages show, the energy soared even higher than usual. Those who were old enough drank Young Henrys Dunies Lager from the bar but, by the time we settled in, we were evacuated. An alarm sounded through the speakers and, before anyone knew it, security was escorting us out. Hence, alcohol was chucked out and belongings were left in the cloakroom.

As we rushed back into the venue after a short delay, loud rap music played to welcome the trio Skegss to the stage. They began with their track Eat It, which hyped up the young crowd even further, helping them forget the whole evacuation situation thanks to perfected guitar riffs and drawled vocals. Their instrument stations were close together, making their chemistry even more infectious than usual. Toby Cregan took the lead for New York California and, during this track, the circle pit became fully rounded and limbs began to fly around at all angles.

Dune Rats mesmerised the crowd from the minute they took to the stage. The lighting and stage set-up were great, but what really lifted their performance to another level was their charm — the band are completely at ease jumping around while playing their instruments. They set off one big party when they began with Don't Talk. To follow, 6 Pack saw the crowd screaming out lyrics as if they'd rehearsed the whole The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit album every day since its release date. Red Light Green Light took the energy up even further; with every tune the crowd just got more reckless and wild. The band followed this trend, swinging their hair around and even removing their pants. Never Gonna Get High used a heap of call-and-response tactics, making the audience even more aware that this show was for them and that they were a huge part of it.

The whole vibe, although rebellious, felt like one huge family gathering. Whether the crowd members shook hands or bumped in the mosh, it was almost as if everyone was connected on a deeper level through Dune Rats' music. To end, they played their hits: Bullshit, Braindead and Dalai Lama Big Banana Marijuana. It was a powerful finish and, when it all came to an end, the audience was left screaming for more.