Live Review: Against Me!, Camp Cope, Bansheeland

Gigs at the Brisbane Hotel are notorious for being rough, loud, sticky and full of familiar faces; this was no exception. From the beginning when Tasmanian band Bansheeland took to the stage with their fun indie feel, the vibe was right for the evening.

Melbourne's Camp Cope took to the stage next for an intimate and raw set that included favourites Done and Keep Growing, and finished with crowd pleaser Lost.

The room was packed when Against Me! took to the stage, with vocalist Laura Jane Grace appearing very comfortable in tiny little Tasmania, playing to a sold out yet intimate crowd. She shared her love for Hobart and how happy she and the rest of the band were to be there, all the way from the US. Throughout the show, Grace made a conscious point to make sure everyone knew they were welcome, and that no one should ever be made to feel insecure because of their sexuality or their gender.

For a punk gig at the Brisbane Hotel, the crowd were surprisingly well behaved and considerate of all around them, making sure everyone felt safe. Everyone was just so happy to be there and spent most of the time in their own world, as though it was just them and the band. A few braved the fear of falling for a spot of crowd surfing, but were quite civilised about it.

As Against Me! played favourite after favourite such as 333, Thrash Unreal and True Trans Soul Rebel the crowd sung their hearts out. Everyone was sweaty and happy as the night came to a close, some preparing to fly out the next day to catch their next show in Melbourne or their Groovin The Moo shows over the following weeks. It was a show where you leave the gig remembering why you love punk music so much and your tank is filled just enough to tide you over until their return.