Live Review: Frenzal Rhomb, Epics, Collapso

A sparse crowd greeted Collapso, the majority opting for the bar instead. A few extra drifters wandered in though and enjoyed a solid display. Featuring members of The Optionals and Grand Fatal, harmony-drenched, punk-tinged rock was the order of the day. Two members pulled double-duty with fellow Sydneysiders Epics, also drafting in Between The Devil & The Deep vocalist Jay Gleeson on bass. Frontman Nick O'Grady's Black Flag shirt summed their approach up – short, sloppy but sharp bursts also akin to Minor Threat and The Bronx. A decidedly larger crowd were more appreciative; somewhat of a one-trick pony, but crowd-pleasing.

Having racked up 20 years together, frontman Jay Whalley's double-whammy of impending nuptials and recently turning 40, as well as newly announced industry accolades, Frenzal Rhomb had plenty to celebrate. They did so their typically droll and amusing manner, naturally. Case in point; the vocalist being sconed by a plastic beer cup and instantly quipping that it was no way to treat an ARIA Award-nominated band. Alternatively, there was guitarist Lindsay McDougall, decked out in a stylish onesie, serenading everyone with Huey Lewis & The News, Dragon and Spin Doctors hits.

Comedy aside, said nominated album (in this year's Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album category), Smoko At The Pet Food Factory, was a popular facet of the quartet's hour set; particularly the hilarious Bird Attack and Mummy Doesn't Know You're A Nazi. The earnest, moshing and stage-diving throng kept security busy during a rapid-fire multitude of fan favourites though; Genius, Russell Crowe's Band, Ship Of Beers, Bucket Bong, Punch In The Face and Racist among them. Not the most fluent live act, but tighter than perhaps many acknowledge, Frenzal still deliver a punk rock show that's as fast as it is genuinely funny. Long may it continue.