Fresh Finds: Class Of 2025 – Aussie Acts To Add To Your Playlist

Live Review: Camp Cope, Worriers, Passing

Madelyn Tait

"The band seemed connected to each song as did the audience, who sang along to all the words..."

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Sydney self-labeled ‘trans-scramz-punk’ band Passing were the first to take to the stage of the Red Rattler, a not-for-profit warehouse venue run by artist and activist with the support of a team of volunteers. They began by first respectfully acknowledging the venue is on the Gadigal peoples land of the Eora Nation and then noting it was a safe space for all audience members. Their songs were short, loud and meaningful, tackling topics such as the gentrification of Sydney and it’s music venues, and gender dysphoria whilst endearingly overcoming several technical difficulties and a hi-hat falling apart mid-song by asking if anyone had seen the new Daredevil trailer.  

American melodic punk band Worriers, who Camp Cope toured the USA with recently were next to perform. The Brooklyn-based band performed a bunch of great new tracks from their brand new record due for release next week - which they sold copies of at the gig for those who wanted it before the internet. Lauren Denitzio, who fronts the band, noted they couldn’t believe they were in Australia until they saw they saw the Opera House, and that they were looking forward to holding a koala.

Melbourne trio Camp Cope made their way onto the stage, opening their set with fan favourite, Done.

Georgia McDonald (vocals and guitar) wearing a Green Day shirt, and Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich (bass) in a blink-182 shirt, played famous riffs from the two bands whilst drummer Sarah Thompson watched on highly unimpressed. In the battle of Green Day vs blink it was apparent the audience was almost unanimously on blink’s side - McDonald said something along the lines of "democracy sucks" and Thompson told her she liked shit songs before they launched into Flesh & Electricity.

McDonald introduced Jet Fuel Can’t Melt Steel Beams as a song about how street harassment is bad, however mentioned she heard someone headbutted Tony Abbott and that she hoped it wasn’t fake news. Banter between songs was a little awkward and McDonald admitted she doesn’t really know how to talk to people - but it was obvious she communicates well through her music. The band seemed connected to each song as did the audience, who sang along to all the words of their hit Lost (Season One) that closed their amazing show.