Live Review: DZ Deathrays, Clowns, These New South Whales, Boat Show

Perth punk rockers Boat Show are stuck with the unenviable opening slot, but make the most of their time on stage with a blistering set. Appreciative of those who are early, Boat Show win the crowd over with their rollicking tunes.

Quartet These New South Whales appear topless with tape over their nipples and keep the pace cracking with their unusual brand of post-punk industrial rock. Gaining a cult following through their online mockumentary series, the band prove they've got the musical chops in a live setting. Vocalist "The Workhorse" (aka Jamie Timony) has a presence about him, but his Iggy Pop/Pelle Almqvist (The Hives) impression falls flat. Maybe it's all part of the act? Either way, it's hard to look away. 

Clowns are the final support and have the gathering mass ready to explode. Looking like they've stepped out of an '80s heavy-metal group - bar drummer Jake Laderman who resembles Jay  Cartwright from The Inbetweeners - the Melbourne locals rip things up with their '90s-inspired, punk-meets-'80s thrash concoctions. Frontman Stevie Williams is like the Aussie Andrew WK as he commands the stage with his impressive scream, with guitarist Will Robinson downing a shoey to celebrate turning 21.

Few Aussie acts draw such chaotic crowds as Brisbane outfit DZ Deathrays and tonight is no exception. From the opening scream of Shane Parsons during Shred For Summer, the moshpit rises as one and never lets up. Bodies are lifted on shoulders and fists punch the air as DZ Deathrays take everyone on a hard-rock adventure. Vocalist and guitarist Parsons, drummer Simon Ridley and touring guitarist Lachlan Ewbank are a powerhouse of good old-fashioned rock'n'roll. They're all about playing hard and fast, and having a good time, and that's certainly on the agenda this evening. Reflective Skull is a crowd pleaser with everyone clapping along, Less Out Of Sync is a blistering three minutes of in-your-face punk rock and Pollyanna, a good, melodic guitar thumper. 

The band's third album, Bloody Lovely, dominates the setlist for good reason. Mixing the hard, party-rock sounds of their previous two LPs with a more mature approach to songwriting, the album contains some of their best songs yet and sounds even better live. Total Meltdown is a stirring rock anthem that has the crowd jumping. Bad Influence hits like a shot of tequila. Guillotine features Parson's delightful scream over duelling guitars and Ridley's underappreciated drumming. As far as rock bands go, they don't get much better than these guys. Gina Works At Hearts inspires a massive singalong before the trio finish with an encore of the crunching No Sleep and live favourite Dollar Chills. 

There might only be three people on stage, but DZ Deathrays pack a heavy punch and continue their run as one of Australia's must-see rock acts.