How does local barber Fabian Sfameni (aka Uncle Rocco) celebrate a video launch for a short doco on his life? By hosting a massive, intriguing party in the loading docks just outside of his retro ‘60s barber shop, giving away free gourmet burgers and lots of drinks, offering guests a free trim and getting a couple of rising stars from triple j Unearthed to rock the night away. And all this happens right outside his huge, indoor half-pipe housed in a warehouse in the most industrial address in Port Melbourne. It’s a setting so surreal that David Lynch would be itching to gatecrash.
The burger tab runs out early in the evening, feeding an eclectic assembly of local denizens, professionals and smooth-faced uni grads. Stacked timber pallets and mushroom heaters add to the industrial chic.
The official launch of Pride: The Uncle Rocco’s Story takes place about two hours in. Celebrating Uncle Rocco as an institution as well as an identity, the video oozes nostalgia and retro atmosphere. Written and directed by Mark Bakaitis, it displays punchy flair and a loving eye for nostalgic detail. Above all, it is deeply devoted to its subject and the next chapter of his life story: a collaboration with New Era caps, who co-host tonight’s bash.
Youthful outfit Sun Bazel – the brainchild of Altona-based duo Harry Hayes and Jack Foy – kick off the second part of the evening with some laidback, floaty house/psychedelic-pop tunes. Underscored by deep bass grooves, guitar licks and cheerful accents on the synthesiser, the band’s languid tempo – as experienced in tracks such as I Can’t See What You Can See and Oosheen Of Mynd – are great for settling into with a glass of red. Their vocals start off a touch wobbly, but rapidly regain composure. As an opener, they are perfectly cast, setting up the atmosphere with dreamy vibes that soothe and stretch.
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Four-piece Reptiles are next ‘on stage’ — in reality, a corner of the dock formed by the entry to the skate rink and Uncle Rocco’s Barber Shop. Brandishing fierce dreadlocks, lead vocalist/guitarist Emilio Scalz gives his lungs a real workout, layering hoarse screams over tightly composed numbers such as Bughouse and Joel’s Retarded. The band’s self-described “punk, dethrock” style takes unexpected turns, even sampling some whimsical country-rock and skirting grunge in their compositions. Their beats are inspired and seamless, and the crowd quickly soak in the band’s edgy, accessible grooves.
Meanwhile Uncle Rocco attends to another line of customers next door, with a blade in hand. His barber shop is the brightest venue in Port Melbourne tonight.
