The Pretty LittlesEncouraged by the full room, Melbourne four-piece The Pretty Littles launch into their loud, upbeat indie-rock set immediately. They pause halfway through to make a few dick jokes and then they’re straight back into it with OM Beach. After discussing meth for a little bit, The Pretty Littles finish up just in time for Harts to swoop in. The solo artist from Melbourne introduces the drummer that he’s brought along for the show and then starts cranking out some funk-rock jams. After asking us, “How’re you all feeling tonight?” three times, Harts jumps into crowd favourite Red & Blue. Then he asks us how we’re feeling again and plays Breakthrough, which attracts a massive round of applause.
Finally, it’s time for the band we’ve all been waiting for – or is it? The curtains open and there’s no one there. The room is dark, the stage is empty aside from a few plastic flamingos and we’re all slightly confused. The crowd chatters, and, just as we’re wondering if we’re part of a joke, The Delta Riggs run on stage and begin with Supersonic Casualties. The Record’s Flawed comes a few songs in and the energy in the room is incredible. “Woah, woah, woah! Calm down, it’s too early for this! We’re not ready for punk yet,” lead singer Elliot Hammond smirks as we cheer, before the band slow things down with Ornate Delicate Creatures (which is a bit of an anti-climax considering the first few songs got us all pumped up). Stage banter between them is kept to a minimum, which is out of character for The Delta Riggs, and after It’s Over Hammond rests against the mic stand, dripping in sweat. Just as we’re craving some punk rock, The Delta Riggs respond with their smashing tune Rah Rah Radio. Everyone loses their shit and the clap-along near the end of the song could pass as a minor earthquake.
The Delta Riggs return to encore, and Hammond reveals that the gig is being recorded for triple j’s Live At The Wireless. Lead guitarist, Alex Markwell tries to slip in a song dedication, but it’s like his mic has been muted – or maybe it’s just our cheers drowning him out – as they start No Friends. Harts joins The Delta Riggs on stage near the end of their set and they finish with the last track from their most recent album, Dipz Zebazios, From Above.
