The Smith Street BandAn unfortunate series of events leading to an injured guitarist caused Melbourne ska-punk band The Bennies to pull out of the show, and as a result, set times were pushed back an hour. But despite doors being open at 8pm and things kicking off at 9pm, the crowd for opening act Ted Danson With Wolves seemed to be lacking in numbers for what was a sold-out show. The punctual attendees were fortunate enough to cop Ted Danson's passionate shredding, though their usual wit and sparkling wordplay wasn't as heavily featured in this particular performance. This didn't mean they were any less charming; however, the frontman's nerdy banter and endearingly awkward presence were impossible not to warm to.
New York's Bomb The Music Industry! took to the stage with an adorable charm. Their display of energy was infectious; the crowd climbed over one another to catch a singalong into the microphone that was regularly being offered into the audience, and Smith Street Band's Wil Wagner climbed on stage on one occasion to join in on the antics.
Melbourne's lovable party-punks The Smith Street Band have made themselves known for their high-energy sets, and tonight was no exception. As they filed onto the stage (complete with a hip hop backing track featuring bass so heavy the walls rattled), the room filled out. As is default for a Smith Street show, the dedicated fans shouted every single word back at frontman Wagner and the level of party was obnoxiously high. What was a bit of fun became slightly offensive, as some of the more rowdy audience members were making pests of themselves and risking the safety of others – that's put much more politely than Wagner did, as he stopped mid-song to put these people in their place.
Everyone emerged from the Annandale drenched with the sweat of themselves and others, and it couldn't have been a more fitting show for what could be the last legs of the venue.
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