Against Me!

Against Me!

Veteran US Punks Against Me! kicked off their 2015 Australian tour at the Hi-Fi playing host to the first of nine typically energetic and passionate shows. Not since Big Day Out 2013 have Australian fans had the opportunity to build rapport with frontwoman Laura Jean Grace, who’s ferocious delivery, turn her vulnerability into an act of defiance. The tour is an opportunity to showcase 2013’s critically acclaimed release, Transgender Dysphoria Blues that thrives on Laura’s alibility to transcendent art out of the anguish and oppression she’s experienced.

 

 

Californian pop-punk band Joyce Manor are supporting Against Me! every step of the way on the tour and are sure to ignite the crowd with Brisbane no exception. The Hi-Fi’s usual barricades and security would have been sure to please the bands criticism against no stage diving or moshing at their shows and were all smiles throughout their set. Joyce Manor flew through their set with a flurry of their signature sub-2 minute songs including their irresistibly chantable standout hit “Constant Headache” and other crowd favourites “Christmas Card” and “Leather Jacket.” Their lauded third album Never Hungover Again provided the highlights of the show and will ensure fans wait with anticipation for their next release. Joyce Manor play their songs fast and loud, and despite making their way through a 7 song setlist the show was over all too soon.

 

 

Within what seemed like a blink of an eye the crowd doubled in size, all looking to find a spot to see what was certain to be an infectiously punchy brand of punk rock. From the opening chords of “I Was a Teenage Anarchist” to the closing of “Sink, Florida, Sink”, Against Me! had the crowd in the palm of their hands as they chanted back every lyric. Laura Jane Grace is fantastic in leading the charge on lead vocals, though her bandmates come to the fore many times themselves. Notably bassist Inge Johansson who not since Peter Claven has a person enjoyed slapping the bass this much. Laura blazes through without missing a beat. She makes the crowd feel as if they are just as important as the music itself while delivering crowd favourites such as “FuckMyLife666”, “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” and “White People for Peace.” The highlight of the night came in a cover of The Replacements “Androgynous” from their 1984 release “Let it Be”: a song that obviously resonates with Laura’s journey.

Against Me! still have the same energy that may not be expected after 14 album releases but have developed something more, a positivism instead of the nihilism of punk. One thing is for sure, Laura Jean Grace rocks just as hard as Tom ever did.