The Bronx, Civic, ’68 @ The Gov, Adelaide 21/11/2023
There is one thing for certain that when The Bronx are in town it is going to be one hell of a show and last night was no exception. It was a spirited crowd that wanted their fill of punk music loud, fast and hard and for a Tuesday what a crowd. Matt Caughthran would have to be the front man of all front man and fellow Adelaidians absolutely love this guy. They may have been weary coming to the end of this tour but there is no shadow of a doubt that the collective energy of the crowd really lift the band. “This is a rock show, let’s see some action and fuck shit up,” Caughthran proclaimed to the enthusiastic crowd powering their way through White Shadow and Sore Throat.
Caughthran stated that they fought for their right to play Adelaide and didn’t care if it was a Tuesday night, 2023 or 2069 and that they will always play in Adelaide speaking of some heated emails to push the cause. Right at this point he had the crowd in the palm of his hand adding that they had been coming to Australia for twenty years “having the time of our lives”. This was one of shows where you just had to be there.
With the energy in the room rising and “voices in check” there were more killer tunes in Shitty Future, Heart Attack American, False Alarm and White Tar. Not taking anything for granted there was a moment of reflection suggesting that the “rock ‘n roll lifestyle isn’t easy”. Tearing it up with The Unholy Hand was followed by the fastest Bronx song ever in Breaking News with Caughthran trying to get a West Coast circle pit going.
The crowd was going off on Under The Rabbit with Caughthran taking second to talk about how wonderful music is and “don’t turn your back on music because music won’t turn its back on you” encouraging fans to keep going to shows. Curb Feelers was awesome and the band kicked it up a notch “requiring a higher state of elevation” and it was true with what he said in that there is nothing like seeing some wild punk energy.
With Caughthran in amongst it and whipping the crowd in to a frenzy in the “epicentre of it all” in Knifeman then finishing the main set on Six Days a Week and History’s Stranglers suggesting for fans to call in sick tomorrow. There was plenty of noise to entice the band to return for an encore and Caughthran saying again that “The Bronx loves you”. Adelaide definitely feels the same! Kill All My Friends and Around The Horn whipped the crowd in to a frenzy one more time leaving fans to reflect on what a great show it was.
Honourable mentions to the supports in Civic and ’68 who up until last night I didn’t know much about seeing both for the first time. The impact of ’68 was more than felt with such a reaction that new fans made a dash to the merch stand to pick up some of their wares including some really cool t-shirts. Keep on eye on Civic who are definitely mounting a strong case as a band to keep an eye out on in 2024.
Live Review By Rob Lyon