Off!, Party Dozen, Division @ The Gov, Adelaide 12/1/2024
It was a small but enthusiastic crowd that assembled at The Gov to see much revered American hardcore punk supergroup Off! Lead by mastermind Keith Morris (Circle Jerks/ Black Flag) and joined by Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), drummer Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes/Rocket From The Crypt/Earthless) newer members bassist Autry Fulbright II (…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead).
Adelaide band Division opened with plenty of firepower in their thirty minute set making their intentions known right from the outset. Full of fire and brimstone they ploughed through Unless from debut EP Factions. It was loud, very loud but was awesome. Fronted by Matt “Footy” Horvath (recognisable as the owner of Adelaide’s best record store Clarity) was in the zone as were his band mates bowling over Drowning, Regenerate, Blood Red and Possession. There’s plenty to like about Division and a band to keep an eye out on in 2024. Set closers Seeds Of Grain and Prisons were killer and a firm reminder to go and check them out next time.
It was the second time for me catching Sydney noise band Party Dozen who were here back in November with Regurgitator. I can see how they would be an acquired taste for some but there was something captivating about them that had me hooked. Even one guy in the crowd yelled out that this is some pretty “wild shit”. I think they upped their game from a few months ago and no doubt winning over a few new fans in the process. Their sound defies being labelled or boxed in a particular category and their improvised style offers something truly unique. Opener The Worker is a masterpiece and that go to track if you are looking for that first point of call to get in to this band. There was plenty off their new album including the likes of Fruits Of Labour, The Big Quit and Macca The Mutt. Set highlights included new single Wake In Might and set closer Iron Boot.
Off! played a rock solid seventy minutes covering their highly esteemed catalogue with a set list including some twenty-six songs. It was fascinating watching front man Keith Morris get organised to play with what would have to be the longest sheet of paper I have seen for a set list and then watching him meticulously tape it in position in front of his microphone. With a couple of cups of tea set and a flick of the switch it was on. Thank god for ear plugs because oh my god it was loud!
In true hardcore punk style they knocked over Slice Of The Pie, Time Will Come and War Above Los Angeles (based on a true story) in quick succession.
Keith is definitely an interesting cat and his theories would have been good to hear but the music was so loud making it hard to hear. Nevertheless, watching this hardcore punk supergroup go about it was incredible with frenetic energy and pace which they attack their songs with. Pretty much the entire new album Free LSD got played with sixteen out the twenty getting a look in. There was plenty there for the old school fans with the likes of Wiped Out, Red White and Black, Upside Down, Black Thoughts and Void You Out. Finishing on Poison City there was a quick wave to the crowd as they headed back stage and that was that. Just don’t try and pinch the set list as one fan found out as Keith grabbed it, packed up his stuff joining the rest of his band.
Be sure to check out Off! As they play the East Coast this week.
Live Review By Rob Lyon