Less Than Jake/ Reel Big Fish/ Streetlight Manifesto
HQ
Thurs 13 Dec


As HQ slowly filled up with fans of all ages, it was clear from the onset that the night was going to be a sweaty yet memorable one. It was no doubt a smart move on the promoter's behalf to make the event all-ages - most of the young-guns headed straight to the action, in the middle of the pit before the show had even started; and stayed there throughout the entire show. As for the rest of the crowd, it almost seemed like there was a Godfather/punk-rock reunion party on, everyone keen for a punishing night of ska.

As opening band Streetlight Manifesto (hand-picked by Reel Big Fish) took the stage, I was surprised, having never heard them before, at the extremely positive crowd response they received. And very well deserved that loving response was - the band busted out a tight set, boasting full-blown on-stage energy and reflecting a genuine love for the Australian crowd. There was a point where they stopped playing to let the crowd sing the chorus to one of their tracks, a ballsy move for an opening band, yet everyone (except me) seemed to know the lyrics and chanted merrily along with each other. A surprisingly impressive set from a band that will no doubt go places.

As Reel Big Fish took the stage next, the mosh pit filled up like an hourglass, and for the next hour or so there was nothing short of complete chaos at HQ. As per usual, I would be surprised if anyone was unimpressed by the band as they put up an awesomely intense set. Crowd favourites were Beer, Take On Me, She Has A Girlfriend Now, You Don't Know and of course Sellout, and everyone was both shocked and enthralled when they busted out a cover of Enter Sandman. However, one of the memorable moments was when Aaron began to tell the crowd how excited he was that Less Than Jake were playing, but was soon drowned out by the crowd chanting "Reel Big Fish! Reel Big Fish!" It was an awesome set that set the standards extremely high for the next act.

When Less Than Jake took the stage, I was sceptical about their ability to outshine Reel Big Fish - yet how I was proven wrong. Opening up with All My Best Friends Are Metalheads, the fans went absolutely berserk - and so did the band. Less Than Jake put up a formidable live performance and had awesome on-stage intensity, having members climb the rafters, demonstrating how to do circle pits and pretty much finding any possible way to make fools out of themselves. The band definitely know how to work and interact with the crowd, having crowd members come on stage to share stories, to dirty dance, and finding the oldest people in the crowd to embarrass. Encoring the set with Everything Is Overrated, the band put the icing on the cake on what was an enjoyable and worthwhile evening.

Brad Holland

Pix: Reel Big FishPhoto: Lauren Connelly