Against Me!/ Crime In Stereo/ Coue Method
Fowler's Live
Thurs 1 May


Tonight's show gave evidence of one very important thing: the fact that punk music is definitely not dead! With a very solid attendance at Fowler's for quite a special event of punk music, it really was a night not to be missed.

Resist Records' latest signing Coue Method opened tonight's show, which was in all honesty quite a difficult task considering the bands that the five-piece were supporting, but they performed right on par and completed the task easily. Blending a more traditional folk and punk rock collaboration, the passion the band emits on stage is really quite breathtaking. Featuring ex-Mid Youth Crisis front man Steven Milligan and guitarist Adrian Lombardi, the band's recipe includes lyrics that are driven by melody, with pounding guitars and enthusiasm. With antics from Milligan including pinching and punching his chest, grabbing his groin, breaking microphone stands and kneeling breathless during songs. It's something hard to describe, but definitely to be seen. Their debut album 'To Mock A Vapid World' is certainly one worth picking up.

New York's Crime In Stereo filled the main support slot tonight, and even though this outfit was the band I was most eager to see, it seems their relentless touring schedule and lack of sleep may have got the better of them. That's not to say the band were unpleasant, far from it, I find it so incredible how this band has explored every aspect of punk and created such a unique yet addictive formula of music. Performing mostly songs off their most recent and fantastic 'Crime In Stereo Is Dead' LP, the band was very appreciative to have the crowd's attention and tried to give it their all. With elements of post-punk, melodic hardcore and traditional punk music blasting away, and plenty of jumping and dancing, it was easy to become engaged in the performance, even though Kristian Hallbert's vocals were slightly out of tune.

I have heard so many incredible things about Against Me! and sadly had never witnessed them until tonight, and now I am simply an obsessed fan. If you have heard that this four-piece is the best punk band in the world, you heard correctly. With a three vocalist attack all lined up and basically attacking the crowd with every song off the highly successful 'New Wave' album, it was simply impossible to not become involved. Tom Gabel's vocals have never sounded better, and even though he is not the tallest man in the world, he plays like he is ten feet tall. The band is practically radioactive and it becomes sickly addictive. They are dynamic, captivating and to top it all off the quartet played fifteen straight songs and only said "Adelaide" once. After leaving the stage they returned to play a three song encore and prove that perfection is possible.

Will Oakeshott