A Wilhelm Scream/ Lungs/ Maverick
Fowler's Live
Monday 9 June


I guess when you know a band is absolutely amazing; your expectations of how many other people share your passion is always a bit exaggerated. This was the case for me when A Wilhelm Scream played in Adelaide. I couldn't believe they missed us on their last tour when they supported Less Than Jake (most ridiculous combination ever). And I expected people hanging from the rafters and climbing through secret windows to get in. I was mistaken. The crowd wasn't massive but it was enough for a good night.

I arrived about 10 minutes into Maverick's set. My first reaction was, 'Hmmm they're alright, but it's not blowing my mind', but as I got closer to the rather barren front of stage area, it struck me that these guys aren't veterans and have only really just begun. They can play their instruments and write songs that sound quite listenable. They handled the general apathy in the room with aplomb, and this is only the start for Maverick.

Lungs were the main support, from whom I had heard only one song. They play progressive punk rock, minus what I hate about 90% of prog rock. They just made it interesting for the listener. For me especially, it was a refreshing change. They were a three piece with one vocal, and as I mentioned to anybody standing next to me, when there was a break where the guitarist did some sort of solo, he did it with no noise behind him and everything he played, he nailed. If he ruined it there were no lifelines. Who do I think they sound like? Lungs. There was no ripping off.

A Wilhelm Scream hit the stage and looked completely different than I expected. Vocalist Nuno reminded me of a smaller, ethnic Mike Muir in his physical stance and dress. That aside, by far the most important thing I took from their performance was leaving with a feeling that other people feel the way I feel, and think the same shit about the world, friends and what's important as I do. Nuno kept on reiterating, my, and I believe most of the audience's views. Forget anyone who tells you to be something you're not, forget trying to be someone you're not to fit in. Be yourself, stick to your beliefs and respect and love your friends and with that as your bedrock, no matter what happens you'll be ok.

I probably should mention that they played flawlessly, as musicians they were all amazing. Although in most cases I am a hater of two handed tapping on guitar, these guys showed my that it can be used for good as well as being pretentious. Duelling guitar solos that would make Thin Lizzy hang their head coupled with a bass player who I can't describe. Let's just say that not an inch of his fret board went untouched.

Sam Vinall