Bad gig, Good time. After putting on two memorable DIY events in 2017 that packed out a Leederville backyard and the VHS driveway, local legends Bad Friends upped the ante with Bad Gig 3 at Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle; a 9 hour, 2 stage, 15-band line-up that gave the weekend’s festivals a run for their money.
As patrons made their way into the sunny rear courtyard (6 January), singer-songwriter and frontwoman of grunge-pop outfit Bells Rapids, Tanaya Harper cried out with her unique style of acoustic folk; her airy vocals and soothing lyrics the perfect backdrop to the laidback aura of the afternoon.
With the first act of the courtyard stage winding down, four-piece punks Debbie Downers put on a fast and loud performance in the main room with high-energy songs exploring the nuances of everyday life from trackpant bulges to Netflix-crushing on Louis Theroux and David Attenborough.
The Debbie’s are quickly cementing themselves as mainstays in the local punk scene following a series of explosive gigs in backyards and festivals alike, including 2017’s Camp Doogs music festival.
Outside, young up-and-comer Grace Sanders kept the good sounds flowing with her bluesy acoustic melodies and honest folk-pop lyricism captivating those enjoying good company in the intimate surrounds.
As the bar picked up the pace to accommodate the steady flow of patrons, doomy post-rockers YOSH filled the main room with a mix of reverb-heavy vocals, soaring riffs and prog-rock melodies as the four-piece created an impressive wall of sound between soft, haunting interludes.
With the sun lowering overhead, the tone shifted outside as Lana Rothnie (LANA) filled the courtyard with her dreamy vocals and catchy, synth melodies. Always a delight to watch, Lana left the audience with awestruck faces with her impressive vocal range and honed synth-pop sound.
Michael Strong topped off the courtyard stage line-up with his unique electronic performance style. He donned a butcher’s apron before twisting, pushing, tapping and scratching at a deceptively complex rig of triggering pads and tactile samplers, blending classic techno drum sounds with ethereal samples and retro video game FX creating a seamless set that sounded straight from heaven on a PlayStation 1.
Back in the main room, instrumental three-piece Yomi Ship took the audience on a journey to the Shadow Realm with their spacey, psychedelic sound, abandoning the often-heard crescendo-core sound associated with similar bands for a distinctively fluid arrangement that was constantly surprising and always engaging.
Up next Desert Sonnes put on a high impact, high-volume display with their alt-rock sound, upping energy levels all 'round with chunky riffs and tight harmonies that made for an explosive performance.
As the dust settled, Cosy (formerly Mung Dahl) took to the stage, marking Lana Rothnie’s second performance of the evening on keys/ vocals along with members of The Love Junkies, Shit Narnia and The Chlorines including frontman Sam Rocchi.
With a mix of '60s guitar-twang and '80s synth backing alongside a tight backline, Cosy put out an uplifting, layered sound with punchy lyrics and an energetic stage presence.
Keeping the same energy flowing, grunge-pop act Flossy fronted by sisters Lauren and Sinead O'Hara belted out tight '90s, garage-inspired sounds, drawing many to the dancefloor who dared move closer to the amps already putting out some serious volume.
As more of the evening crew arrived for the later acts, five-piece indie pop outfit Ah Trees kept the crowd moving with their catchy, melody-driven songs many were familiar with from their busy 2017 spent launching new songs, videos and just generally gigging all over the place.
With the bar staff working at full pace, alt-folk rising star Jacob Diamond jumped on stage to treat the audience to his mesmerising vocal style and lyricism and superbly honed guitar sound, following a standout year touring around the country.
After frontman Hugh Manning clocked off his shift at the bar, Shit Narnia took to the stage and were at ease with the crowd and venue that helped cement the garage punks in the local scene. Hugh’s measured, cutting lyricism and the band’s roaring sound were as always a sweaty mosh waiting to happen.
The masterminds behind it all Bad Friends put out a good sound with their grungy, rhythmic tunes and gritty vocals bouncing off the main room walls along with the audience.
As the clock struck midnight, the heroes of the evening were well received by a crowd thankful that great DIY gigs exist here at all, put together by local bands and good friends with a community-minded attitude.
Most didn’t want it to end, but the final band of the evening had to come eventually – luckily it was stellar garage-gazers Childsaint left ringing in the ears of punters (many who stuck it out for nine straight hours of music) with their blissful harmonies and fuzzed-out guitars keeping bodies swaying, feet moving and faces beaming.
True to their DIY spirit and love for the local music scene, Bad Friends say they look to put on many more Bad Gigs in the future, whether they end up in main rooms, living rooms or backyards.
Keep an eye out for Bad Gig 4 and you’ll be rewarded with good friends, good music and a guaranteed good time.
