A dark room in a pub, neon artwork gracing the walls, not many attendees to speak of, but a whole load of noise and passion – if ever you’re looking for the epitome of DIY punk in sound and scene then Maverick are the show you need.
They had it all night as they tore apart the stage at Miranda Hotel in Sydney (8 November).
As part of the heavy segment of Australian Music Week, Maverick began with only seven or eight observers flanking the walls of the venue, the Sydney-based ne’er-do-wells broke open their set with ’10 Seconds’ like they were playing to a full house.
Their energy shockingly impressive, their passion pummelling each note they played. As they careered through ‘Infinite’, ‘Crimson’ and ‘State Of Mind’, more people trickled into the venue, drawn in by the relentless grit and growl of the band.
Beneath the blazing stage lights Maverick worked hard, sweat drenching each member.
Taking advantage of the wide space beneath him and the wireless microphone he used, vocalist Marty Rowney stepped down onto the floor, pacing and moving in time with the music, a one-man dance party.
Had there been masses of people beneath him no doubt there would have been an orgy of crowd-surfing. However, Marty made do with his tribe-like motions and induced an obscene amount of head-bobbing from the ever-growing crowd.
Their current single, ‘Nothin’ To Lose’, was by far the most well-received song of the set. In it the unified chanting of the band, the melodic undertones and the forceful message capped off a sort of chronological audio rendition of the band’s improvement and growth since the release of their debut EP, ‘State Of Mind’, earlier this year.
It’s an awesome song and a great indication of the potential on the punk path Maverick have ahead.
Maverick, closing with ‘Longevity’, ended their set to raucous cheers. Not only are Maverick relentless showmen, but they have a relentless sound.
Doesn’t matter the size of the venue or the style of the bill, these boys are out to give it everything they’ve got, convincing you to love their music as much as they so obviously do.
