Eighteen years ago, Melbourne's Kisschasy released their second album, 'Hymns For The Non-Believer'.
While it went Gold and is considered their most successful work, it was clear that none of the band ever expected to have a packed Forum Melbourne nearly two decades later, eagerly anticipating the record played in full (21 June).While Kisschasy were the main event, they'd assembled a fine line-up to warm up the rapidly filling Forum.
Opener, local heart-on-sleeve singer-songwriter Suzi, was an absolute treat – and had both the support army in front of her and new ears trained on the stage, proving that unlike her tune 'Everyone I've Met Hates Me', Suzi has a lot of local love.
Suzi - image © Danielle Annetts
Already having revealed herself as a talented songwriter, the sound was beefed up fittingly for the large stage.
After a short break, Perth's Sly Withers – who also have a large fan base on the east coast – played a tasty but all-too-brief set, showing how far they've developed in meeting the moment of the big stage. Fan favourite 'Closer' was a highlight.
By the time Kisschasy took to the stage, the sold-out Forum was as packed as I've seen it, particularly the dance floor.
Sly Withers - image © Danielle Annetts
Eighteen years ago, on any Saturday night in 2007, many of these people (myself included) were probably out till 3am getting buzzed on $5 spirits and trying to stay upright on the slippery Royal Hotel floor at weekly emo club Bang!.
Now, tonight's 9.30-11pm run time came as somewhat of a relief, as did the more reliable, vaguely sticky carpet of the Forum's terraced standing and seating areas.
The band took to the stage with little fanfare, just a simple 'Hymns For The Non-Believer' backdrop, and raced through 'The Perfect Way To Meet', crowd favourite 'Opinions Won't Keep You Warm At Night', 'Real And Untouched' and the sing-along-extended 'Strings And Drums'.
Kisschasy - image © Danielle Annetts
It was then that frontman Darren Cordeaux paused to reflect on what the occasion meant to him and the band. "G'day Melbourne," he said. "We're Kisschasy. This is such a 'pinch-me' moment for us, 18 years since the record to sell out the Forum in our home city, the coolest city in the world. . . it makes us feel pretty good!"
From that point, the audience – which had been a little slow to warm up – was committed, and what followed, including highlights 'Ugly Birds In A Beautiful Cage' and 'Spray-On Pants', were met with raucous singing and enthusiastic dancing.
Following a brief interlude, Cordeaux returned to the stage solo, then inviting Suzi out for a rather special duet of 'Dinosaur' from the band's 'Seizures' album.
Then, with the full band back, fans were treated to the insanely catchy hit (and annoyingly titled) 'Do-Do's & Whoa-Oh's' and newer cut 'Lie To Me'. It was then that Cordeaux announced that the tune was the first taste of new Kisschasy material in the works.
Kisschasy - image © Danielle Annetts
While these kinds of 'retro' album shows can feel a bit by-the-numbers, there wasn't any of that here tonight – while 'Hymns For The Non-Believer' might be of a time and place (although in 2025 it's newly on vinyl), the band certainly are not.
Despite years on the other side of the world, living in LA and working on very different solo ventures, Cordeaux is clearly enjoying life with Kisschasy perhaps more than ever.
By dropping news of a new album, the night was ultimately a celebration of the past that was brimming with the excitement of a reenergised band now writing new pages in their enduring, almost 25-year biography.
More photos from the concert.
