Bad luck was nowhere to be found at Melbourne's The Gem on Friday the 13th.
Instead, the night (13 June) brought a masterclass in DIY artistry and the power of three, with a pair of trios on the bill: Egomaniacs and Loose Lips.Fans, friends and family spilled out of The Gem in anticipation of Melbourne's favourite new garage punk/ power-pop band, Loose Lips, celebrating the release of their latest single 'Don't Mess Me 'Round'.
The energy, both in the room and outside of the venue, was unmistakably local – a tight-knit community showing up for two of the city's most exciting local acts. There was a warmth in the cold winter air that only a neighbourhood gig can bring, where the line between artist and audience blur, dissolving the usual distance.
Egomaniacs, fronted by Eamon Sandwith (The Chats, The Unknowns) on vocals and guitar, with Flynn Varley (The Antics, Stray Dogs To Good Homes) on bass and Tom Butler (The Unknowns) on drums, kicked off the night in style.
Early in the set, the smoke machine went rogue and enveloped the room with a thick haze. Far from a disruption, it instead gave the venue an underground vibe that only made the gritty-punk energy more intense.
This new band of familiar faces delivered a tight, cohesive sound with ease, making the set feel effortless and authentic.
Loose Lips - image © Danysha Harriott
Sporting slick threads and their signature black sunglasses, Loose Lips then took to the stage with a presence that immediately filled the room.
Nadine Muller (The Prize), Josh Hardy (The Chats, The Unknowns), and Ethan Stahl (Chubby and the Gang, The Prize, Street Sweeper) command attention without even trying, making it clear how they've already built a devoted following in just under a year.
The trio blend their talents seamlessly, showing a display of confidence that's impossible to fake. Together, they form a DIY dream team.
The night's centrepiece, 'Don't Mess Me 'Round', landed halfway through the set and proved why it's the lead single. It's a perfect distillation of everything the band does well: punchy riffs, a catchy chorus, and a sprinkle of don't-mess-with-us charm.
Loose Lips - image © Danysha Harriott
Loose Lips borrow from the past without getting stuck in it. Their songs nod to '60s rock & roll and '80s punk, but with a modern twist. The influence is clear, but there's no imitation here. Just a band having a great time reshaping what they love into something fresh. They're having fun with it, and that fun is infectious.
Instead of sinking ships, Loose Lips are steadily sailing into new territory with the upcoming release of their debut album, 'Last Laugh' (out 1 September). The horizon's looking brighter than ever.
More photos from the concert.
- written by Danysha Harriott
