The thunderous chords and passion of music descended upon Brisbane as the illustrious Osaka Punch took the stage at The Triffid (29 September).
As the lights dimmed and the familiar hum of amplifiers filled the venue, the stage was set for the openers, Vayer.From the first power chord to the final resonating note, they captivated the audience, leading them into a realm where the pulse of the music synchronised with the beating of their hearts.
Paying tribute to their friend they lost for the second song, they sent a wave of emotion through the audience that just made everyone in the room feel undeniably connected to the band.
Second up was Natas Natas (featuring Ben Ely), who took the stage with an air of confidence that can only come from years of experience. Their synergy was evident as they launched into a set list that was equal parts nostalgia and innovation.
The unmistakable strum of guitars and the thunderous beat of drums ignited the atmosphere, signalling the commencement of a night of unadulterated rock & roll.
Like Thieves - image © KealiJoan Studios
Following Natas Natas was the highly anticipated Like Thieves. With their theatrical stage presence, and their undeniable chemistry, it is no shock that crowd pushed their way forwards, eager to get closer to the band.
With Clint Boge's vocals so powerful they could be sent all the way to the back of the room, even without a mic, in combination with the perfectly synchronised band, it was no shock the room was alight with energy throughout their entire set.
As soon as Osaka Punch hit the stage, they wasted no time, launching into dance moves with an energy so infectious that you couldn't help but get up and dance with them.
The synergy between band members was undeniable, a testament to years of honing their craft and an undeniable love for their art. The dim lights, a precursor to the musical storm that was about to unfold, heightened the anticipation.
Osaka Punch - image © KealiJoan Studios
Song of the set was 'Simulate' that was so incredibly different to the rest of the songs. Like a breath of fresh air and giving the crowd a couple of minutes to catch their breath, it added an extra, laid-back insight to the capabilities of the band.
Special moments punctuated the night, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. One such moment was when lead singer Jack stated: "Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, until we got to headline tonight at The Triffid," highlighting the meaning of their first night of their headlining tour and how tonight was going to be one they remembered forever.
Throughout the night, the band showcased a diverse range of tracks, seamlessly weaving together their classic hits and newer compositions.
With original songs like 'Drones' and 'Under The Influence' to a hilarious cover of 'Push It', Osaka Punch struck a chord, stirring the crowd into a frenzy of cheers and applause, while also inviting a moment of reflection during the more soulful melodies.
Osaka Punch - image © KealiJoan Studios
Showing their infectious energy and ability to turn the entire show into a night of laughs and energy, Osaka Punch even jumped into a skit, joking about not giving the bassist a mic for a reason and then jumping into a comical rap moment, leaving you wondering with their metal, rock, punk, pop, and now rap chops, is there anything Osaka Punch can't do?
As the night reached its end, Jack thanked everyone, stating: "We are nearly at the end of our set and I just wanted to say," but the crowd was not happy with that, not wanting to end the night so soon, even cutting him off with their audible booing.
As the final chords from 'Hekyll And Jive' rang through the venue, it was evident that it was a night that the crowd would forever hold close to their hearts, a true celebration of the raw power of music.
More photos from the show.
