Last Saturday, Forum Melbourne housed Australian group Short Stack along with the talented Bad/Love and Pretty Bleak.
With lines wrapping around one of Melbourne's most famous graffitied lanes (14 June), the excitement was radiating from what lead singer-guitarist Shaun Diviney described as their "dirty 30s" fanbase. Alternative pop band Pretty Bleak opened the night. With their debut EP only released in 2024, the Nirvana-inspired group already have a pretty solid fanbase judging by the crowd reactions. Relying mostly on live use of reverb in their sound, Sam Thomas and crew brought what could be best described as quite a '80s, psychedelic vibe to the evening.
Although they bring good energy to their performance, it would be interesting to dial it back on the reverb affects as it feels like their natural passion and talent is being held back from the sheer overuse and peaking sounds.
Aside from that, you could see the chemistry between each band member and the love this new-age band holds for what they do. An added little detail of members drinking out of wine glasses onstage was slightly humorous, but really added to the whole classy act of being the more 'cleaner' sounding music of the night's line-up.
Pretty Bleak were a good choice to open the evening as it laid way for headliner Short Stack's poppier side of their music, while allowing second act Bad/Love to bring the heavier section of the night.
Pretty Bleak - image © Maxine Thomas
Hometown heroes Bad/Love never disappoint when it comes to putting on a show. The raw energy and passion this band has onstage is something everyone should get to experience.
Lead vocalist Landon Kirk is truly in his natural environment when performing, interacting with the crowd (and even photographers to ensure they get a unique, perfect shot) every single chance he can get, giving fans, new and old, that extra special moment of connection.
After a recent switch-up of band members and positions, Luke Weber (originally Bad/Love's drummer who had to step down due to health complications) was back in action as their newest bass player.
Filling in on drums was Tapestry's very own Benjamin Masters, being given the chance to perform at a bucket list venue. Although stepping in as a temp drummer, anyone who didn't know Masters prior to the performance, would've never guessed he wasn't already a part of the band, even having the opportunity to sign the odd band vinyl or two at merch following the show.
With the release of their three-part album 'Mono No Aware' last year, the alternative metal group was able to spice up the set list with an array of songs from their discography.
The Forum's stage design matches perfectly with the world 'Mono No Aware' was built around, with music videos like 'Saints' filmed in a Melbourne church giving that holy, Sleep Token vibe.
Bad/Love - image © Maxine Thomas
Helping to push an engaging performance, the stage chemistry between Weber and guitarists Lachlan Monty and Martin Wood is so natural and fun. From swapping sides onstage, to jumping up and down to the music or spinning in circles, you could see how much fun this band has playing together.
It's no wonder with each performance the Bad/Love fanbase grows a little bigger each time. By the end of their set, the crowd was wide awake and raring to go for Budgewoi's favourite pop-punk boys Short Stack.
No break-up can keep this trio apart for long. After reunited for a second time in 2020, Short Stack are back and ready to give fans the music they all love and adore, celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album 'Stack Is The New Black'.
Short Stack - image © Maxine Thomas
What was originally just a dream for these pop-punk legends, became reality when the Melbourne venue sold out. You could really tell just how loved these guys are.
With hits such as 'Planets', 'Sway Sway Baby!' and 'We Dance To A Different Disco, Honey', the dirty 30s crowd was singing and dancing the whole way through the setlist.
Drummer Bradie Webb had the chance to show off his skills with a drum solo of Daft Punk's 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger', while vocalists Diviney and Andy Clemmensen threw banter back and forth between each other, displaying the brotherly bond the pair have.
From giant beach balls bouncing around the crowd, to Diviney's dad-like dance moves, and a fiery, pyrotechnics ending, Short Stack are proof that being emo isn't a phase, it's a lifestyle.
In the attempt to fit the entire album playthrough into the 90-minute set, the group opted to playing a medley halfway through consisting of 'Before Angels Fall / One Step Closer / 17 / In This Place / It's4U'.
Short Stack - image © Maxine Thomas
To complete the evening, the trio brought their own children onstage, who had joined them on a few stops of this tour, for a wholesome photo to celebrate the successful, sold-out night.
It truly is an adorable sight, getting to see bands involving their families in the world of music and touring, as time with loved ones is a sacrifice many bands make to accomplish childhood dreams.
Saturday night was quite the fusion of sub-genres with Pretty Bleak coming in with poppy, '80s reverb, Bad/Love bringing the metal to alternative, and Short Stack reminding fans of their pop-punk, emo roots.
A line-up of similar genres yet so different in energies worked together to make a successful show. Short Stack continue their tour for one final night in Perth on Friday (20 June).
More photos from the concert.
