Last Friday, The Worm Turns launched their new single 'They'll Take You Out And Thrive' at Banshees Bar as part of the 2023 SPARK Ipswich programme.
Joined by Ben Ely's Mungo Fungo Band, iiwii and PORK, we were forewarned that The Storming Of Banshees Bar would be a night of liberty, equality and fraternity as the bands stormed Ipswich's Banshees Bar on Bastille Day (14 July).On the topic of history, PORK may claim to be Brisbane's worst band since 1981. However, I wouldn't know as I've never seen them live and being delayed in my travels to the venue, I arrived to find I missed their set.
Punters were quick to let me know I'd missed out on a great performance. I can almost confirm this by the aura of crowd satisfaction I sensed lingering in the air. I'm told it's rare to see PORK live. Damn! How long must I wait for this elusive band to resurface for another gig?
It's not long before my ears are tuning into iiwii. Band member Nico tells me to pronounce the acronym however I like, or simply as 'it is what it is'.
Cam Ricketts (drums) and David Nicholson aka Nico (guitar) are big on sonic vibrations that sound intense – sludgy and gritty, but at all times immense.
Mid-set, clearly taking a moment to think of our well-being, Nico invites us to feast upon the tray of macaroons on offer out the front, to keep our sugar levels up and reminds us to stay hydrated. Some punters are wondering if he knows we're in a bar with beverages that do both of those things. Ha!
iiwii - credit Clea-marie Thorne
In the next breath he's telling us they'll play a new song and we won't know if they stuff it up. Ha! iiwii are definitely unleashing a sonic assault on the crowd as the heavy, raw and rock-laden energy from the guitar crackles in the air as thunderous drums vibrate in our chest. The relentless guitar riffage is merging with the beats into a cacophony of noise that is washing over us.
During the set we heard enflamed lead vocals passionately delivered by Nico while Ricketts' vocal contribution gives a buttery glaze to the liberating iiwii experience, including their punk covers mash-up. "No food trucks for you!"
iiwii's high-octane performance confirm they're masters of controlled aural chaos. My head and feet may be moving instinctively to the music, but I am left guessing its direction often. 'Grawlix' receives an explanation – and school teachers are mentioned.
Finishing their set with 'Attack, Retreat' seems fitting for the date – iiwii's sound is intense and the visceral impact of their performance is undeniably exhilarating. While it's a two-fold flavour I cannot yet fully describe, it is dense, textured and so very moreish.
Ben Ely and the Mungo Fungo Band are a three-piece comprising extraordinary talents who unleashed an eclectic crush of rock and in some ways shifted the atmosphere to a playful vibe, though not any less intense.
Even lyrics about 'Cassandra' dedicated to all the artists in the room cannot disguise the glow of Ely's inner child. I imagine this part of him can never remain hidden when onstage.
Ben Ely's Mungo Fungo Band - credit Clea-marie Thorne
His love for performing shines through and always makes me smile. Ely's shimmering guitar work is blissful as are the infectious melodies and rhythms of Mungo Fungo.
The band's musical prowess command crowd attention and it's nothing short of remarkable. There are few eyes in the room that have not locked onto the dexterous fingers hammering away on the bass. Slapping, picking, thrumping insanity! Who is this guy?
Kudos to 'Liam' smashing away on the tubs as Ely tells us he has recently been unwell. The trio are apparently winging it with no set list as there is discussion about which tune to play next in between songs.
Ely ensures we get a couple of new tracks in the mix and tells us that one is off an unreleased album ('Crazy Town/Time'). Punters eagerly absorb their sounds as they leave us with smiles on our faces and a feeling of sun-kissed nostalgia, not from the lyrics but vibe of the instrumentation that carries the words to us.
I must mention the dual-purpose handmade cake decorated with severed heads adorning the merch table for The Worm Turns. A prop to help sell their wares and a token commemoration for Bastille Day. A brilliant piece of art.
The atmosphere has turned almost electric with anticipation and the ambience of dimmed party lights dotted on a curtain backdrop is perfect behind tonight's final act, The Worm Turns – Michelle Bowden (guitar, cello), Cam Ricketts (drums), Cedric Ingra (bass) and Kate McCarthy (vocals, rhythm guitar).
From their first song, Kate's mellifluous pipes send shivers down our spines, while the band's intricate instrumentation adds layers of tension and unease in all the right spots. The lyrics and instrumental mood push you to explore the darker shades of human experience.
As Bowden sets aside her axe for a cello, it only adds an element of deeper introspection and reverence through 'Oh The Wind And The Rain'.
The Worm Turns - credit Clea-marie Thorne
Bowden's bottom-range guitar chugs are tight, the kit work from the insanely gifted hands of Ricketts (on tubs for a second time tonight!) and Ingra's bass keep the flow in check. McCarthy vocalises a desperate sincerity of the lyrics that has the ability to break down defences and unite common experiences with her fans.
New single 'They'll Take You Out And Thrive' has a slow burn that explodes with the spark of McCarthy's vocals, before the strings and skins fill the void. I am feeling a vibe of Cowboy Junkies meets Patty Smith on a Tarantino movie set. Even if you don't hear what I hear, it's an emotive banger you will want on your turntable or digital playlist.
The chemistry between these musicians is extraordinary and their collaborative efforts obviously fuels their creative synergy resulting in the musical innovation that is The Worm Turns – as a result, we are gifted these divine moments of living, giving art.
McCarthy and Ingra's voices beautifully harmonise together and combined with the collective instrumental talents, songwriting and technical chops pours out a mesmerising cocktail of tainted melodies and deep arrangements.
McCarthy's ability to build from the simple lyrical roots lifted to beautiful crescendos, endears her to us. Each song unfolds like a story, taking the audience on an immersive journey. From what I can glean, the lyrics often relate to trauma, tragedy and despair amid the everyday confrontation of living life in this century.
All bands who played tonight are testament to the incredible range of musical expression and the longevity of boundless creativity within the contemporary music scene in South East Queensland.
Each band brought their unique material creating a kaleidoscope of soundscapes that pushed the boundaries of their traditional and influential genres. From experimental explorations to distortion-laden instrumentation, surf-rock rhythms and stories from the shadows of life, this evening is a testament to the incredible diversity of Australian music.
