Luca Brasi kicked off their national tour last night to a sold out Northcote Social Club and quite an event it was. The sweaty, messy fans of the Tassie boys that filled the equally modest and rad Melbourne venue were treated to a hell of a live show from what has to be the best punk rock groups in the country right now.
The Aeroplane tour, which teased us with sounds from their upcoming third album of the same name, saw its makers flanked by Sydney’s Endless Heights and fellow Tasmanian Lincoln Le Fevre, whose charming set of Brasi boys’ requests replaced English group Brawlers at the last minute, who missed their slot due to some sucky scheduling aka customs.
Luca Brasi are no strangers to an adoring live crowd, touring with the likes of Violent Soho and Kisschasy off the back of breakout album By A Thread. The album and subsequent tour scored them legions of fans across the country who knew their hard-hitting brand of punk-rock-with-a-heart is designed to be experienced live, and boy was it appreciated here. While new tracks from Aeroplane held their own against crowd favourites from By A Thread, it wasn’t just the newcomers that were catered for, with Beacons in particular from their debut album Extended Family receiving an awesome reception. Amongst the forcible removal of clothing and stage diving, was a surprise addition to the band from The Bennies’ bassist Craig Selak, making this squad of Aussie Punk Rockers all the more enviable.
It was nice to see that while the experience the road can bring has been a blessing for the band, they haven’t lost their enthusiasm for the music and a good fucking time. They are still just as appreciative of their fans as they were in 2009, so often referring to us as “a bunch of legends” that no other title for their future greatest hits record will feel quite right.
The restraint shown by the boys in balancing the heavy guitar sounds and vocals stood out as something other punk rock bands often miss, and demonstrating just why Luca Brasi have found no difficulty in their crossover to the big leagues. This was a night of punk rock music that was infused with care and soul and honestly, I was completely surprised. I’m not exactly a punk rock kinda girl, but if Luca Brasi keep bringing it like they did, I could be converted.
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Watch: Luca Brasi – Aeroplane (Official Video)
