Strung Out & The Loved Ones @ The HiFi 10/6/10

The walk down the infamous HiFi stairs was almost like a dream sequence out of a cheesy American TV show. You know, the ones where everyone you know appears in the high school hallway, and gives you the fonz-esque "Ey!" with obligatory fingers pointed like pistols. I felt like I knew all the characters intimately, and yet was so far removed from it all. Strung Out Guitarist Jake Kiley and Bassist Chris Aiken were heading out, getting their hands stamped, smiling at everyone as they leaped up the stairs. Lead singer of the Loved Ones Dave Hause was quietly tapping away on his macbook on a bench in the corner, perhaps writing home, perhaps pay bills, perhaps writing Like a Rolling Stone for the new millennium. The folks at the bar were relaxed and gave me a smile as I walked in, and the merch table guys were at home surrounded by clutter and chaos. How they know exactly where to find my girls M tee in 2.5 seconds, I will never know.

In actuality, it was like returning home. So fresh, yet so familiar, Strung Out are a seminal punk band that has been leading the way for 20 years now. Which way they are leading, I don't reckon they know, or care. They play for the love of the music, and it shows in their loyal fanbase that comes out time and time again to see them pump out some loud and exciting tunes. I myself have been lucky enough to say this was my seventh outing across 2 states, but this is nothing to be shouting from the bell tower. My good friend has just attended his 13th, and punk rock folklore tells us of a girl who has been to 100+! The band knows this, and rewards the eager punters by returning time and time again, playing small towns and outback regions amongst the big city shows.


This tour sees them returning to our shores with up and coming Philadelphia band The Loved Ones, as well as local acts in each town. In Melbourne this was The Backyard Surgeons, punk rockers who have played some pretty cool supports in their time. They present a fresh and excited face, playing their first show after a few months off writing at what not. The set was played to a decent crowd for that early time, but most were hanging at the bar. I can't wait to hear new releases to come, and with a little more polish, these boys will hopefully be off to represent our fair city in style.

Having been to the SO/TLO show in Adelaide a few nights earlier, I confess that The Loved Ones worried me on that cold Sunday in the city of churches. Playing to a small and intimate crowd, they threw down that gauntlet so hard I was worried that my stalwarts Strung Out would not be able to recover and come out on top (note: they did. See pics @ http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/). I was shown the same raw talent and emotion again at The HiFi. The crowd moved forward, and were thoroughly captivated for the entire set. One excited patron tried to dance with anyone who would make eye contact, and how could they resist? Tight, melodic punk rock with a little bit of swagger... The Loved Ones brought a little bit of Gaslight Anthem's Americana feel combined with some intoxicating youthful hopefulness. Highlights were singalongs to fan favourites Jane and 100K, as well as cover of Conor Oberst's I Don't Wanna Die in the Hospital.


2 down, and the stage was set. The crowd was anxiously moving its combined feet, waiting for the men in black. They certainly did not disappoint. On cue, they opened up with Black Crosses, the first single off their latest offering, Agents of the Underground. The sound took a couple of songs to settle in, but when lead singer Jason Cruz began the familiar lines to Ultimate Devotion, the night really began in earnest. With all the command of a general, Jason strode from side to side, perching on the barrier and launching into his emotion filled and raw style of vocals. The guitar prowess of Rob Ramos and Jake Kiley shone on old favourite Velvet Alley, with the pure energy coming from Jordan Burns on the kit. Chris Aiken may look a lot like your daggy uncle on bass, but I say if only. My uncle doesn't rock like that. A good combination of old and new, the set encored with Bring out your Dead, bringing the crowd up before sending them on their way. Unlike many bands though, the band took time out to come and shake hands and chat to the crowd, which is appreciated. I will keep on coming back again and again if they are still excited to be playing to the world.


2010 brings a new decade, and if this tour has anything to say about what is on punk rocks murky horizons, I am ready. Old, new, whatever you've got, I'm ready.