SPILL LIVE REVIEW: GYROSCOPE, BODYJAR, KLINGER & CHEAP SKATE – NO TOUCH OBSESSION @ THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE (AU)

GYROSCOPE, BODYJAR, KLINGER & CHEAP SKATE – NO TOUCH OBSESSION

@ THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE (AU)

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

No Touch Obsession! Legendary rockers Bodyjar and Gyroscope celebrated the release of their respective No Touch Red and Breed Obsession albums, bringing together the two powerhouses of Aussie punk and alternative rock, culminating with a 9^th show at Richmond’s classic music venue, The Corner Hotel, supported by Klinger and Cheap Skate. The matinee showcased an essential era in Aussie music history and captured a broad spectrum of enthusiasts.

Opening acts Cheap Skate and Klinger galvanised the crowd with upbeat tunes. Cheap Skate brought a fresh and energetic vibe representing the Aussie indie scene. They are unafraid to experiment with their sound, and a DIY album is on the horizon. Their live performance was captivating and fun as they interacted with the audience and created a connection. Cheap Skate is one to watch, as it offers something unique and exciting. “Happy” is a sick tune. Klinger’s lead, Ben Birchall, confirms their status as self-proclaimed veterans of ‘90s rock, telling the crowd that their song “Twenty” is about the existential crisis faced when turning 20; they are in their 40s, hilarious. The band has a loyal fan base, which is great to see. “Bently” is another entertaining track, a trip down memory lane. New music is anticipated soon.

Bodyjar is legendary to Aussie punk from Melbourne and is celebrating 25 years of No Touch Red. They have been a big-ticket item since the ’90s. Enjoying the success of seven studio albums and sharing the stage with punk giants like NOFX and The Offspring.  Mainstream success with catchy tracks like “Not the Same” and “One in a Million” linked to extreme sports and punk. Cameron Baines (lead), Tom Read (guitar), Shane Wakker (drums), and Nick Manuell (bass) put on a great show. With beers in hand, they played an energetic performance with the crowd going wild. The setlist included tracks like “No Say” and “I Can’t Help It”, and fans sang along. Tom Read was fully emersed, sweat and spit everywhere; it was genuinely apparent this was his calling. Although the crowd may have been divided between the dual headliners, they were united in their love for Aussie punk rock.

The show culminated with Gyroscope and the 15^th anniversary of Breed Obsession. Perth locals, this band’s third album is said to be the most personal – not seeking commercial accolades, it is arguably one of their best. Daniel Sanders (vocals), Zoran Trivic (guitar), Brad Campbell (bass), and Sim Dreja (drums) took the stage, beverages in hand, following through with tremendous enthusiasm. Initially, Daniel’s veil of long hair covered his face, feeling disconnected. He eventually appeared and engaged with the fans, jumping on the barrier and into the crowd – a possessed look in his eyes. Although, initially visually disjointed, Gyroscope put on a technically beautiful show; Daniel’s vocals were a standout – together, they hummed. “Snakeskin”, “O.K.”, and “All in One” were excellent – the crowd geared up, notably when “Baby, I’m Getting’ Better” from Cohesion slipped into the mix. We were in for a treat when the acoustic guitar appeared. “Australia”, a stand-out track, considered the country’s non-official anthem; what a gorgeous melody and Daniel’s spectacular vocals. Kissing the colours of the Australian Aboriginal Flag upon completion, I am genuinely inspired by this act of solidarity.

It is a rare opportunity to see four truly talented Australian bands play in the same intimate venue. The headliners have earned their reputation as legends of the scene. Cheap Skate is a band to watch out for – I sense big things for these fresh-faced lads.

(Photography by Victoria Love-Rainbow)

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