Luca Brasi @ The Triffid, Brisbane - 30/6/17

A kick of the footy in the arvo, and Luca Brasi by night, you can't really go wrong. 

When openers Speech Patterns came on a decent crowd had already come through. Bringing a heavier set of tunes that fit right in with a classic punk style reminiscent of not only bands like Rise Against, PUP and (minus the ska) Jeff Rosenstock, but also earlier Luca Brasi. The group Delivered tight, driving songs notably with an inventive (and somewhat psychotic) drummer that could separate the band from any other generally power chord heavy acts.

As the crowd grew to at least half capacity already, Maddy Jane kicks off her set with a solo opening number, then ushers on her backing band to deliver a set of catchy, folk punky tunes that are simple yet driving, emphasising lyrical content and vocal performance. With very strong female vocal presence the group delivers well crafted performance and the vibes are strong. In the place of main support, Piano becomes the teeth, from the USA enter to a near full room and bring in an whole new element to the line-up. A much heavier, emotional ambient and resonating  sound the band drifts in between ambience and pure sonic strength at times. With an enigmatic presence front man Kyle Durfey leads a tight band and delivers. Although significantly more emotional than the other bands the aspect  ties up the influences that flow into Luca Brasi as a headliner.

I couldn't help but feel that everyone of the support acts presented a sound and style relative to one aspect of Luca Brasi and as soon as they hit the stage it became apparent the collection of emotion, punk styling and energy as well as lyrical value represented in Luca Brasi. Smashing straight into 'Aeroplane' the dance floor is lit up early with no hesitation for surfers and sing-along's. This is only further re enforced by back catalogue bangers such as 'Beacons'  and 'Benthos'. As if it was released much longer ago, brand new single 'Got To Give' receives just as big a response as any classic tracks and is performed tightly and with passion garnering a great audience response. A great mix of new and old tracks from all three LP's follows with the inclusion of 'Say It Back', 'Guillotines In Arbour Park', 'Western Junction Cascade Blues', 'Two Snakes' as well as all star crowd karaoke belters 'Borders and Statelines', 'Theme Song from HQ', and 'Anything But Conviction'.

The crowd and the band share a unique connection as the vibes peak, Tyler Richardson high fives front rowers and can't stop expressing how thankful he is for the whole thing between songs. The night's record for surfers would probably have to be around 6 at the same time, including one dude who (for whatever reason) had a deodorant can and was spraying it like it was confetti. A blistering set where Luca Brasi are just as in it as the audience, professionalism isn't lost and neither is the love. The night wasn't short of friendly on stage antics either, with James Tidswell of Violent Soho fame hijacking microphone and guitar to play a rendition of Blink 182's Dammit and a spiel about the Broncos lost to the storm the same night, followed by a reappearance of Luca Brasi who smashed into an encore of 'Isaac Bowen' and 'Count me out' to cap off a stellar set. 

Reviewer - Flavio Brandli

​Photos taken from Third Eye Visuals