Converse, the company behind the shoe you all know and love, have been hosting a range of shows around Australia that feature acclaimed artists such as DZ Deathrays, Millions, and Drunk Mums.
It seems they’ve tried to make it as unique and appealing as possible – and have successfully done so – with their free entry, free drinks, varied band lineups, and venue that they only disclose on the night.
Adelaide’s leg was lucky enough to have a stellar lineup – Drunk Mums to headline, followed by fantastic indie poppers Gung Ho and locals Bad//Dreems. Better yet, it was held at North Terrace’s freemasons building: a place normally home to Adelaide University lectures.
With the aura of a college band party filling the room, 50 slabs of Budweiser in clear view behind the bartenders, and what seemed to be an everlasting supply of Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum, the night was off to a pretty swift start.
Local dark pop four piece Bad//Dreems came on a few hours after doors opened, perhaps waiting until the audience to stop crowding around the makeshift bar. Their layered fuzzy guitar was enough for punters to get right into it, though still while polishing off a few drinks. The four piece played a stellar set that included latest single “Caroline” and catchy debut “Chills” that seemed to warm up the crowd for the night.
The night was getting a little messier around the time Gung Ho were about to perform. Within the break between bands, the crowd huddled in their own circles, mingling and enjoying the Triple J influenced music that house DJs spun.
Walking onto the makeshift stage in the middle of the room, just shy of covering the raised Adelaide University emblem watching over the room, Brisbane three piece Gung Ho showcased their self-proclaimed ‘awkward’ styled indie pop. The glasses wearing poppers kept a steady beat, hooking fans in with beloved tracks “Side By Side”, and “Twin Rays”, as well as a handful of others from their Anywhere Else release.
Up next were headliners Drunk Mums. To a room full of majorly intoxicated individuals, it was easy to get these punters going. Surprisingly enough, though, while they were headlining, the crowd were not majorly into them bar when they played lead single “Eventual Ghost”. Their straightforward garage rock was catchy in parts, but didn’t shine bright in comparison to the perks of previous acts.
Of course, the party followed long after the acts had finished (which is probably what Converse had set out to accomplish), but a good chunk of attendees had left following Drunk Mums. Anyone lucky enough to attend the event would have no doubt had a fantastic time, but would have felt the repercussions the morning after.
