Ballarat band APES garnered a considerable fan base after the release of debut single “Seven” late last year. After extensive radio play on Triple J and Britain’s Radio BBC1, the band procured an expectancy reserved only for those with the greatest potential and promise.
As devoted fans steadily packed The Workers Club on Friday night to help launch debut EP Helluva, this potential was undeniably exemplified. With 12 dates scheduled for the upcoming tour, the band readied themselves for an impressive display of scrappy melodies and punk infused choruses.
First however, Melbourne natives The Good Morrows kicked off the evening with a polished display of crisp descants and revival rock; while lead vocalist Jarred Scopel’s tidy vocals ensured a comprehensively consuming performance.
Adrenaline junkies The Peel Temple soon followed, with an explosive display underlined by the impulsive “Thank You Machiavelli” and “Dark Beach”. The proficiency of Blake Scott on vocals and Stewart Rayner on bass was particularly evident, while drummer Stevie Striker lived up to his name with a powerful and highly energetic performance.
As the bandroom swelled and anticipation grew, APES finally took to the stage to a spirited show of appreciation. Showing no signs of performance anxiety, lead vocalist Benjamin Dowd sprang surely into “Napalm” and the self-assured “Bup Bup Bup”, while fan favourite “Cheatin’” only intensified the looseness of the crowd.
“Bones” and “Pull The Trigger” soon followed to vigorous scenes, with Rowan Mullett-Treloar emphatic on drums and exhumed by confidence. Sam Reale was proficient on bass with composed delivery in “Goin On”, while James Toohey skilfully entertained on guitar and amused all by inexplicitly chugging drinks from a shoe.
Nestled between the slightly melancholic “Filter” and debut single “Seven”, a cover of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” was a major surprise; though the band impressively unified garage composites and twisted chords to give justice to the legendary original. Dowd’s impressively persistent vocals also ensured the unconventional success of the cover.
Disordered scenes then followed and capped the night with exuberant fans seizing the stage for energetic closer “Helluva”. With strong hooks and relentless buzz patters, it comes as no surprise that the upcoming tour is named after its namesake.
The exciting performance by the Ballarat bunch therefore truly showcased the ongoing potential and promise encompassed in a live APES experience. Supplying punters a perfect insight into why the band is so highly rated, the quartet delivered an evening of sustained passion and buoyant enthusiasm rarely seen. Most certainly, the Helluva Tour is not to be missed.
