Coffs Harbour may be famous for a giant concrete banana, but many are oblivious to the region’s thriving music scene. Even on a gloomy Wednesday night, a flash flood would not have stopped people from flocking to local pub ‘The Hoey’ to see Melbourne rockers Kingswood and Calling All Cars roll into town.
Playing a show as part of their Life’s A Beach tour, both bands were met to a strong crowd buzzing with excitement.
Pre-show chats with the locals proved that punters had been looking forward to this show since the tour’s announcement. Some had even called in sick to work, while one young woman proclaimed that she had “come along to see what’s up because my boyfriend said they were good”.
Opening the show were emerging prog stars Flying Giant. After winning the local slot on the Vans Warped Tour when it hit the region last November, the four-piece effectively showed what they were made of: long hair, beards, and one hell of a big sound (giant, even).
Their songs seemed faultless and quite reminiscent of Perth’s Karnivool. Melting guitar solos, intricate bass – it really was an exhibition of quality talent. A fair crowd turned up early to see them rock the stage, proving that they’ve made quite the mark on the coastal town.
Next up were Calling All Cars, who chugged beers, swung from bars on the venue’s ceiling, and probably would have trashed the entire place if they were allowed to. The excitement and exuberance from the trio was contagious, and the crowd seemed to grow as they progressed through their set.
Playing a variety of original tunes, it was their single ‘Werewolves’ that really got the crowd moving. When the band asked if anyone listened to Triple J, the trio were met with an array of screams – notable mention to one girl in particular, who managed to extend her shriek for about 15 seconds.
The song resonated so well that every following track seemed to send the fans into a frenzy. In fact, the exhibition of headbanging and dance moves probably hasn’t been seen since the early 90s. It was tracks ‘Not Like Anybody’ and ‘Reptile’ that were met with the gnarliest reception. At one point a microphone was given to the crowd in the front row, allowing a few local musicians to add their bit to the band’s performance.
The last to grace the stage were rockers Kingswood, who received a very warm welcome. Coffs has seen the four-piece visit multiple times, with each show gathering a good crowd. This gig was certainly no exception.
Powering through a range of hits, and the crowd still vibing off Calling All Cars’ killer set, the show was an absolute delight. Giving locals a taste of their full-frontal rock sound, the performance prepped just about everyone up for the band’s debut album that’s due for release this year.
Bearded and built for the stage, the Melbourne rock group had a setlist that did not disappoint, featuring songs such as ‘She’s My Baby’, ‘All Too Much’, and ‘Ohio’. As the crowd became increasingly engaged (and intoxicated), more dance moves emerged. Ranging from the ages of 18-60, you could say the fans were just as captivating as the band. Tables were soon covered in beer glasses and personal space was invaded.
As we know, all good things must come to an end. Everything was done and dusted as the clock struck twelve, many polishing off their half-full schooners and heading home, ears ringing and hearts pumping.
