The Melbourne based Lurch and Chief played for a packed Transit Bar on Saturday 23 May as a part of their ‘Breathe’ EP tour. The crowd was in for a diverse evening of music, as local bands Foreign Kings and Slow Turismo. Kicked off the night, and Lurch and Chief took the stage around 11.00pm with a great set.
Foreign Kings has an incredible stage presence with electrified energy. Their rock sound is strong and raw, completed with intense guitar-riffs and a lot (I mean A LOT) of head-banging. The crowd is warming up with the local band and head-banging away. Eyes on You starts with a rough guitar riff, which instantly electrifies the room. Foreign Kings crown their set with the lead singer Justin jumping down during their last song to mosh with the front row, leaving the crowd buzzing for the acts to follow. The band gives a tight and rugged rock performance with a great sound and incredibly lush hair!
The Canberra-based Slow Turismo has a chilled and charming stage presence with their composed indie rock with a hint of folky sound. Their latest single, Breathe, is an instant crowd pleaser with an upbeat guitar and haunting vocals. Lost Sometimes has an awesome sound to it and the band notes that it might become their new single. They finish up with wonderful energy and the crowd is eagerly singing along. The uplifting sounds with sometime eerie vocals create an intriguing mix. I’m excited to find out what is next for these guys.
Lurch and Chief opens with their new single, Fading Out, which features a darker sound than their earlier material. Transit Bar is now fully packed, everyone is standing, and the pool tables have been forgotten. The band’s stage presence is captivating and the crowd is buzzing. It is great to see a group enjoying itself on the stage and connecting with the audience.
During We Are The Same the whole crowd is singing along. The upbeat ‘’do-do-doo’’ phrase featuring throughout the song is impossible to resist and the throng is humming along and swaying. Lead singer Lilibeth gives a shout out to Brendan (guitarist) who is originally from Canberra. Lurch and Chief has a confident and intriguing sound with towering vocals. They have played at Transit Bar before and hopefully will visit soon again.
Packed bar with full of exciting people, a great atmosphere and of course brilliant bands, Seeing Lurch and Chief on Saturday night at Transit Bar offers an excellent opportunity to absorb different music genres with intriguing structures and sounds. From heavy rock to indie, and from head-banging to cool beards, it is an exhilarating experience and a great night out.
All images by Brianna Olzen
