Groovin The Moo 2017: Violent Soho review

It doesn’t matter if the rest of the world appreciates Violent Soho. Australia does, and that’s enough. That’s the point.

It’s a cold, starry night on a paddock on the edge of farmland suburbia and this Brisbane foursome has been chosen to close the night on the main stage.

The rules are tame, probably due to the youthful crowd: lights out by 10pm, no encore. But still, in 45 minutes you can get more than a taste of what makes this band so appealing.

They carry the swagger of rebellious rock ‘n’ roll with all the class afforded to the mission. “Motherf – – – in’” spews loudly from the mouth of lead singer of Luke Boerdam within seconds of his arrival. And “f – – -” features all night. Why? Why not.

 After more than a decade of toil together, they are tight on stage. Their songs of remorse, meaningless love, lost lives, the detritus of wasted living are delivered with scorching power. They ignite fearful energy. Full of testosterone, the angst of youth.

Anthems of anger, shouted out in full voice, twirling heads of hair rolling round and round. 

They’ve got great songs in spades: Viceroy, Like Soda, Dope Calypso, Saramona Said, Covered in Chrome. 

You don’t get five songs on the JJJ Top 100 unless someone is listening.

There are so many ways to describe life. As they say in Like Soda: I don't mind. I don't care. I'll just say whatever. We don't mind. We don't care. We'll be here forever.

Its’ a cry, not necessarily for help, just for what it is, like a graffiti line on a surf club wall. 

Here we are, bustin' to grow up, spinning our minds, trying to figure life out. 

Welcome to the club.