Words & Photos by: Monika Smith

Kicking off the night were Sydney youngsters Nervous Wrex; (just making the assumption that they were probably not born by the start of the Gurg’s surge into our musical ear holes) they still manage to capture everything that you have been through whilst growing up; the insights to it all, falling in love and just your general overall life's hurdles which is relevant to just about everyone. Despite playing to a rather empty room, they managed to fill the empty spaces with their collective almighty sound, enthusiasm and ability to juggle different instruments. For the punters that turned up early their response to the delightful treat that they had experienced filled the room with cheers, applauds and they reciprocated Nervous Wrex’s infectious energy on stage which made it feel like the room was packed to the brim.

The room had significantly filled out by the time The Fauves were about to come on (a conversation with a couple of photographers made me realise that there may have been a bit of confusion with the timings of the show).
When it comes to The Fauves all I can say is “Coca Cola Sampler CD Easter Show” and a lot of people (my age and older) get what I am saying (I STILL have this CD). It came with the freshest of hits including The Favues “Dogs Are The Best People”. The voices of the crowd and the interaction from The Favues could be felt in every corner of the room. With the backdrop to their album “Driveway Heart Attack” added an artistic glow to the stage, the band has not faltered even after all these years to deliver a spectacular and heartfelt performance.

HOW IS THIS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER HEARD OF SHONEN KNIFE??? So many lost years of being able to enjoy this magical and absolutely wonderful band. Formed in 1981 and even Kurt Cobain himself has sung their praises; for good reason too. You can tell they love what they do, because you can feel it in your soul. It bursts harder and louder than a glitter filled balloon. As we know glitter is a bugger to be removed but is a sparkly reminder of some good times that were had. Just thinking back to their performance makes me beam with a big old stupid grin. Fitted out with similar patterned tops, but different colours; they dominated the evening and the crowd were absolutely mesmerised by every single second of their set. I want to see them play 100 more times.

14 years old, singing, dancing and bassing to “I Will Lick Your Asshole.” Unit; ahhhhh the album that joined many others being played on repeat. Coming with me in my backpack; being spun in my walkman. Having a major crush on Quan for the rest of my teenage years. The silver album cover with a big yellow round circle in the middle, with the words “Warning 18+, This albums contains explicit language and is not recommended for persons under the age of eighteen” in a black outlined rectangle under the word Unit. Buying it from HMV where they didn’t care and I was happy about that.
I turned out just fine though! (I think...)
These guys have not aged in 25 years; they look like the youthful lads who started to dominate the Australian 90’s music scene with the Molly Meldrum stamp of approval.

Stepping out on stage looking like they had all gotten into a Pom Pom and glue stick battle in your relatives crafts room before the show started. Looking rather beautiful as the crowd held their breath as The Gurg began the night at at gentle simmer with Like It Like That and by the end of the evening everyone in the room would be boiling hot and served up a moorish feast.
To describe this show as THE BEST SHOW OF 2019 thus far, is the most understated thing I can go for right now; I feel disgusted to say it in such a fashion but how else to describe the sheer perfection and thoroughly enjoyable experience of Regurgitator would require a degree in Etymology, Linguistics and interpretive dance. None of which I have achieved in my life.

Between all the costume changes and shooting us into space with their honey dipped set; we were entertained with some videos (Shout out to Paul Curtis – or say so all the credits!) by a few blasts from the past such as Dylan Lewis to continue the momentum whilst Quan, Ben and Peter made for a quick change into neon tracksuits. The evening would see two more costume changes, the next to follow were 3 human sparkling disco balls. As the night progressed it is one of those nights you genuinely feel that it has gone by way too quickly and that is should never, ever end. Do over?

The Gurg continued to absolutely crush the crowd with their flawless stage presence, kicking in fond memories of our youth and also to be ever so grateful to be now living in this moment.
For the final costume change for the evening; springing out from the shadows in leaps, bounds and terrible executed Grand Jeté’s were the fully transformed Gurg-swans in their pink tutus with glowing fairy lights.
Oh what a sight to behold!
The band connect so well not just with each other, but they have this somewhat hypnotic trance like ability that just pulls you right in, so anything that you've been concerned about in life or any worries you have melt away. Just when you thought the evening could not get any better, Shonen Knife, and Nervous Wrex joined Regurgitator on stage for the final song Sedated by The Ramones.
500 Stars out of 5!

My only criticism of the night: It ended.