Concrete Lawn hurl out an abrasive form of DIY punk that’ll kick you right in your teeth. It’s relentless and unapologetic; an all-out explosion of vitriolic energy.
Since releasing their five-track demo EP back in April, the Sydney four-piece have torn through venues all over the city, ripping the faces off anyone wise enough to listen.
“We don’t want to be one of those bands that disengage with the audience, or be a band who puts on some tedious performance then leaves“: If you’re not already acquainted with Concrete Lawn, it’s time you changed that.
“The guys came together a little before I joined,” frontwoman Madison says of the band’s formation.
“I would say we all met through mutual friends at gigs within the underground punk scene. Hence, why we all share similar views, morals and interests in regards to our music taste which I guess allured us into starting the band.”
Taking inspiration from the politically-charged punk bands of the 80’s (think X-Ray Spex, The Bags, Bikini Kill), Concrete Lawn stomp through crunching guitars and reckless vocals to craft an arresting and sound that’ll leave you no choice but to sit up and pay attention.
The name Concrete Lawn originally came from a song written by guitarist Campbell’s cousin’s band East River. “He popped the suggestion to have it as our band name at praco one day. From then on it kind of stayed with us merely because it upholds such great meaning for us.”
“Concrete Lawn mostly alludes to the concept of gentrification and urban development and it’s impact on the environment.”
If you’ve never seen the band live, you’ve straight-up been missing out. It’s easily one of the wildest live shows currently making the rounds. As Madison explodes across the stage, the remaining three members opt to hang back… giving her space to completely fill-out the room with her volatile energy.
“We don’t want to be one of those bands that disengage with the audience, or be a band who puts on some tedious performance then leaves,” Madison says of the live show.
“Music is a form of expression and when we’re on stage, we’re given the chance to truly express ourselves in the present moment and to let loose. Hopefully our audience can mirror this behaviour and feel free to also let loose and take a step away from the stresses and concerns that surround one’s everyday mundane routine.
“For example, we don’t want our audience to be thinking ‘shit I have work tomorrow’ or ‘I’ve gotta hand in that essay’, we just want people to be in the moment because in the moment all there is in live music and performance.”
In regards to the possibility of new music, the band say: “We recorded with Jez Player (The Pinheads) not to long ago for a 7inch with some new songs, but I don’t know when we will release it. Perhaps sometime before November. But, I can say that we have some big news in regards to touring.”
Catch Concrete Lawn live at our NZ Week Party at The Lady Hampshire, Saturday September 29th. More info here.
