Champions of the Sydney live scene The Lockhearts have done it again, pulling together a raucous lineup for their 2017 incarnation of Old Mates Block Party.
The absolute fucking legends have gone above and beyond with their research this time around, seeing at least two gigs per week in 2016 in preparation. The lineup is the result of this hard-fought ‘study’, and they delivered in spades.
If that doesn’t get you pumped enough, there may be something wrong with you, but we’ve got your back. Here’s a list of our favourite tunes from each act on the ticket, so grab the sweatbands, you’re gonna do some dancin’.
Old Mates Block Party is this Saturday and if you haven’t already jumped on board, this crash course ought to do the trick.
The Lockhearts
As Old Mate commissioners, you know The Lockhearts would know their way around a booming, choral rock track ripe with chords heavy enough to bend light. Low embodies the anthemic rock they’re all about. What a track.
The Stiffys
Sultans of silliness and stuntmen for the straggling punter, The Stiffys nail it with every new release whether they’re singing about Pokemon Go or rapping about Ian Thorpe.
Their 2016 track I WANT TO GIVE YOU ALL OF MY LOVE THEN YOU’LL BE LIKE OOH BABY is exactly what the doctor ordered, and the saving grace for music journalists trying to hit their word counts everywhere.
Borneo
A handsome tale of the alien Zook looking down on the cretins of earth, Borneo’s Hold Me In The River is their catchiest, zaniest offering yet. Give it a listen.
The Persian Drugs
In the running for the best band name ever are The Persian Drugs, but there’s nothing remotely discount about their tunes.
They push a brand of garage rock you can get down to, and their tune Little Pond is the perfect place to start your obsession.
Twin Fires
Denizens of the American South in all but their birth, Twin Fires rep the musical incarnation of an all-American road trip through a dusty desert in a roaring Mustang with the top down.
Uptown Ace
Melbourne’s pop rockers Uptown Ace know how to party. Just check below for their New Lands clip, a ripe montage of the spiciest dance scenes the 90s graced us with. Bangin’ track, too.
Private Function
Repping the hefty Melbourne punk wave are Private Function, who profess their own music to be “straight out of the bin.”
They dropped their video for Heavy Resistance less than 24 hours ago, so count yourselves amongst the first to witness it, in all it’s angry beauty.
The Sweet Jelly Rolls
Tasty, bright, juicy and jubilant like the best jam-based bakes, The Sweet Jelly Rolls give you everything you need to know in their name. There aren’t many bands who can make you laugh mid-dance, but these fellas’ country/comedy fusion hits the sweet spot.
Catch them performing I Guess Those Country Songs Are Finally Getting To Me live and you’ll understand.
The Bitter Sweethearts
Ambassadors of Guinness, failing to keep your pants on and all things heavy, The Bitter Sweethearts are rock and rollers from a by-gone era. Whether it’s getting arrested in Canberra, drinking a venue dry or drenching audiences in beer, they’re a welcome throwback to the rockstars of old.
The Bottlers
While folk-punk may sound counterintuitive at first, The Bottlers pull it off with surprising ease. The acoustic charm of folk going head-to-head with punk’s attitude is a unique combo, and something you’ll need to listen to if you wanna believe it.
Wolves In Fashion
Sydney’s grooviest new rockers Wolves In Fashion spend their time swimming in reverb, echoey vocals and chunky bass lines. Their video She’s Always Got More is less than a day old. Listen to it before it’s cool.
Kvlts Of Vice
Blanketed in pitch blackness under an attractive goth aesthetic, Kvlts of Vice are the darkened blues/punk/rock fusion band you haven’t fallen in love with yet.
Old Mates Block Party 2017 is on at The Factory Floor in Marrickville, Sydney this Saturday. Get your tickets here.
Read: The seven shortest song ever written.
