Melbourne’s enigmatic garage-punk rock royalty, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, took to the stage as part of a two-show performance at Hobart’s Altar Bar on Friday and Saturday. The sold-out Friday show preceded a planned matinee performance on Saturday afternoon (which was heading towards a further sell-out).
The band brought their D-I-Y garage rock back to Hobart for the first time since 2016’s Dark MOFO performance at The Odeon Theatre, a hiatus of 10 years which had been sorely felt by local fans of the band. However, redemption took about two seconds once the band stepped out, plugged in and began to play, kicking off with Cool Ice Cream. It wasn’t long before the crowd surged forward and the moshpit became a heaving maelstrom of sweaty fervour, all the while singing along with the older, established favourites such as Colour Television and soaking in some newer numbers which with fingers crossed, portend an upcoming album.
Nearly 23 years after they first began, the guys were still showing that they were up for a performance for the ages, led by the prowling, golf-glove laden Brendan Huntley and the angular, gritty guitar work of the legendary Mikey Young, all underpinned by the sinuous bass-lines of Brad Barry (and his corresponding movement around the stage) and the mighty metronomic drumwork of Danny Young.
So to Eddy Current Suppression Ring – Tasmania salutes you, and prays that it won’t be anywhere near as long before we see you back rocking our world on our distant shores once again. You know which way to go…..
Setlist:
Cool Ice Cream
Shapes & Forms
Ulterior
Wrapped Up
Bop
Anxiety
Colour Television
Precious Rose
Swimming Hole
It’s All Square
Which Way To Go
I Admit My Faults
Past & Future
Eddy Current Suppression Ring were more than ably supported by electronic post-punk favourites, The Native Cats, and upcoming local heroes, TEENS who set the scene for such a fabulous evening of independent music.
Eddy Current Suppression Ring Gallery:
Teens Gallery:
The Native Cats Gallery:
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
