A large crowd witnessed New York’s hardcore punk outfit, Show Me The Body (SMTB) take to the stage as part of the return of Hobart’s world class festival, Dark Mofo following a one year hiatus.
Having not heard of this band prior to this event. I must say I was hugely impressed with the energy the band brought as they pummelled their way through the evening, with a highly appreciative and equally-energetic crowd responding at full voice to any and every call-and-respond moment. The music was a blend of the best of punk, hardcore, sludge metal and even some hip-hop style beats, creating an almost mesmeric experience, albeit thunderously loud.
It is a rarity to see a banjo being played in any style of rock music, let alone in punk music, but the heavily distorted sound emanating from Julian Cashwan’s instrument was nothing short of astounding as it combined with the pounding drums of Nijol Benjamin and the heavy effect-pedalled basslines produced by Harlan Steed which prevail throughout this socially aware outfit’s music. The incisive vocal delivery of Cashwan added a further abrasive edge to the music, inciting the audience to mosh and pump along with the at-times sludge infused riffs.
If, like me, you haven’t heard or seen this band, I thoroughly recommend that you give them a spin. Once again, kudos to the organisers of Dark Mofo for bringing us more brilliant independent artists of such calibre.
Show Me The Body Gallery:
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
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