After quick beer in the front bar with Liz & Dave, we headed into the main venue with Helmet due to start at around 8:30. Almost bang on the time they appeared, and played a pretty decent set. They (deliberately or otherwise) omitted the usual range of hits (Unsung, Wilma's Rainbow, In The Meantime) and played a set which had a range of songs from all of their records. The first few songs (mainly newer tracks) were a little dull, but as the set moved on they pulled out a range of tracks from Strap It On, Betty and Aftertaste, with only two selections from Meantime (which funnily enough, were the only two tracks that King Buzzo watched of theirs). Midway through the set they played a cover I didn't recognise. The onstage banter suggested it was either a Halo of Flies or Husker Du cover, but I'm not sure either way. It was a good track though - quite punky and upbeat. In the end Helmet played for just under an hour, which was about enough for me. They were better than when I saw them a few years ago, but still not an amazing band in their current form. I kinda wish that Page would embrace the fact that they are largely a nostalgia act these days and ditch the new songs. That said, he was obviously more into the newer material, so whatever keeps him happy I guess.
The Melvin's were pretty prompt as well, coming on just after their scheduled time of 10:00. Hag Me is always a great way to start the set, and the band continued on from their with a range of songs spanning their career. Dale even got the brushes out for a track off Freak Puke. The Melvins are a world class live band, and last night was no exception. There's some untangible quality to their live show that other bands struggle to match. Helmet are a great band (perhaps not so great in their current form) but they were blown away and made to look like a local support act in comparison. Each song that the Melvins played was fantastic, and while there are a bunch of songs I'd rather they'd played, I don't really have much in the way of complaints. If there was one, it'd be that the cover Youth Of America was a little bland. And the sound could have been better as well for that matter. I was loud (not obnoxiously so) and on the muddy side, but that could have been as much to do with where I stood (in from of Jared) as anything else. As the set wound down, Buzz walked off stage and the remaining three continued with a drum solo/noise piece which involved Jared chanting and Dale & Coady beating the shit out of the drums. It left most wondering what the fuck was going on.
Overall a great night, and a long time coming for Adelaide Melvins fans. A great way to cap off a year of excellent shows!
Here's a couple of shitty photos:
