Surf, Beers and Mosh…
On May 19th, SUBCULTURE? proudly presented a 100% Central Coast lineup at the iconic Wamberal Surf Club, now known as Wamberal Cafe. Despite the prevailing notion that post-Covid, hardcore/alternative music shows were a thing of the past, we gladly accepted the challenge and curated a lineup that perfectly represented the local culture and showcased the active bands in the area. Joining forces with our friends in Rage and Stupid Baby, we introduced the talented acts of Deadshowws, Voider, and Dreamboat to the stage.
The day began with the excitement building during Rage's soundcheck at 4pm, as we indulged in a few sneaky beers and caught the afternoon surf while the sun majestically set over Wamberal Beach. Even before the doors officially opened at 6pm, the room was already half full, and the atmosphere was electric. Voider, whom I had previously seen at Mumbos supporting Stupid Baby, delivered a performance that radiated raw Australiana energy. Their unique sound effortlessly blended elements reminiscent of early Modest Mouse with the contemporary vibes of Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Bad/Dreams. Voider is an up-and-coming band that hasn't even recorded a single yet, so their future looks promising, and I can't wait to witness their musical journey.
Following Voider, we were treated to the debut show of Dreamboat, an Emo-Indie/Punk ensemble comprising members of Rage. Their recent release, "Lights Out / Won't Stay Long," garnered attention when it received its first spin on Short Fast Loud on Triple J. The audience was enthralled by Dreamboat's performance, and a local named Ant even remarked that they should open for The Get Up Kids in the future. Keep an eye on this band; they are poised to make waves in the local scene.
Next up was Deadshowws, an Alt-Punk Indie group that emanated the energetic riffs and infectious chorus structures reminiscent of Violent Soho. Their fusion of American Emo energy with a touch of punk rock ignited the crowd, which had swelled to over 180 enthusiastic individuals. As their set progressed, the floor became slippery with sweat, and fallen mosh pit warriors were swiftly picked up and returned to the action. Deadshowws' performance was nothing short of electrifying, leaving the audience craving more.
And then, it was time for Stupid Baby to grace the stage. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this band live, you're in for a challenge, as they sporadically appear primarily within the Central Coast region. However, their untapped energy is unparalleled. With massive riffs and the drummer Dobson delivering vocals from behind the drum kit, their performance was something truly extraordinary. Stupid Baby effortlessly transitioned between surf-rock anthems, 90's punk-inspired sounds, and irresistibly catchy choruses, leaving the audience in awe.
Finally, to bring the night to an explosive close, Rage took over the stage, offering a high-octane performance featuring tracks from their latest release, "Want To Feel." The atmosphere reached its peak as the crowd passionately engaged in moshing and stage-diving, pushing the limits of the stage and sound equipment. Mark, one of the band members, even rallied everyone to form a massive circle pit, and true to their spirit, the audience enthusiastically obliged. It was a spectacle to behold, and Rage undeniably brought down the house with their unwavering energy.
In the end, the night was an extraordinary success, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the bands for their incredible performances. They are undoubtedly at the forefront of the emerging talent on the Central Coast.