Mac The Knife @ The Bowlo
On the evening of May 13th, Marrickville's beloved beach became the backdrop for an unforgettable musical extravaganza. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Inner-West, the Marrickville Bowling Club, affectionately known as "The Bowlo," played host to an electrifying lineup featuring the post-punk/rock & roll sensations, Mac The Knife, the fierce girl gang from Newtown, Downgirl, and the enchanting French-inspired disco duo, Barley Passable. This momentous occasion marked the release of Mac The Knife's latest single, 'Blood of My Blood,' setting the stage for an epic night of raw energy and undeniable talent.
Prior to the show, I (Jonny Blackwell) found myself at the Marrickville Hotel, indulging in a few pre-show libations. By the time I made my way to the venue, the soulful sounds of Barley Passable were already in full swing, serenading the early crowd with tunes like 'Til I Say So. The lively atmosphere, complemented by ice-cold Resch's flowing from the taps, ensured that Friday evening kicked off with a disco-infused bang.
As the clock neared 8:45 PM, the sensational girl gang, Downgirl, took the stage, instantly erasing any lingering doubts from the minds of the spectators. Their electrifying performance had the crowd moving and thrashing to hits like '2006,' 'Manic,' and 'Beauty Queen.' If you haven't experienced the gritty magic of this band, you're truly missing out on a mesmerizing blend of grunge, post-punk, and rock 'n' roll.
In the midst of the excitement, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Josh Piltz somewhere between the bathroom and the gaming room, a familiar face from Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys and the Andy Gollege Band. Whether he was there for the show or simply enjoying a few beers, it was unknown, but a delight to see him. The venue was now reaching its capacity, amplifiers hummed with anticipation, and a wall of guitars stood tall. If you've yet to witness the raw talent of Mac The Knife, you've made a grave mistake. This band has been gracing inner-west venues for over four years, and their performance that night proved just how exceptional they truly are.
Having recently collaborated with them for publicity on their latest single, which received its first spin on Triple J's Home & Hosed, featuring a live on-air interview with lead singer Bryn Parish Chapman and drummer Jonny, I can vouch for their captivating presence. And if you're not already a fan of Bryn's recent success on Netflix's reboot of Heartbreak High, seeing Mac The Knife live will undoubtedly make you one. Bryn stormed the stage, opening with the mesmerizing "Labour in Van" before launching into three more exhilarating songs. The dance floor transformed into a pulsating wave of euphoria as the audience grooved and pushed their way through the room. They concluded the night with the powerful anthem, 'Blood of My Blood,' followed by frontman Bryn bravely diving into the crowd, seizing one last transcendent moment of this truly extraordinary evening.
The success of this gig was a testament to the collaborative efforts of CCXO, yours truly SUBCULTURE?, and the fervent fans who nearly sold out the venue. To capture the essence of this unforgettable night, our friend from the coast, @benhunt, immortalized the magic through a captivating photo gallery.
Until next time,
x