Review and photos by BM Images

Published for Outsiders Journal

The Thorazines, a 3-piece outfit from Melbourne, kicked off the night with I Saw the Ramones. A punchy pop-punk track with catchy harmonies, was accompanied by humorous interludes from the frontman, which got the crowd truly warmed up and ready for the rest of the night.. The band finished their set with I Can't Believe This is Goodbye, leaving the audience with a clear message that time flies when you're having fun. The Thorazines have announced they will be re-recording many of their songs and releasing physical copies, so if you want to grab their limited release, keep an eye on their social media accounts.


The Melbourne based, all femme 5-piece Würst Nürse is delivering med-punk with bedside manner. Starting off their set with Nightmare on Night Shift, the first track from their 2022 EP, The Würst Nürse Cürse. With this track the band immediately came at us with sludgy riffs and imposing bass.


I enjoyed the diverse punk energy from song to song, fast-paced Dialysis called for a headbang, while slower bops Hot Surgeon and R.I.P. had me singing along. With catchy verses and angsty lyrics you can’t help but dance to. Who knew your friendly health professionals could rock so hard? Würst Nürse smashed out a set of 9 healthcare related songs with contagious energy and conviction.


Before I get into any kind of recap of the set, I need to emphasise the talent on stage for Me First and The Gimme Gimmes. With over a century of experience between them in the music industry, how can you not be buzzing with excitement?


Spike Slawson was the first on stage, opening with Rikki Don't Lose That Number by Steeley Dan. He was armed with a ukelele and his distinctive voice. The rest of the band joined Spike on stage. CJ Ramone (The Ramones) on Bass, Swami John Reis (Rocket from the Crypt) - Guitar, Joey Cape (Lagwagon) on Guitar, and  Andrew "Pinch" Pinching (The Damned) on Drums. After a macabre dedication to the ‘great pilot John Denver’, they slipped into a high-octane rendition of Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver.


Promises were made about “Putting the “c*nt back in country” with their cover of Jolene by Dolly Parton. Spike's standout vocals, combined with the band's punk rock sound, transformed the classic ballad into an energetic and upbeat rock anthem. Another cover, I will survive by Gloria Gaynor, had a few femmes up the front singing in each other's faces. Unsurprisingly, the biggest cheers came everytime Spike said the word c*nt. 


I could keep going. I don’t think there was a single song that didn’t have the crowd completely immersed and shaking many a booty. The band's chemistry was evident on stage as they interacted with each other and the crowd, creating a fun and light-hearted atmosphere that was truly infectious. 

At some point, it was highlighted that Joey Cape is now available for weddings, communions, bat mitzvahs, and estate sales, which is pleasing news. Would you believe it, the last song was another cover, End of the Road by Boyz II Men. It was a great way to cap off their showcase of tight musicianship and dynamic and zany stage presence. The band proved why they are one of the most entertaining cover bands in the business.


We all wanted a punk rock extravaganza, and our wish was their command. 


The Thorazines

WÜRST NÜRSE

ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES