It’s so, so good to have live music back, after what seems like an eternity.

Walking into one of the mainstays of the Melbourne music scene, 170 Russell was alive, having survived one of the toughest lockdowns in our fine country. Punters were happy, bouncers were friendly & door staff greeted one & all with exuberance.

Lowe, brand new local indie pop-punk band, kicked off the night, offering a bunch of solid tunes off the back of their 2020 debut single ‘Worst house best street’.

Batpiss brought the OZ sludge to the stage next. I can’t sparkly highly enough of this Collingwood trio and their experimental lo-fi noise punk. A real treat to witness a ripper set from the trio. After the 2019 single ‘Nothing’ was released ,it would be great to get another album – fingers crossed.

Bodyjar were quick to take their place as headliner for this sold out show, and rightly so. These guys have been a fixture on the Australian music scene, well, forever.

Opening solidly with ‘Calling Orson’ and tearing into ‘Hope was leaving’ followed by ‘Lights out’ set the tone for the night. This followed quickly by their superb version of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Hazy shade of winter’.

By now the tiered space of 170 Russell was full of punters (in a covid safe way) enjoying the return of live music and taking a trip down the 90’s nostalgia lane.

It was great to hear the new (2020) single ‘Big Shot’ live and proves that Bodyjar are still masters at the pop-punk genre.

This is a band who still have the energy, grit and determination that they were known for. 

Winding up the night with favourites ‘Glossy books’, ‘To drunk to drive’ and ‘Wind sok’ was more than enough.

Here’s to hoping we see more of Bodyjar this year.

Words and Images by Lucas Packett