Rejuvenated, perhaps, by news of the Vans Warped Tour becoming a reality again in Australia and a possible inclusion on the festival, 28 Days have hit the road nationally and in what is becoming an increasingly popular thing to do these days, are playing their most famous album ‘Upstyledown‘ in full, with Perth being the first to experience the 28 Days ‘time machine’.
The night started with local Perth band and Triple J Unearthed act, Blindspot, hitting the stage with a sound best described as melodic fast paced punk in the mould of Milencolin or NOFX.
Clearly enjoying the limelight supporting the iconic Australian headliners, Blindspot brought their ‘A’ game but more importantly they didn’t take themselves too seriously in true punk mode, as evidenced by the thrash version of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and a hip hop infused cover of the Sir Mix A Lot classic, “Baby Got Back”.
This band needs more exposure. They are tight, funny, and they entertained the smallish crowd still gathering. It was a great start to the night.
Axegirl was next on the bill. Another Triple J Unearthed band, they have been hovering about the place since early last year.
Fronted by English lass, Addison Axe and with ex-Jebediah guitarists Brett Mitchell and Vanessa Thornton along for the ride, they are an indie rock outfit with attitude.
A few technical difficulties plagued the set early on but otherwise it was an energetic bundle of songs for those more into a rock vibe similar to No Doubt or Hole.
When ‘Jedi’ Howard started kicking the turntables to introduce fellow 28 Days members to the stage, singer Jay Dunne walks out with a 700ml bottle of scotch, taking huge swigs from it – you just know it’s going to be a good show.
After setting up the front of the drum kit with an array of beer and his cherished scotch, Dunne welcomed Perth “we’re 28 Days and we’re gonna take you back on a time machine”. Close your eyes and you’d think it was 2001.
Sure, the group look older and the crowd were a mixed bunch of elder folk reliving past Sunday sessions and Big Day Outs to inquisitive Gen Ys, but no-one cared, and neither did 28 Days as they ripped straight into “The Bird”.
“Sucker” arrived just three songs into the set, and the audience exploded with the mandatory stage divers and pole jumpers. It was crystal clear that 28 Days can still rock a venue.
Jokes and reminiscing ensued throughout the night as Dunne continued his time warp into the noughties. The fans lapped it up, none more so when “Rip It Up” roared from the speakers – a crowd favourite indeed.
“Song For Jasmine” showed off Dunne’s vocal range and though this band is renowned for its buffoonery and comical side, it was evident that this song was a personal anecdote into the songwriter’s past. “You know that last December… I wanted to be with you… you might be the only one I love.”
The highlight of the night was a surprise – the hip hop infused “Deadly Like” with DJ Jedi in fine form and Dunne spitting dope rhymes emulating Hilltop Hoods at their best.
With the chorus filled with crunch-laden guitar work and drummer Dan Kirby pounding the sticks into oblivion, the song was a crowd pleaser and had heads nodding with appreciation before, during, and after.
When Upstyledown finished, 28 Days left the stage momentarily but the mandatory encore performance was coming; the room demanded and 28 Days delivered.
Armed with a few more beers for the appreciative crowd and themselves (of course).
Playing three more tracks, including the classic “What’s The Deal?”, 28 Days gave everything they had and the crowd savoured it all.
All in all it was a pleasure returning to a time when 28 Days were the kings of Australian rock/punk crossover music even if it was for only 90 minutes or so.
