Photo: Kristen Ashton

“Covers are a science and not an art” according to Spike Slawson, vocalist for Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, underselling the creativity that goes into crafting the perfect punk rock interpretation of a classic hit.

Unsigned local trio Nali Secundus (‘second to none’ in Latin) open the batting at The Arena with a ferocious set of punk-thrash. Guitarist/singer Jamie Brousard’s larrikin screamo vocals are fittingly brutal and complement the relentless shredding, creating a surprisingly full sound for a three-piece, with their original material showing promise. Highlight of the set was a thrash cover of the late ‘70s hit Computer Games by Mi-Sex.

Brisbane five-piece punk outfit Roshambo’s sloppy start gets the crowd offside and they are hard pressed to recover as the whiny vocals are almost completely lost amid the muddy barrage of three guitars hammering the same power chords. But what does get through reveals some nicely-crafted punk originals with catchy melodies that eventually get heads nodding. More diversity in the guitar and vocal parts would help unleash the obvious potential of the band.

The mood is instantly transformed as Californians Me First & The Gimme Gimmes appear in matching checked shirts and black cowboy hats – in keeping with the theme of their latest album Love Their Country. The posse comprises members of Foo Fighters, Lagwagon, and NOFX, with a couple of high-profile stand-ins for this tour.

After twelve years and six albums together they have a huge pool of irreverent pop-punk covers to draw on, including half of the new album and the best tracks from each of their previous records. Spike’s vocals are on the mark and the tight set faithfully reproduces the band’s signature sound. The enraptured horde brings the Arena to life as they throw themselves around to such gems as I Believe I Can Fly, Over the Rainbow and Leaving on a Jet Plane. There’s something wonderfully bizarre about a frenzied mob moshing and crowd surfing to a punk rock cover of a folk hit by John Denver.

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON

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