BUGS, LOSER & VOIID @ THE CROXTON 21/05/2022
Photo: Tori Louise
Melbourne music lovers held each other close in the cold weather on the evening of the Federal Election of 2022. There were frequent check onto social media and news networks to confirm who would be the next Prime Minister of Australia, but despite the political gossip - there were plenty out for a night of live music. With major gigs on across the city, it was a demanding night for live music.
On the north side of town, The Croxton Bandroom was hosting a stellar lineup of VOIID, Loser and Bugs. VOIID, an all female powerhouse, led by their singer who looked like she would have been best friends with the Kat from ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ or Janis from ‘Mean Girls’. The band presented a garage rock edge, the vocals similar to No Doubt or Cheap Trick. An iconic feminist group singing about what impacts their lives, like ‘Lexapro’ and of course what it’s like when ‘All my friends are drunk’. They demonstrated musical prowess, however lacked banter or stage presence.
The next act may call themselves Loser, but the band called Loser is anything but. The three piece brought the energy of a seasoned band to the stage. It remained a fairly quiet room, potentially due to the competition for shows on Saturday night or the tight political news but a fun group for those who were there. The boys joked amongst themselves, waving and smiling to long time fans who came out to see them again. They danced the line of Aussie rock, garage and pub rock while popping out some of their recognisable hits like ‘On the Edge’.
Photo: Tori Louise
It remained a smaller crowd than anticipated for headliner, Bugs but they were warmly welcomed by those in attendance. The three piece band made up of lead singer - Connor, Bassist - Jordan and drummer Brock opened and quickly led into some favourites including ‘Instant Coffee’. Following the release of their album in March 2022, they have been travelling around the country to reconnect with their people. The Brisbane Locals appreciated the moment noting ‘It is so nice to be back’. There were several sweet moments between Connor and Jordan, hugging and talking about their excitement for being back together on stage.
It was half way through their set when Connor called out that the Labor Party had been labelled the winner of the election, leading to a request to yell “F*CK SCOMO” which the crowd was happy to oblige with gusto. The music industry of Australia has battled through the last couple of years, but you could feel the hope of a better future.
Photo: Tori Louise
After returned for an encore of “Esky Lid’, Loser ran back onto stage to join in for an impromptu sing a-long of ‘Lips of an Angel’. It was the music community at its finest and evidence these bands should all be put on festival lineups immediately.
