It was the first Friday night of September and footy finals fever was in the air, yet my mind remained on other things. I was seeing a band who would prove to be worthy adolescent reincarnations of the messiah, who were also partial to some flirting in denim. Enter, Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers.

Underneath a starry sky, surrounded by beautiful statues and architecture, I found myself in the front of the stage behind the barricade- a position I’m not too familiar with. Naturally, you could find me in the photographer’s pit, but this time I’m in amongst the crowd, eagerly awaiting the events of tonight’s show - Holy Holy.

It was the battle of the decades in the Workers band room on the night of Friday the 13th. Jervis Bay charmers Debbies fused their Skeggs-reminiscent-surf-punk with looking like they’d just strolled off the set of Puberty Blues, whilst front-woman Hallie appeared like a late 90s fever dream sporting Gwen Stefani No Doubt era vibes, and finally, the cheeky Adelaide duo TOWNS stayed true to blink-182 influences in baggy trousers and flannies and performed a phenomenal cover of Smashmouth’s ‘Allstar’. 

The band has only ever played one other show a few months ago at The Workers Club, but smash cut to Wednesday night, where we die-hard fans stood in the Retreat’s band room, donning thick woolen scarves and clasping pints.

Ability Fest was an invigoration of the senses. Not only since it’s the first festival after months in lockdown but it had presented an opportunity.