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Live Reviews : The Exploited, Wolfpack, Bastard Squad & Ganbaru @ Max Watt’s, Melbourne 12/12/2015

By on December 13, 2015

Having been a fan of The Exploited since hearing Punks Not Dead sometime in the 80s, I was pretty stoked to get the chance to finally see them play right here in Melbourne with a great bunch of local support acts in tow to make for a top night of punk rock chaos.

The Exploited tour 2015

Starting the show was local hardcore band, Ganbaru, who I had never seen before but was immediately taken by their sound. Mixing New York hardcore influences with an Australian flavour these guys really tore it up. They told all who were there early enough that they have an album to be released soon and if tonight’s set was anything to go by, we are all in for a treat cos they were awesome.

For a band who’s legacy is the stuff legends are made of, it’s surprising that this was my first time seeing Bastard Squad live. For years I’d been hearing stories about this band and finally I got to see what all the fuss was about and it was worth it. These legends slayed! If there was ever a band most suited for a support slot to the likes of the Exploited, it would be these guys. Audience chants and middle fingers raised, these guys gave us everything they had and it was nothing short of kicking serious amounts of ass.

Wolfpack followed with their brand of DIY Not-For-Profit metal punk. Mixing thrash riffs and punk beats, this trio dish out wailing solos over punk angst. I was surprised to see them playing over Bastard Squad (who had the biggest crowd besides the headliners) but regardless, it’s always a good time seeing these guys do what they do.

The Exploited were scheduled to tour Australia in 2012 but due to a family illness the tour was cancelled. Thankfully the band has returned and brought with them a set full of Exploited classics, both old and new. Appearing on stage to an enthusiastic audience chanting the bands war cry of “Exploited Barmy Army!” the band wasted no time in getting down to business with Let’s Start A War. From here on in it was Exploited gem after gem whether they were playing their latter day more metallic punk anthems like “Beat The Bastards”, “Porno Slut” and “Fuck The System”, or the golden oldies like “UK 82”, “Dead Cities” and “Alternative”. Vocalist and only original member Wattie Buchan’s snotty Scottish drawl screamed through each song while his band shredded and thrashed away dishing out a whopping 20+ song set of Exploited anarchy. “I Hate Cop Cars”, “Fuck The USA” and their Vibrators cover of “Troops Of Tomorrow”; it was all there and it ruled!

A stage invasion of around 50 punters was invited by Buchan as the band played their notorious anthem, “Sex & Violence”, before finishing an exhausting set with “S.P.G.”, “Punks Not Dead” and “Was It Me”. They sounded great, their performance was tops, and they played an excellent selection of songs from their well decorated career. All up, it was a solid set by a legendary punk band who have done the hard yards and have lived to tell the tale. Truth be told, that the constant revolving door of members has no doubt been the key to the band’s longevity and ability to keep doing this for 35 years and counting. Good stuff.

Tonight was a solid show of both local and international talent and it was great to see. I’m sure we will see the Exploited again in some way shape or form as I don’t see Wattie retiring anytime soon. And why should he? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The Exploited hit The Gov in Adelaide tonight (Sun. 13 Dec) before the band wrap up their Australia tour on Monday 14th at Amplifer Bar in Perth. Grab your tickets now via Tombowler.