Captives 10th Anniversary - Gig Review 24th February @ The Bergy Bandroom Melb, VIC
Captives
The Bergy Bandroom, Melbourne/Naarm VIC
February 24th, 2024Supports: Damaged Goods Club, Dear Matilda
There is just something so charming about heading to a venue like The Bergy Bandroom in Brunswick to watch some good ole punk rock music. What makes it truly special is when you get to take part in a celebration of an epic milestone, especially for a band like Captives.
Their 10 Year Anniversary tour was not something they originally planned to set out on. Still, urged by those around them, the rockers took their tour across the East Coast, including Tasmania, and finished it up in their current home in Melbourne.
Captives are collectors and pardon the pun, they are captivating. That was the essence that filled The Bergy Bandroom. A band started by the three Damon brothers, now including guitarist Cameron Owens and bass player Marg– the room was filled with people who had come across the band on their travels. An assortment of personalities, all with their tales of how they had met the band, it felt more like a private function- I mean that in the best way possible. Mingling with those who had come out, everybody had their own story on how they met the band. From Melbourne to Tasmania to even Tokyo, the impact Captives have on those around them is undeniable.
More than just collectors and captivators, they are also cultivators. Asking young up-and-comers Dear Matilda to kick off the party is proof of that. Labelling themselves bubble gum grunge, the fresh-faced musicians led by the formidable Gabrielle Matilda. Raw, vulnerable music laced with cheeky grin; Dear Matilda is one of those bands you file into your brain to make sure you keep tabs on them because their future is bright. Their original songs were catchy, and heavy and had the crowd intrigued. A cover of Alanis Morissette‘s classic ‘You Outta Now’ sealed the deal on the talent that Gabrielle has as a lead singer and led to her being able to entice the crowd into a sing-along with one of their originals.
From the exuberance of raw new kids on the block to the experience of a well-established band, Damaged Goods Club took the stage next. With an authentic vibe that just feels oh-so 90s, the five-piece looked extremely at home on the stage. A band of absolute characters, it was a fun set from the start. Frontwoman Kelsie Rimmer is every bit as talented as she is relatable. It is hard not to fall in love with how vulnerable and down-to-earth both her lyrics and vibe are. Damaged Goods Club is the type of band you want to see when you are feeling a little lost and want to be company in your melancholy state. They have a sense of safety about them that encourages you to let loose a little but at the same time feel understood. That friend that you invite over when you want to have a wine and a cry.
By the time the band of the hour took the stage, The Bergy Bandroom was packed. Fans, friends, family and others they had collected along the way- it was a culmination and celebration of their last decade. Straight into the show, they smashed out ‘Buried & Bones’ and the catchy as hell ‘Tommy Gun’. Refined, tight and completely instep, every second showed just how much experience this band has. There is one thing to be a band for ten years, but there is another to put the work in and set out to put on the best show possible. Frontman Aaron Damon oozed confidence and charisma, but never overshadowed his bandmates. Powering through ‘Gold’ and the fan favourite ‘Pigeon Boy’, the energy started to climb to astronomical heights.
There is just something that feels so effortlessly cool about Captives. From their look to their sound to what they bring to the stage, this attitude bled through into their set, with almost an hour flashing by in what felt like less than half that time. An appearance from one of their former bass players added to the nostalgia, but it was the testimonies from current members that sealed the deal on how special this show really was.
The best thing about it? While this milestone is huge, it almost feels like they are only just getting started. Playing their two latest singles ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Shadow Cat’ amongst their other classics, you could hear their evolution and direction. With a fanbase this strong and an unwavering drive forward I have little doubt that this band will make it to not only new heights in 2024, but in 2034 we will be back celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Probably will need a bigger venue though.
Review by Kayla Hamilton @kaylazomboid
