The group deliver a subtle reminder that Aussie punk is in good hands.
Photo: Marcus Coblyn | Words: Sam Schilpalius
Deep into their EU/UK tour, CIVIC return to east London for what promises to be a night of sweat and mayhem. Since the release of their astounding debut album in 2018, they've become a staple act in the Melbourne punk scene, a title they look to carry beyond home turf. Consisting of frontman Jim McCullough, guitarist Lewis Hodgson, bassist Roland Hlavka and drummer Eli Sthapit, the Aussie outfit touch down in London, fresh off the release of 'Chrome Dipped', their third studio album.
The band take stage punctually and promptly at 9:35, a mic stand already raised and glued to McCullough's hand. They fire early with 'Chrome Dipped', the new album's title track, showcasing the clear and impressive vocal ability of McCullough, who offers a dynamic range not typically utilised in classic punk. By the end of their fourth track 'End of the Line', the Aussie outfit well and truly have the crowd at their disposal, before launching into fan favourite 'New Vietnam'. As old heads sit and watch on from the MOTH Club side tables, a sea of raised fists and smirking faces continue to throw their bodies at one another in the pit. As the crowd backs off, the pit swells, a classic rough English mosh that translates fluently to this brand of Aussie punk.
Photo: Sam Schilpalius
A masked guest joins the stage armed with an acoustic guitar while McCullough introduces 'Gulls Way', a new track which he explains has a particular importance to the band. The bleak and sombre tune catches the crowd off guard and the chaos seems to fizzle out momentarily. This felt like a mid-set intermission, with fans regathering their stamina and making quick pit stops at the bar. As the mysterious guest leaves, McCullough initiates 'Taken by Force' — the sweaty and amplified vibe returns. "Are you gonna fucking mosh?" he asks to a crowd already well ahead of him.
McCullough's ability as a frontman is transcendent. He jolts with every crash of the drums, sways with every scream of the guitar, and spits out lyrics with a bite that is uniquely his, unpolished and perfectly punk. CIVIC have mastered the power trio setup, there's never a sense that something's missing. Every element makes up for what another may lack, an impressive trait that's not always appreciated as much as it should be.
Enter, Mysterious Guitarist | Photo: Sam Schilpalius
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