Oxford Arts Factory is a combination of art space meets bar. There are leather couches, graffiti on the walls and dingy little alley ways giving the feeling that you’re at some house party, and what doesn’t scream house party more than a pop-punk show?
It was the sixth night of Heroes For Hire’s The ‘Just Shoe It’ Tour and along for the ride where some of Australia’s catchiest bands. Starting with Uncorrected, who although only a young act – having only formed in 2010 – played a mix of super catchy songs with killer riffs. The perfect start to a wonderful night.
As drinks continued to flow Western Sydney’s Breakaway graced the stage. Their unique, edgy sound drifted throughout the room and continued the party vibe that had now spread through every patron.
Although technically a new band, Carry Me Home – featuring members of Australia’s favourite hardcore bands – are not new to the stage. Playing infectious pop punk tunes with precision and working the stage like the music veterans they are, wowing the crowd and leaving them excited for they debut album which is currently in the works.
Continuing the epic night was Tasmania’s Luca Brasi. Yes guys and gals, that little island that always gets forgotten produces some killer music and it comes in the form of this four piece. They continued to pump up the crowd with their punk-rock tunes before it was finally time for the headline act.
Heroes For Hire are a band that never stops. From playing Soundwave to heading overseas to support acts like Mayday Parade or Every Avenue, they are always doing something and when you see them on stage you can tell why: they love what they do and have a ball doing it.
The five young guys from Western Sydney gave the show their all, they were having fun and the crowd reciprocated that feeling during their original take on fun pop-punk tunes like “East Coast Blazin”, “Save Me”, “Bright Lights In Paradise”. Heroes are easily our equivalents to America’s New Found Glory (so it’s no wonder why they get along so well, with Steven Klein even produce their latest album).
Every time Heroes grace the stage, there is always something hilarious or unusual bound to happen. Sometimes its cross-dressing, sometimes it’s people drinking from shoes; and tonight was no exception. During a cover of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” in the final half of the set, one of the band’s friends jumped on stage and proceeded to dance while undressing. the boys continued to play like there was nothing unusual going on, which for them is true.
You never really know what to expect at a Heroes For Hire show – and that is the beauty of it.
Throughout the set the crowd was bouncing, singing and throwing a few drinks back in true pop-punk spirit. During their final song “Secrets, Lies and Sins’ had singer Brad Smith playing bass while bassist Potter jumped into the crowd and began to dance around with their fans.
As the lights on the stage dimmed, a DJ continued the party vibe well into the night with a room of energetic, satisfied Heroes For Hire fans.
– Marissa Hanson
