A Night with Good Music at The Old Bar, Fitzroy

On Thursday, February 6, I clocked off work at 7:15 PM, ready to dive into Northside New Wave, Good Music’s latest event at The Old Bar in Fitzroy. Featuring a stacked lineup of local post-punk and rock trailblazers: W.O.M.B.A.T, The Mundaynes, and Red Moon Cowboy. After a quick three hour shift, I was more than ready to lose myself in the music on a night that promised pure euphoria; and hopefully get the chance to dance to The Cure’s ‘Just Like Heaven’. Spoiler – I did.

Good Music has previously hosted sold-out events celebrating the icons of the indie and Britpop scene, paying tribute to the likes of The Strokes, Blur, The Kooks, Spice Girls and more. Whilst doing so, the event creates a platform for local artists to showcase themselves to a wide audience, giving them the opportunity to gain more exposure. It fosters a sense of community and collaboration, allowing emerging talent to make their mark in the scene.

The event comes together in what I like to call the 'Indie Disco Revival' – a fusion of the stereotypical house party atmosphere. It reflects the nostalgic yet chaotic energy of early 2010s club nights often depicted through pop culture.

Opening the night was a curated medley of new wave songs. From Talking Heads to Tears for Fears, it was the perfect mix of what every 80’s music lover craves.

The night was still young, and the vibrant buzz ignited when local band Red Moon Cowboy graced the stage. Throughout their set all I could think of was the album ‘Combat Rock’ by The Clash. Their fiery and passionate energy was clear through their poetic, political lyrics, and hard-hitting depictions of society, much like The Clash. Lead singer, Owen Gust was a passionate artist who was the embodiment of an unfiltered, rebellious spirit, leaving the crowd in awe. Their highlight performances were their songs ‘Astra Castra’ and ‘Rome’. Each song felt authentic, depicted through their unique composition and raw, angsty lyricism. They contributed to the night in a way that felt refreshing, capturing the essence of punk-rock while infusing it with their own contemporary edge.

(Source: Good Music)

Self-proclaimed new wave cover band from Leeds, but Melbourne-based punk band W.O.M.B.A.T, otherwise known as ‘Waste of Money, Brains, and Time,’ is an otherworldly addition to the Naarm scene. Lead vocalist and bassist, Harrison McGregor-Porcaro has ‘performer’ engraved in his soul. Every time he takes the stage he exudes the spirit of a traditional rockstar. While he follows in the footsteps of legends before him like Angus Young from ACDC, he is in a league of his own. His electrifying presence, unique flair, and meticulous sense of self makes him incomparable, carving out an image that is both authentic and entirely his own. Guitarists Lachlan McGregor-Porcaro and Zoe Hammond create an instantly captivating blend. McGregor-Porcaro brings the band's performance together, playing a pivotal role with his seamless expertise and charismatic stage presence. Hammond is also a force to watch—her solos are a striking testament to her artistry, adding a revitalising nuance to the band's sound. Their tracks ‘North Career’, as well as their track ‘Look Out’ capture the essence of the rock and roll, punk phenomena they uphold. Every time I see them perform, an adrenaline rush kicks in—it’s an unforgettable experience. W.O.M.B.A.T is one of my personal favourites in the scene, and without a doubt, a band to keep an eye on. You won’t want to miss what they do next.

(Source: Good Music)

The Mundaynes were the perfect band to close out Good Music, demonstrating the essence of new wave with a distinct Britpop influence. Drawing comparisons to icons like Oasis, my friend, Thomas Tiger Wallis – yes, that’s his real name, described them as a “punkier young Liam Gallagher”, they delivered a set packed with an effortlessly cool attitude that captivated the crowd. Their sound blends the punchy, danceable guitar work reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand with synth-driven keys that channel classic 80s new wave. The Mundaynes are a band that feels both timeless and undeniably current. Their performance of their latest track, ‘National Treasure’, radiates the energy that makes it feel like their rise to stardom is inevitable.

(Source: Good Music)

The night was a success, with substantial support from everyone who attended. Good Music played a significant role in creating an environment for like-minded people to have a fun and fulfilling time. Events like these drive positive change in the industry, making a much-needed impact on the scene and allowing these gatherings to become more common.