We have been dying to see the Belair Lip Bombs for a long time now, and after missing out on catching them at Melbourne’s Laneway Festival a couple of weeks ago we were finally able to snag a couple of last minute tickets to their sold out Melbourne show this Friday.
Since becoming the first Aussie act to sign with Jack White’s Third Man Records back in 2024 it has been a busy 18 months for the Frankston indie rockers. A reissue of their debut album Lush Life and a 25-date North American tour supporting Spacey Jane are just a couple of the highlights, and let’s not forget the small matter of their upcoming support slots for the Foo Fighters in Melbourne and Sydney this coming November!
They also found time to release their second album Again – their first full release on their new label – and after a successful run of European shows they kicked off the Australian leg of their Again tour with 2 nights at Richmond’s iconic Corner hotel.
And what a start it was. We missed opening act Private Mountain, but second support act Cool Sounds set the mood with their funky indie pop vibes and it was great to see the venue busy from early in the night and people getting around these bands too.
From the opening chords The Belair Lip Bombs took full command of the room. The sold out crowd were here for them and immediately responded to the band’s vibrant and dynamic energy. Front woman Maisie Everett was a powerful presence on stage – her strong, powerful voice easily rising above the the driving instruments with a confidence and swagger that anchored every song. Wreathed in smoke and haze under the rich purples and oranges of the stage lights, she held the room in the palm of her hand as the band blasted through an hour long setlist featuring hits such as Hey You and Back of my Hand.
Each band member absolutely nailed their role, displaying a synergistic understanding that created a spirited, fast paced, and explosive energy that got the crowd jumping from the start. Their sound was crisp, clean and honed to perfection. It was truly a testament to what can be achieved when the whole band is operating on the same wavelength and making sure they have a hell of a lot of fun in the process. The level of enjoyment in the performance was palpable and never waned as they tore through a set of punchy riffs and catchy lyrics, taking the crowd on a musical journey rich with traces of 90s indie rock and tinged with the subtle nostalgia for a simpler, more joyful time.
This is a band on the cusp of great things and if you have the opportunity to see them live, seize it. I guarantee you won’t regret it.