The Hives are the best live band in the world and they know it. There was no manufactured humility Saturday night as they made their triumphant return to Australia nearly a decade after their last visit. Australian punk rockers ‘Split System’ ran a blistering set of raucous tunes in support, capably engaging in short, fast, loud exposure therapy, preparing the crowd for the oncoming event.

Melbourne punk band Private Function brought absolute chaos to Max Watt’s on 27 June 2025, joined by Wet Kiss, Dealers of God, and the legendary Pint Man.

Daezy aren’t just another indie band. They’re storytellers. Their songs dive into queer love, self-discovery, heartbreak, and identity – and they do it with heart-on-sleeve honesty and unshakable confidence. Each track feels like a page from Daisy’s diary, backed by a band that knows exactly how to carry every lyric home.

Their frontman, Greg Gonzalez, is known for his calm yet captivating stage presence. The performances are usually laid-back, with the focus on creating a dreamlike ambiance, and the audience tends to get lost in the music - but this didn’t quite translate for Sofia on the night.

The anti-colonial Irish hip-hop group, Kneecap, came all the way from Belfast to absolutely smash up Melbourne’s stage at 177 Russel St. They are loudly anti-colonial and Pro Palestine; they aren’t here to fuck around.