Live Review: Bugs, Squid Fishing, Lasca Dry

The enchanting Lasca Dry opened up, calming the small enthralled crowd before the energy levels were due to rise. There is something so gripping about Squid Fishing. Whether it's the first time punters have seen them or the tenth, it was certainly a set to remember, one that'll have people saying, "I saw these guys before they were huge!"

As Bugs set the stage the crowd raced to the barrier and beyond, and the once spaced-out room was quickly jammed full of patrons. Bassist Jordan Brunoli took his shirt off — he was in for one sweaty, fast-paced show — and the girls in the front row "woo"-ed.

Opening up with the When I Know, they set the tone for the rest of the night and everyone had the biggest smile on their face, paired up with their loudest singing voices. Well, except for one girl. After their third song, a note was slipped to the band and, smiling graciously, singer Connor Brooker opened it to read out loud, "This would be more enjoyable if the bassist put his shirt back on." It was a bummer of a thing to happen while the energy was so high, but the crowd booed and whistled at Brunoli in support.

Tinnies was appropriately dedicated to some excited lads in the second row, whom all had Cascade lagers in hand, and the crowd roared on. Other highlights and evident fan favourites from their set included the oh-so-humorous Neighbourhood and the fast-paced banger that is Instant Coffee. While drummer Brock Weston couldn't stop smiling and singing along, Brooker and Brunoli regularly embraced each other with cheesy grins, manifesting their adoration for each other and what they do.

Closing with one last banger from their Social Slump EP, Glue heard the crowd belt along with the smiling three-piece one last time before Brooker thanked the crowd lovingly for being here. Being the last show for the tour, it was a bittersweet moment.

There was no encore, much to the crowd's dismay after pleading for Esky Lid. We probably couldn't have handled any more bouncing around and singing along anyway. Many voices were surely lost and bodies were sweaty and sore as the fanatical crowd left the energetic, insanely fun set that Bugs had just provided.