The top 15 bands at SXSW Sydney 2024 – part 2
We went to SXSW Sydney and caught 15 bands that you need to watch out for. Here’s part two of our top tips according to our seven-time SXSW veteran photographer Adam Davis-Powell (check out the first batch of bands here):
7 – Coldwave
Coldwave, a six-piece from Adelaide, bring a blend of post-punk and horns to create an intense, high-energy live experience. With buzzing guitars and a unique vocal style, they’re turning heads in Australia’s music scene.
6 – Berlin Psycho Nurses
Changsha-based Berlin Psycho Nurses deliver post-punk with a punch. Their cold, moody sound is unmistakable, and their performances are charged with a vivid energy that’s hard to forget.
5 – Full Flower Moon Band
Emerging from Brisbane’s west with a fierce attitude, Full Flower Moon Band, fronted by the enigmatic Kate Dillon (aka Babyshakes), blend gritty rock with sultry blues. Their sound is both raw and hypnotic, filled with searing guitars and haunting vocals. They’ve shared stages with The Black Crowes and played at major festivals like Splendour In The Grass and Yours & Owls.
Known for captivating live performances, they’ve also been featured in shows like Heartbreak High. Their latest album, Megaflower, is a bold, seductive journey through rock that showcases their versatility and creative daring.
4 – Homesick
Homesick are a five-piece hardcore punk band, rooted in the fierce energy of Darug, Gadigal, Awabakal, and Darkinjung country. They create intense, cathartic noise, speaking to the experience of making art on unceded land.
Their music is a relentless burst of emotion and rebellion, with live performances that are a full-on sonic assault. Homesick is fast becoming a staple of Australia’s underground punk scene, delivering a raw, unfiltered energy that leaves a lasting impact.
3 – Mannequin Death Squad
This Melbourne-based alt-rock/punk duo bring a thunderous energy to every stage they hit. Mannequin Death Squad mixes infectious pop-punk melodies with aggressive riffs, and they’re known for their wild, DIY approach. Touring the globe completely independently, they’ve supported heavyweights like Suicidal Tendencies and Soulfly.
Their upcoming album Wise and Dangerous is already creating buzz, following the success of their debut Super Mental Psycho. They’re a band that thrives on the road, making waves across the UK, Europe, and beyond with their explosive, high-octane live shows.
2 – G.U.N
Sydney-based G.U.N are much more than a band – they’re a creative force that blends electronic post-punk with performance art, theatre, and drag. Formed during the lockdowns of 2021, this trio pushes boundaries with their raw, experimental sound and captivating live shows.
G.U.N’s performances are not only about music but also about creating a safe, interactive space for audiences to explore their own vulnerability. Known for their genre-bending approach, they’ve quickly become a fixture in Sydney’s underground, expanding into film, fashion, and more.
1 – The OBGMs
Toronto’s The OBGMs (The Ooohh Baby Gimme Mores) are a genre-defying powerhouse, blending punk, rock, and hip-hop into a unique, electrifying sound. Their second album, The Ends, received widespread acclaim, showcasing their bold, unapologetic energy. Live, they’re a tour-de-force, having shared the stage with acts like Death From Above and Alexisonfire. The OBGMs are on a mission to take over the global stage with their ferocious performances and trailblazing sound, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting acts to watch.
Check out the rest of our top 15 bands from SXSW Sydney here.
Words and photos by Adam Davis-Powell.
