Avantdale Bowling Club at Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

April 15, 2026

With all my Years Gone By memories and ticket data in the digital powers that be, the IG Moshtix algorithm got me good and promoted Avantdale Bowling Club on one of the first days arriving in Sydney. I remember a YGB magnet on my flat’s fridge in Arch Hill, when it was Young Gifted & Broke (circa: 2014?), before it changed its name to Years Gone By. From sick boxing day picnics with chill tunes, BYO bevvies, and shenanigans, I have very fond memories of being half-cut on picnic rugs with friends and loves, and those infuriating huzzle puzzles we did to mitigate the come-up anxiety.

When Avantdale Bowling Club’s first self-titled album came out, Aotearoa’s die-hard artists didn’t know what hit them. A new, matured bevvy from the Home Brew days??? Then, Trees, an album that encapsulates the life of devoted broke kiwi artists just tryna make it gave such detailed relationality it hurt (and honourable mention to the accompanying short film, Trees, an underrated masterpiece and has been a huge inspiration to my dance work). It was the album my ex and I listened on repeat (and a guy who’s part of the reason I moved from NZ), so I knew this show was gonna hit on many levels. Oxford Arts Factory was a great art-rat venny, and gave a kind of intimacy that suited ABC well. The merch stand was, as always, iconic, so I copped the jester tee that reads “Have a happy apocalypse” on the front and “all day I dream about complete overthrow of the current political system” on the back. I’ve already had various people compliment it and it’s only been a week. Sign of the times, huh?

From the get-go, the vibe was ultra-friendly. I met a trio of fans who’d travelled from a tiny town in the far west of NSW. Playing us in was Amaani Fiedles-Busingye, who opened with a lush soulful set. There wasn’t much information about who the opener was and it was a delightful surprise. Amaani has an exciting project with Kobee Nooks, called Native Soul that was blending R&B, hip-hop, and aforementioned soul vibes that oozed very YGB picnic vibes (iykyk). Amaani’s vocals are divine. These guys are definitely ones to watch – you can even go check out their vibes at 185 Bar on the 17th April in Marrickville.

From having 6+ projects, including: Home Brew, @Peace, Average Rap Band, Avantdale Bowling Club, and last year’s solo work with his latest album Anitya, Tom is one of the drivers of the ever-evolving asteroid that is YGB, and is a creative and socio-political force. His archives eloquently wrestle the ugly and magical process of navigating the beautiful shitbag that is life, with humour, depth, and intelligence. OAF’s April 4th ABC setlist was a mix of the greats and some lesser-knowns (honestly, though, they’re all greats to me). Just as they started playing, I spied a friend waving at me right at the front, so I got to groupie out with die-hard fans, up close and personal to Tom’s coconut water, and 2 the wine glasses he later poured and clinked with someone in the crowd. Being in the thick of the action of these kinds of gigs is something special. I get this really nerdy satisfaction from witnessing such deep trust and playfulness between musicians. That’s the beauty of this kind of band live; it’s an experience that listening to a record can never give you the satisfaction of. Long live live arts. The electric charge when musicians are simply breathing together, which then builds into a mad catharsis, is something I cherish being able to witness. And we were with them every step of the way. Last time I saw ABC was at Auckland Town Hall, people were throwing some of the biggest doobies I’ve seen over the balcony and onto the stage. The Aussies favoured tossing a bag of dried shrooms instead. Also very large. Great minds, I guess?

Crowd favs were Friday Night At The Liquor Store, Rent 2 High, Pocket Lint, F(r)iends and many more. Seeing so many people knowing lyrics, especially the te reo Māori words brought a certain warmth and pride. But the one that really hit for me was Home. There’s a certain complexity about going back to Aotearoa. I’ve been away for a year and in my one visitation over New Years 25/26, those lyrics hit harder than they used too. From covering the continued issues around colonisation and its impact on people, to classism and financial hardships, to personal relationships in pain and revelry, it’s all deeply emotionally messy. That’s what ABC does so well. They live, breathe, and make art because they have to.

I think the most admirable part of seeing ABC at OAF is the tenacity from the collective associated with Tom, YGB, ABC and the rest. Across years gone by they, mostly, haven’t lost total hope, despite being in an era of hopelessness. Music, art and community are used magnificently as a vehicle of expression and activism in a world that doesn’t always want to hear that shit. I think we need a lot more of that right now, and I wish all who went to that gig a very happy “…dream about complete overthrow of the current political system,” and maybe a way to find a sense of home with art and one another along the way.

Review by Amber Liberte.