Review: Luca Brasi at Rosmeount Hotel

Luca Brasi at Rosemount Hotel
w/ Eaglemont, OK Hotel
Saturday, June 3, 2023

Tasmanian punk act Luca Brasi played Rosemount Hotel on Saturday night in support of their new single Party Scene. It was the five-piece’s first trip to Western Australia since 2018, and since then the group have added a swag of new tunes to their already substantial discography. Being unable to tour their popular 2021 album Everything is Tenuous due to COVID and related border closures, it felt like a long-awaited reunion for them and their passionate fans. With the Rosemount’s Main Room packed almost to the brim, there was plenty of excitement in the air.

The night kicked off with young Wollongong trio OK Hotel warming up the growing audience with a set of mid tempo pop-punk. The trebly bass and angular guitars had a cool nineties vibe at times, which felt fitting given their hometown. “It’s our first time in Perth, so let’s have some fun" they said launching into their 2021 single Life is Crazy (Like That).

With a dazzling (almost Ziggy-esque) red mullet and a cool sound to match, Eaglemont commanded everyone's attention as the next support act. Eaglemont, AKA Melbourne singer Bridgitte Jessop was lively and likeable, with a clear voice that conveyed the feeling of the songs over jangly guitar riffs. It was bit Dolewave with a punk attitude; a little tongue in cheek but still brimming with sincerity. Definitely one to check out if you're a fan of Aussie singer-songwriters like Bec Stevens, Courtney Barnett and Alex Lahey.

When Luca Brasi kicked off the crowd had surged closer to the stage and the Tasmanian rockers rose to the occasion. “It's been five years since we've last been here" said singer/guitarist Tyler Richardson, thanking everyone for their patience. “Does anyone like to party in Perth?" he then asked before launching into their new single Party Scene. After that it was a run of their biggest hits from across their five albums, including Dying to Feel Alive from 2021's Everything is Tenuous and Aeroplane from 2015's If This Is All We're Going to Be.

Richardson asked the crowd “who was here last time we played in Perth?" and dedicated the next song to them. With Luca Brasi's fan base growing a lot since the last time they were here, it seemed like these 'OG' fans were a minority at the show, but certainly a vocal minority! Next up Selfish Love was a highlight, as was early hit Western Junction, not to mention a weird medley of Sweet Home Alabama, Rock Star, Wonderwall and Under the Bridge (and probably a few more.) Luca Brasi's onstage sound was thunderous and well-balanced. The only thing that could be improved was that some of the best guitar parts of the songs could have been more front and centre.

Clothes I Slept In, from 2018 album Stay, was probably the highest point of the night and led into the equally compelling hit Tangled; Content. After a brief intermission Luca Brasi returned for a few more songs, and a surprise cover of Goo Goo Dolls' Iris which sent everyone off on a sentimental high.

Overall Luca Brasi, OK Hotel and Eaglemont delivered a fun night of energetic guitar rock that warmed people right up on a cold winter's night. Fortunately it's not likely to be so long between visits for Luca Brasi next time, and the way the St Helens quintet are going they'll probably be back armed with more new hits when they return, because they're showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

BRAYDEN EDWARDS 

Photos by Sethen Sheehan-Lee