Dune Rats supported by Greg and Heffa Lump@ Dalrymple Hotel

The night kicked off with the gritty and hard-hitting sounds of support acts Greg and Heffa Lump, who warmed up the crowd with infectious energy, setting the stage for a fun evening. By the time surf/punk rock trio Dune Rats took to the stage, a mid-sized but fervent crowd had packed into the front of the stage, buzzing with anticipation.

Lead singer Danny Beus immediately commanded attention with his bulging eyes and fiery stage presence, perfectly matching the raw intensity of the band’s bangers. Complemented by bassist Brett Jansch’s impressive mane of hair thrashing about and the cheeky grin and backing vocals of BC Michaels on drums, we were treated to a set of highlights from their five studio albums  Closing my eyes during their set, I could easily imagine myself at a Frenzal Rhomb gig, as their raucous sound and cheeky lyrics carried the spirit of Australian punk rock.

The setlist was a blend of fan favourites and fresh tracks. Songs like Beers, Bongs, and Bull$%it and 6 Pack had the crowd singing along in unison, while their cover of The Angels’ Never Gonna See Your Face Again was a nostalgic treat. They also showcased new material, opening with the title track from their latest album, If It Sucks, Turn It Up, which maintained their signature blend of humour and energy.

In true Dune Rats fashion, they didn’t just perform; they connected. A hilarious interlude saw the shortest and tallest people plucked from the crowd to face off in a drink-sculling contest, drawing laughter and cheers. The band’s gratitude to their fans was evident, with heartfelt thanks for the continued support that allows them to keep living the dream.

Dune Rats’ lyrics, presumed to be semi-autobiographical in nature, strike a balance between fun and relatability, resonating with their devoted fanbase. I had to agree with Beus when he announced they wouldn’t waste everyone’s time with an encore but rather just play the songs they had planned for the setlist and they delivered exactly what their fans came for: loud, unapologetic, and ridiculously fun surf-punk mayhem. For anyone who craves a high-energy gig with a lot of laughs, this is a band that never disappoints.