Hotter Than Hell at Kirwan Tavern - 2/11/24

Jebediah

Less Than Jake

Despite its name, Hotter Than Hell at Kirwan Tavern served up a manageable day with a pleasantly breezy, slightly overcast sky. Temperatures weren't as intense as anticipated, allowing the focus to remain on a killer lineup of five energetic bands who kept the crowd captivated from start to finish.

Here’s a recap of each set:

The Bennies got the festival off to a raucous start with an expletive-laden, high-energy performance. Their punk-reggae fusion sound was as relentless as ever, instantly waking up the crowd and setting a wild, unfiltered tone for the rest of the day.

Little Birdy followed with a nostalgic and powerful rendition of their debut album, BigBigLove, in its entirety. Katy Steele's iconic voice was in top form, showcasing the full power and range that made her famous. Fans of the band were transported back to the early 2000s, with every song landing with emotional intensity.

Jebediah continued the throwback vibes, playing their beloved album Slightly Odway from start to finish. Kevin Mitchell noted how odd it was to kick things off with their biggest hit, “Leaving Home,” but the band’s energy never dipped. Vanessa Thornton was a powerhouse on bass, bouncing her way through the entire set, and while the setlist missed Twilight = Dusk, it felt better suited to keep up the pace.

Less Than Jake brought a ska-punk twist to the evening, complete with a dynamic brass section featuring sax and trombone. Their set was full of humorous banter, poking fun at audience members on their phones and anyone attempting to sit out the energy by the sidelines. The Bennies joined them on “Look What Happened,” adding to the spirited chaos on stage. With alternating singers and hilarious commentary on topics from gastric sleeves to festival etiquette, the band’s charisma was as memorable as their music.

Regurgitator rounded out the day, returning to Townsville after their last performance in June. Their set featured a mix of old classics and fresh tracks, including “Invaders” and “Cocaine Runaway,” with a lighthearted warning about the dangers of cocaine addiction. While they skipped the fan-favorite “Blubber Boy,” new addition, Sarah on guitar and keytar kept spirits high, her big hair flapping as she jammed through each song.

Overall, Hotter Than Hell delivered an unforgettable day for both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. With powerhouse performances from every band, excellent crowd engagement, and plenty of laughs, this festival at Kirwan Tavern has proven itself a scorcher — in the best way.