3 December 2024 – Max Watts – Melbourne – words by Jonah Taylor
On a crisp summer night in Melbourne, the sideshows for the highly anticipated Good Things Festival kicked off in style. Taking the stage at Max Watt’s in the CBD were American rock group, Highly Suspect.
Fresh from the release of their fourth studio album, As Above, So Below, the band delivered a tight 80-minute set packed with fresh hits and fan-favorite bangers, leaving no doubt about their explosive energy.
Opening the night was local band Nicoteenagers, making a triumphant return to the Melbourne scene after an 18-month hiatus. With soaring guitar riffs, layered vocal harmonies, and a rhythm section so infectious you couldn’t help but nod along, Nicoteenagers proved why they’re an underground act worth keeping an eye on as they gear up for regular gigs in the new year.
With the crowd warmed up and ready, the main event took over. At 8:45, the lights dimmed, and to a wave of roaring applause, Highly Suspect hit the stage.
The hum of feedback and open guitar strings filled the room as frontman Johnny Stevens greeted the crowd with a simple, “We are Highly Suspect,” before diving headfirst into back-to-back classics, ‘Bath Salts’ and ‘Claudeland’. From there, the band transitioned seamlessly into a series of tracks from their latest album.
Having witnessed Highly Suspect just 13 months earlier at Stay Gold on their last Australian tour, this performance at Max Watt’s felt worlds apart. With a setlist heavily focused on newer material, the night showcased Stevens’ exceptional talents as both a frontman and guitarist.
Tracks like ‘Mexico,’ ‘Summertime Voodoo,’ and ‘Plastic Boxes’ were played back to back, allowing the band to spotlight their latest work. These songs were filled with reverb-soaked, Hendrix-inspired solos from Stevens, punchy percussive interplay from rhythm guitarist Matt Kofos (who seamlessly switched between guitar and cowbell), and a jaw-dropping minute-long drum solo from Ryan Meyer.
In a welcome surprise, bassist Rich Meyer stepped up to lead vocals for ‘Lost’, a standout track from the band’s debut album, while Stevens strutted and danced across the stage with rockstar swagger.
Johnny Stevens proved once again why he’s such a captivating frontman, effortlessly belting out gritty, blues-soaked vocals whilst simultaneously shredding guitar licks. His use of vocal delay created a powerful, echoing effect that filled the room with raw energy. When he wasn’t growling into the mic, Stevens had the crowd in the palm of his hand, grooving his hips and throwing himself into every moment. He’s the definition of a modern rockstar, and the crowd couldn’t get enough. At one point, the band passed around a bottle of Espolòn Tequila, each taking a generous swig as the audience cheered them on.
As the set neared its conclusion, Stevens called for the venue lights to be turned off, plunging the dancefloor into darkness as the opening riffs of ‘My Name Is Human’ rang out. After a heartfelt thank-you to the crowd, the band left the stage to thunderous applause and chants for “one more song.”
Within moments, Highly Suspect returned for a blistering encore, tearing into ‘Pink Lullaby’. The heavy riffs sent the pit into a frenzy, with bodies moshing and Stevens screaming into the mic as the filthy guitar lines roared through the venue.
As the final notes faded, the band handed out guitar pics, drumsticks, and setlists to the grateful crowd. At one point, Ryan Meyer even teased the audience by spinning his shirt around, though he ultimately decided against tossing it into the mosh pit.
Though the set ran slightly shorter than expected, with murmurs about the length overheard as the crowd exited, it was clear that Highly Suspect had delivered a night to remember. With reverb-drenched solos, chugging basslines, thunderous drums, and Stevens’ magnetic stage presence, the show was an electrifying experience that satisfied old fans and new listeners alike. All good things must come to an end, and after an unforgettable 80 minutes, it was time to call it a night.
The band will be back in Melbourne this weekend for an unmissable set at Good Things Festival.
