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HOTTER THAN HELL
(Regurgitator, Unwritten Law,
Jebediah, Little Birdy, Adalita)
@ Mt Evelyn, Victoria
19th October 2024
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Hotter Than Hell, REGURGITATOR, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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In the days leading up to Hotter Than Hell in Mt. Evelyn, the weather wasn’t exactly playing nice for those planning to attend the festival. Heavy rains flooded parts of Victoria, setting the stage for what would become an unforgettable day. As the crowd lined up outside the venue, you could sense the anticipation – everyone eager to claim the perfect spot, whether that meant standing near the stage or securing a table for those planning a more relaxed experience. By 2:30 p.m., the crowd began filing in, with 40 minutes still to go before the first band would take the stage.

Many used this time to check out the food stalls, bars, and merch stands. The gourmet German sausages, twisty potatoes on sticks, pulled pork, burgers, and chips proved to be crowd-pleasers, and the bars saw steady action throughout the day.

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Hotter Than Hell, ADALITA, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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First on stage was Adalita, a solo project from Magic Dirt’s frontwoman. Though familiar with Magic Dirt’s iconic sound, this was my first time seeing her perform solo. Adalita’s solo music leans more towards ballad rock, a significant departure from Magic Dirt’s grungy style. However, her solo performance didn’t disappoint – her powerful vocals and guitar playing had the crowd captivated. Her sound blends bluesy rock, folk rock, and alt-rock, with moments of heartfelt connection between her and the audience, who clung to every lyric.

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Hotter Than Hell, LITTLE BIRDY, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Despite the slower pace compared to Magic Dirt, Adalita set a great tone for the day, marking the triumphant return of Hotter Than Hell after four long years. Next up was a band I wasn’t as familiar with – Little Birdy. This was the first time they’d played together in 14 years, but you wouldn’t have known it. Their sound was tight, polished, and nostalgic. The band was celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, BigBigLove, playing it in full. By the time their set ended, I was converted into a fan – Katy Steele’s vocals were both soothing and impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

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Hotter Than Hell, JEBEDIAH, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Following Little Birdy was Jebediah, a Western Australian band that clearly had a huge following in the crowd. The standing area quickly filled up, with many abandoning the bars and tables to get close to the stage. Jebediah was celebrating their debut album, Slightly Odway, playing it in full, starting with their smash hit “Leaving Home.” The crowd erupted into a frenzy, moshing and singing along to every word. Hearing lesser-known tracks played live felt like a special treat, making this set feel like a rare experience for dedicated fans. Though we all wanted more, the strict festival schedule kept things moving.

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Hotter Than Hell, UNWRITTEN LAW, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Next up was Unwritten Law, the only international act on the lineup, but one that felt like an honorary local band. This was my second time seeing them live, having first caught them at the last Hotter Than Hell in 2020. Unwritten Law delivered their high-energy set, playing their Black Album in full, a record that has been on repeat in my life for over 20 years. From “Harmonic” to “Teenage Suicide” and “Cailin,” every track was a hit. Drummer Wade Youman added some extra entertainment by coming on stage in a devil onesie, keeping the mood light and fun. Though the crowd chanted for an encore, time constraints meant they had to wrap things up.

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Hotter Than Hell, REGURGITATOR, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Finally, it was time for the headliner – Regurgitator. As expected, they came out swinging, launching into their breakout hit “Kung Foo Sing.” There was one noticeable difference from their last headlining show – the addition of Sarah Lim, who brought her own energy to the performance, alternating between guitar, bass, and keytar. The setlist was a journey through their past and present hits, including “Polyester Girl,” “I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff,” and “Black Bugs.” They also slipped in fun covers of INXS’s “Need You Tonight” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” much to the crowd’s delight.

As their set drew to a close, you could hear the collective disappointment from the crowd – no one wanted the day to end. Hotter Than Hell made an epic return after its four-year hiatus, and those who missed it truly missed out on a day of brilliance. Here’s hoping for another unforgettable festival in 2025. I, for one, can’t wait to see what the next lineup brings.

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Hotter Than Hell, REGURGITATOR, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE

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Hotter Than Hell, REGURGITATOR, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Follow HOTTER THAN HELL
Website – Instagram – Facebook

Check out REGURGITATOR below
WEBSITUATION – BANDCRAMP – FACEBOOKINGS
INSTANTGRAM – METUBE GURG BOX – SPUTIFIED

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Hotter Than Hell, REGURGITATOR, Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Press Release 18th July 2024 (below) HERE

HOTTER THAN HELL
returns to turn up the heat
this October + November

Announcing massive festival run for
WA, VIC, SA + QLD

featuring REGURGITATOR, LESS THAN JAKE (US),
UNWRITTEN LAW (US), JEBEDIAH, LITTLE BIRDY,
THE BENNIES, ADALITA & THE KICKONS

REGISTER FOR PRESALE TICKETS

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AMNPLIFY – DB