Project Description

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Kisschasy.

KISSCHASY
+ Sly Withers + Suzi
@ The Forum, Melbourne,
21st June 2025
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Tonight marked the final stop on Kisschasy’s Hymns for the Non-Believers 18th anniversary tour — a triumphant return that has reignited a love many fans have held close since the band first burst onto the scene. With multiple sold-out dates, this Melbourne show at the iconic Forum Theatre was the crescendo, a celebration of nostalgia, connection, and a new chapter in the band’s journey. Like many acts staging comebacks in recent years, Kisschasy has re-emerged with a brand-new single, Lie to Me, which fans hoped would make an appearance after the full album performance. There was talk of an encore, but nothing confirmed — still, the crowd’s anticipation buzzed with hope for a few beloved classics beyond the main set.

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Suzi

Suzi / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Opening the night was Melbourne-based alt-folk-rock artist Suzi, a familiar face to local gig-goers. Having seen her perform before, I had some idea of what to expect — but tonight she blew those expectations out of the water. On a bigger stage with a larger crowd, Suzi rose to the occasion and then some. Despite the short set typical of a support slot, the energy was anything but limited. The crowd was fully engaged, responding enthusiastically to each track. Suzi’s local fanbase was clearly present and loud, and it’s safe to say she won over plenty of new fans as well.

Highlights included her emotionally raw track Everyone Out There Hates Me — an anthem for anyone battling self-doubt — and her latest release Centrelink Summer, which earned a rousing reception. She was also joined onstage by Sam Blitvich of Sly Withers for a special moment, blending their styles seamlessly. Suzi’s band added to the magic — bursting with kinetic energy, jumping and running across the stage, while even the drummer radiated passion from behind the kit. Suzi wrapped up by thanking the audience warmly before the lights dimmed to prepare for the next act.

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Sly Withers

Sly Withers / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Sly Withers took to the stage next, and having seen them previously (again with Suzi), I knew they were a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Perth, they’ve carved out a name for themselves among the ranks of WA rock royalty like Eskimo Joe, Gyroscope, and Baby Animals. They stormed the Forum stage with an electric presence, opening strong and never letting up. Their sound echoes that early-2000s rock energy — raw, honest, and full of feeling. It’s the kind of music that makes you believe in the future of Aussie rock.

Fan-favourite Closer had the entire venue singing and swaying, and looking around the room, it was clear their reach continues to grow — old fans, new fans, all swept up in the sheer joy of live music. Both Suzi and Sly Withers made special mention of how honoured they were to play at the Forum, praising its beauty and legacy. With everything happening in the world, the venue became a sanctuary — a place of unity, joy, and shared passion.

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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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And then came the moment we were all waiting for: Kisschasy. As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of The Perfect Way to Meet rang out, it was clear that this night was going to be something special. Performing Hymns for the Non-Believers in its entirety, the band brought each song to life with energy and heart, transporting fans back in time while also proving their relevance today.

The second track, Opinions Won’t Keep You Warm at Night, was met with deafening cheers — a timeless anthem of self-assurance in the face of judgment. As the set unfolded, deep cuts and rarely played songs ignited waves of emotion across the audience. Tracks like Strings and Drums saw the crowd take over vocal duties during the chorus, with only drummer Karl Ammitzböll’s kick drum keeping the beat. These were moments of pure connection — band and crowd as one.

Frontman Darren Cordeux took a moment to reflect on the journey: how, after 18 years, they were playing this iconic album in full at Melbourne’s most beautiful venue. The Forum’s historic interior, with its faux-night-sky ceiling and majestic arches, served as the perfect backdrop for a band returning with something to say — not just to revisit the past, but to build toward the future.

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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Despite time away from the stage before their 2023 return, the band showed no signs of rust. If anything, they looked revitalized, energised, and ready for the next chapter. When they reached Factory, the crowd again took over the vocals, singing with passion and volume that nearly shook the walls. Then came Spray on Pants, instantly recognisable from Joel Vanderuit’s signature bassline — a moment that lit the room up.

Even toward the end of the album’s run, the crowd’s energy remained high. To Death gave way to a more reflective track, My Bible is a Scrapbook, allowing a moment of vulnerability to wash over the room. As the last chords rang out, Darren addressed the crowd: “We’ve come to the end of Hymns for the Non-Believers,” followed by heartfelt thanks to the crew, the venue, and most importantly, the fans — “Thanks from the bottom of our hearts. We wouldn’t be here without you.”

The final track of the album, Dissolution, was a cathartic release — a chance for fans to belt out their last favourite lines before the stage went dark. But the lights didn’t go up. We knew there was more.

Darren returned solo, guitar in hand, and surprised everyone by inviting Suzi back out for a duet of Dinosaur, a gem from Seizures. Their voices melded beautifully, and the moment felt both intimate and electric. Suzi embraced Darren before exiting the stage, and the full band reappeared for a victory lap of hits. Darren spoke of the rarity of a band keeping its original four members together — a point of pride that added weight to their chemistry on stage.

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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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They launched into Face Without a Name, the fresh single Lie to Me, and then their classic Do-Do’s & Whoa-Oh’s, which brought the house down. Just when we thought the surprises were over, Darren made an announcement: Lie to Me wasn’t just a standalone track — it’s part of a brand-new, as-yet-untitled album in the works. New music is coming. Kisschasy isn’t just back — they’re here to stay.

As the final notes faded and the crowd roared in approval, one thing was certain: this wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It was a reawakening. A new chapter. And judging by tonight, it’s going to be something truly special.

Final thoughts: All three acts — Suzi, Sly Withers, and Kisschasy — were phenomenal. Their synergy, their spirit, and their sheer joy in performing made this night unforgettable. A perfect end to an incredible tour.

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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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

Check out Carlie Tanithskye’s (@cts_photography_) full gallery of the Brisbane event (Fortitude Music Hall 13th June 2025) HERE


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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Follow KISSCHASY
Linktree – Facebook – Spotify

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Kisschasy

KISSCHASY / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Press Release 25th May 2025 (below) HERE

KISSCHASY
release first new music
in 16 Years!

LIE TO ME 
Out Today!

Hymns For The New Believers
Tour Begins on June 6

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Kisschasy.


AMNPLIFY – DB

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