By Sam Prentice, Third Year, English
Exchange, packed with expectant students, saw two up-and-coming Aussie bands, neither of whom disappointed in the least. The supporting post-punk trio, Sex Mask, is composed of vocalist Wry Gray, Vinnie Moncada on the drums and Kaya Martin playing guitar.
A highlight was Sex Mask's performance of 'Circe,' from their new EP, No Love (2025), a song whose enigmatic lyricism blends Greek mythology and pained relationships, combining perfectly with Martin’s grungy riffs.
Reminiscent of a young Iggy Pop, shirtless Wry Gray had an abundance of wild energy which he concentrated into a maniacal stage persona, making use of an elevated platform at the front of the stage to loom over the audience whilst clinging on to the ceiling. By closing this gap between himself and the crowd, with the addition of very intense eye contact, Gray made those at the front feel very much part of the performance whilst also probably slightly on edge. This was compounded by a fervent aggression in his tone that is softened in the recorded versions of the songs performed.
Gray is definitely an eccentric character and was a fantastic performer, intermittently beating his head with the microphone like a kick drum and reeling off anecdotes about crashing out and drunkenly falling down the Christmas Steps. It’s safe to say he made the most of his short time in Bristol.
Sex Mask perfectly teed up their friends, Radio Free Alice, the four piece post-punk band from Melbourne made up of four schoolmates: vocalist Noah Learmonth, guitarist Jules Paradiso, drummer Lochie Dowd and Michael Phillips who alternates between bass and saxophone. Phillips' command of the sax really transforms the band allowing them to access a unique sound rarely heard in contemporary alt-indie rock bands.
To start their set off, they dived right into an unfamiliar sax-driven instrumental, the intensity of which had the crowd stunned with an open-mouthed anticipation. Then, with the introduction of Dowd’s drums and a catchy riff from Paradiso, they seamlessly blended the dreamy instrumental with the titular track of their new E.P, ‘Empty Words.’
Undoubtedly one of their best songs, their performance of 'Empty Words' sent the crowd wild. The fast-paced guitar riff and drumming overlaid with the slow, weighty sax had the listener transfixed. But it’s Learmonth’s dynamic vocals that really impresses, alternating between a tone of punky impatience and a soft, emotive melody.
With only 14 songs to their name, Radio Free Alice performed them all with energy and style and left the crowd wishing they could hear more.
It was a fantastic gig, and I think there is a real sincerity in this band of schoolmates who are thoroughly enjoying creating music that is uniquely theirs and perfecting their craft in a world where musicians are increasingly encouraged to ‘play the algorithm’ and sell their authenticity for online success.
I would wholeheartedly recommend giving them a listen if you haven’t already, especially fans of bands such as Wunderhorse, Cardinals, Geese, Gurriers, Fontaines D.C., and Shame.
Featured image: @radiofreealiceband
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