Nestled in the unassuming pub car parks beside Dan Murphy’s in Gepps Cross, the Hotter Than Hell Festival proved that an iconic location isn’t a prerequisite for an unforgettable musical experience. With a lineup featuring the best of 90s and early 2000s alternative music, including Jebediah, Regurgitator, Little Birdy, and Less Than Jake, good vibes were guaranteed—even if the stage were perched atop a sulphurous hill in the seventh circle of hell.
For bands to endure for decades, reinvention isn’t always essential, but the pressures of the market can prompt varying degrees of evolution. This year’s festival showcased an impressive range of approaches to reinvention throughout the afternoon and evening. Kicking off the day were Melbourne’s punk/ska/reggae ensemble, The Bennies. With a history of line-up changes that have left lead vocalist Anty Hogan as the sole original member since their 2009 formation (originally named Madonna), the band exuded infectious energy. Shirtless and heavily tattooed, Hogan playfully asked the crowd, “How does it feel watching the best band in the world? Your words, not ours,” as they delivered high-octane renditions of hits like “Party Machine” and “Knights Forever.” Despite a six-year hiatus since their last studio album, Natural Born Chillers, fans can expect new music on the horizon.
Next up was Little Birdy, fronted by the charismatic Katy Steele, who took the stage in a striking feathery dress and knee-high leather boots. The band celebrated their 2004 debut album, BigBigLove, performing it in full. Steele, whose soaring vocals continue to draw comparisons to 2025 Womad headliner PJ Harvey, reminded the audience of their extraordinary talent. After a 14-year break, their reunion was a triumphant reminder of their past glory. With the 20th anniversary of BigBigLove approaching next year, Steele hinted at more to come from the band, thrilling fans with classics like “You’re Beautiful.”
Jebediah followed, with frontman Kevin Mitchell playfully critiquing the emotional simplicity of their debut album Slightly Oddway. He entertained the crowd with exaggerated gestures, miming a harpoon stab to the heart while belting out anthems like “Benedict,” “Military Strongman,” and “Teflon.” Although Mitchell has enjoyed solo success as Bob Evans, the band’s return this year with OIKS proves their enduring appeal.
Gainesville’s Less Than Jake brought a consistent and lively energy to the stage, fondly recalling their Australian festival experiences and past tours with local legends like Frenzal Rhomb. While punk and ska may not dominate the mainstream as they once did, the faithful circle pits still thrive. Their set featured fan favorites from Hello Rockview, including “The Science of Selling Yourself Short,” and they even teased a celebratory visit to the Cranker afterwards.
In contrast to Less Than Jake’s stylistic consistency, Regurgitator closed the night with their trademark genre-blending prowess. Dressed in all white, the band seamlessly wove through their expansive discography, starting with “Kung-fu Sing” and moving through hits from Unit while also showcasing tracks from their acclaimed new album, Invader, such as “Epic” and “Pest.”
While the days of Triple J’s dominance and a singular youth culture surrounding alternative music may be behind us, Hotter Than Hell reminded us that the spirit of that era lives on. The festival not only celebrated nostalgia but also illustrated that the music we once loved continues to resonate deeply, ensuring that the memories—and the music—will never be forgotten.
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