GalleryDitch This MagazineApril 01, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Gallery, Infectious Grooves, The Inspector Cluzo, The Forum

Infectious Grooves + The Inspector Cluzo @ The Forum 30-3-24

GalleryDitch This MagazineApril 01, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Gallery, Infectious Grooves, The Inspector Cluzo, The Forum

photos and words: Lucas Hackett @lucas_packett_photography

Playing their first shows in five years, Infectious Grooves have brought their funk-metal all-star lineup extravaganza to Australia to play a handful of rare shows around the country.

Opening the night are blues-rock guitar/drums duo, The Inspector Cluzo, direct from Mont-de-Marsen, France with original members Laurant (Guitars, Vocals) and Mathieu (Drums).

Blasting through a 45 minute set of tunes that were raw, edgy and entertaining had the sparse, arriving crowd primed for an exceptional night of music. Included in their set was the song ‘Running A Family Farm Is More Rock Than Playing Rock N Roll Music’, which was introduced with the statement “We are both farmers”, referring to the fact that both Laurant and Mathieu are indeed farmers living on their self sufficient farm in then south of France.

Following the intense set from the Inspector Cluzo we were introduced to then 2024 incarnation of Infectious Grooves which features original members Mike Muir, frontman for Suicidal Tendencies, and guitarist Dean Pleasants who were both on our shores last year with aforementioned band for a sold out tour of Australia.

In addition they were accompanied by the founding bassist, Robert Trujillo, who is making a long awaited comeback to our shores, as the last time he was here was with his current main gig, Metallica, 10 years ago. In addition to this is Dave Kushner on guitar, best known for his playing with Velvet Revolver and powerhouse drummer Jay Weinburg who has spent the last 10 years with Slipknot.

Opening with ‘These Freaks Are Here To Party’ had the band joined onstage by the Grooves Family, complete in masks & saw the band run through a set of solid Infectious Grooves classics including ‘Punk It Up’, ‘Monster Skank’ and a solid version of Bowie’s ‘Fame’.

The second part of the gig saw the band change hats and jump into a handful of Suicidal Tendencies songs, which was a bonus for fans (a lot of crossover, I’d reckon) playing ‘Subliminal’, ‘Send Me Your Money’, ‘I Saw Your Mommy’ and ‘Pledge Your Allegiance’. In addition to this saw Tye Trujillo, Rob’s Son, join the band on bass for these tunes, which was a complete joy to see.

A ripper night had by all.