Like Peter Bibby and so many other excellent acts from the isolated corner of the country, it feels like Perth punks Last Quokka should enjoy a greater reputation in Australia.
Striking a potent mix of wry political lyricism and thrashing punk noise, Last Quokka impressed on albums like Unconscious Drivers (2020), hilariously but pointedly taking aim at systemic issues: land rights, crooked politicians, and fascist ideologies.
Their newest album, Take the Fight to the Bastards, is, as its title suggests, a bare-knuckled assault on the subjects that matter to the Last Quokka band members, and it might be their best record yet.
One standout track, “Save Our Pubs”, is a fierce rallying cry to Australian music fans urging them to remember what they love about grassroots live music.
The track hits from the off, vocalist Trent Rojahn bemoaning, “We’re sick of this modern decor / These new pubs are such a bore,” a lament that will be painfully familiar to anyone who’s been to a grimly sterile modern venue. (This isn’t a problem restricted to Australia: if you ever set foot in a Brewdog pub in the UK, you’re a tool.)
During a cost of living crisis, especially, these types of pubs are a major problem. “Menus charging 30 bucks / Just for a fucking pub feed / It costs an arm and a leg / Just to get a chicken parmi,” Rojahn cries out in exasperation. The chips are no better – “they’re soggy as fuck.”
The best, most impassioned part of the track hits hard, Rojahn reminiscing on the glories of some of their favourite pubs, from the Hydie to the Flying Scotsman, the latter with its unforgettable “pizza and pint.”
The thunderous chorus, meanwhile, is simple and to the point: “Save our institutions,” Rojahn bellows again and again, as if doubting that the idiots in power will ever lend an ear.
Last Quokka have a few dates left on their national album tour, which culminates at one of Australia’s very best institutions, The Tote, on Sunday, April 6th (see full dates below).
Last Quokka’s Take the Fight to the Bastards is out now via Valve Records.
Last Quokka 2025 Australian Tour Dates
More information available here
Friday, April 4th
The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC)
Saturday, April 5th
The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday, April 6th
The Tote, Melbourne, VIC
