Live Review + Gallery: Mannequin Death Squad at Altar 29/09/2022

Having recently returned from a tour throughout the UK, Melbourne power-punk 2-piece, Mannequin Death Squad (El and Dan) took to the stage at Altar here in Hobart and ripped out an explosive set of songs from their catalogue, including new tracks from their just-released album, Super Mental Psycho (which was co-produced by legendary Australian producer, Mark Opitz) and old favourites from previous EP release, Eat Hate Regurgitate.

For those who haven’t seen them play live, it is very well worth the trip to the nearest venue which may be hosting them to catch this incendiary duo. Proudly independent, Mannequin Death Squad play a blistering blend of ear-shattering power and melody, with both El and Dan taking duties on lead vocals, guitar and drums. This is old-school garage rock/punk at its’ noisiest, and best, and is hard to reconcile the fact that they are just a duo.

Songs such as Sick, Down, San Fran, Addicted To You and the title track to the new album, Super Mental Psycho were delivered in the band’s signature bone-crunching style with both El and Dan oozing plenty of punk anger and attitude right throughout the entire performance, engaging the small, but enthusiastic crowd. Evidence of their popularity on the night was seen at their merch table following the show, with a good proportion of the audience members snapping up one or more of the band’s varied t-shirt designs (including this writer).

Mannequin Death Squad will continue with two further shows in Tasmania before returning to mainland Australia to tour across the country promoting Super Mental Psycho.

Copies of the album can be ordered through Bandcamp here.

Written by Backseat Mafia