Punk rockers return to Camel Bar

After a whirlwind year Geraldton punk rock band Alex the Kid will return to the Camel Bar tomorrow night for an explosive New Year’s Eve show.

Alex the Kid captured the nation’s attention back in April when they performed alongside Alison Wonderland and Urthboy at Triple J’s One Night Stand.

It wasn’t long before they were signed to Adelaide-based record label Pee Records, releasing their debut album Speak Up in August.

With a string of shows already lined up for early 2017, the five- piece outfit are showing no signs of slowing down.

Guitarist Dale Barker said they never thought the band would get this big.

“We just wanted to play some music with our friends and have some fun,” he said.

“Playing Triple J’s One Night Stand was insane, and since that people have taken us a little bit more seriously.

“Stuff like that, you just don’t think will happen but it’s amazing when it does.”

While growing up in Geraldton the members played in several bands, often performing at the PCYC.

After moving to Perth in 2011, guitarist Ken McCartney and bassist and back-up vocalist Trent Brand wanted to start a punk rock band, and so Alex the Kid was born.

Now splitting their time between Geraldton and Perth, Barker said the band members were looking forward to playing their final show for the year in their hometown.

“We always like playing in Geraldton, and it’s fun playing there on New Year’s,” he said.

“We’ve done it a couple of times in the past and it’s been a blast, so we thought, ‘why not do it again?’

“We’ve got some merchandise to give away throughout the night, for the best dancer and such.

“A lot of people tend to leave Geraldton for New Year’s so hopefully we can convince some people to stick around for it.”

Perth-based punk bands Blindspot and Being Beta will join Alex the Kid at The Camel Bar on Saturday, December 31.

Local singer-songwriters Ashton Kate and Tessa Maynard will open with two acoustic sets.

Alex the Kid at The Camel Bar, Saturday, December 30.

Bands start at 9pm, free entry.