Upchuck kicked of their AUS/NZ tour at Black Bear Lodge in Brisbane with support from Meanjin- based shoegaze band Blue Diner.

Members of Upchuck and friends sat up the back of Black Bear Lodge conversing with audience members, showing their sincerity before the set even started. Once Blue Diner took to the stage, everyone, including the band, turned their attention to the front. It was already commendable that Upchuck had a local band as their support act but watching them focus entirely on their set was even more impressive. 

Blue Diner create music that is authentic and rooted in passion. On stage, their enthusiasm is obvious and whilst the band didn’t say much between songs, they didn’t need to. The four-piece perform with obvious enjoyment, moving through their set with ease while still making each song feel special. 

Upchuck opened their set with songs from their third studio album “I’m Nice Now” released on October 3rd, 2025.Vocalist Kalia “KT” Thompson radiated a powerful energy as soon as the set began. The passion was blatant and proved their value in the punk genre and amongst the crowd at Black Bear Lodge.

The band switched vocalists towards the beginning of their set. Drummer Chris Salado came out front and centre for two songs ‘Un Momento’ and ‘Homenaje’, providing Black Bear Lodge with the same fiery passion as KT. 

Chris spoke about the corruption the U.S currently faces and the recent increase in injustice, chanting with the crowd in between his songs. Upchuck are transparent about their stance on these issues, which makes their music even more impactful. 

The band shifted again, with KT coming back out to finish the set of songs from “I’m Nice Now”. Both singers joined the crowd on the floor, immersing us further into their music and dancing with everyone at the front. 

Separating the art from the artist has become a common sentiment among outspoken artists but Upchuck makes you want to do the opposite. If their music wasn’t enjoyable enough already, the power and energy of their performance makes you appreciate it even more. 

Words and Image by Jessica Russell