There are just three words to describe Spacey Jane’s show at Badlands Bar on the 4th of September: hair-flipping fantastic.

Far from the new kids on the block anymore, Spacey Jane has rapidly become one of the most talked-about bands from Perth. The Geraldton-bred Fremantle locals have evolved from their modest backyard jam sessions to fully booked tours across Australia. At their first show back in their Perth, eager fans weren’t prepared for the outrageous energy and passion the band brought back to the stage.

It has been a long time away from the live stage for Spacey Jane, whose last big show at Laneway festival in February felt like a lifetime ago. Their rapid rise in the indie-pop music world reflects the fierce loyalty the band receives from fans and the industry alike. They came back from isolation wanting to prove how far they have come, and boy did they deliver.

Opening the night with his smooth indie hip-hop sound, local Perth artist Rami impressed with his polished set and cheeky attitude. Not letting the low capacity numbers take away from a great performance, he led audiences with his first single Psycho, released a year ago. Reminiscent of early Ocean Alley with a slow melody, futuristic notes, and stripped back lyrics, he glided effortlessly through his set. Closing out with a cover of Drift from fellow Perth favourites, Great Gable, the warm-hearted clapping from the supportive audience followed him out.

The crowd swelled in the venue in preparation for Ghost Care, an alt-pop trio well known for their authentic and lively performances. Having toured previously with Spacey Jane in 2019 and for their ‘Back on the Road’ Tour in August, they looked at home up on stage. Blazing through their set, they warmed the crowd with the relaxed vibe of debut single Another. The band owned the stage with a confidence that left audiences unable to tear themselves away. Their latest release IDKY is an ear-teaser and had the crowd buzzing with the infectious nature of the lyrics. Jumping off the stage with a roar from the crowd, they left an impressed audience.

The venue sizzled with anticipation as the lively crowd jostled for a good vantage point to celebrate the band they’d been waiting months to see. As the lights lowered and dimmed, the crowd erupted in cheers and breathless exhilaration as the four members casually strolled onto the stage. More than excited to be back on stage, they jumped straight in with their 2017 hit Thrills. As lead singer Caleb screamed a much-loved “wooh” into the microphone, a sizzling guitar intro played alongside, while a jumping and screaming crowd complimented their tireless performance.

Nobody quite does hair-flipping like Spacey Jane, especially lead guitarist Ashton whose energetic bouncing and thrashing were making me break into a sweat just watching. Tearing through crowd favourites like Straightfaced and Good Grief, the crowd crooned every lyric back to the band with gusto. A deep love and appreciation from fans encompassing the room.

Feeding the Family caused a frantic eruption within the crowd as everyone seemingly turned to their friends to yell “this is one of my favourites!”. So frantic a nearby reveller spilt beer down my side. Yet, it attests to the Spacey Jane’s captivating set and irresistible energy that I just shrugged, wiped it off, and continued screaming along with the rest of the crowd.

Their new album Sunlight shone as head-bopping hits like Booster Seat and Skin were delivered amazingly by grinning lead singer Caleb. After performing Good for You which landed the band in Triple J’s Hottest 100 for 2019, they gave a cheeky wave to the crowd as they walked off stage.

Not even one step off the stage, the crowd erupted into chants demanding one more song. Eagerly hopping back up on stage, they hyped the crowd with their 2017 hit Still Running, which reached epic proportions for frantic energy both on stage and off stage. Finishing with Cold Feet, they closed out a phenomenal performance that will be sure to stick in the minds of audiences long after they’ve exited the venue.

Hair-flipping fantastic.