OCEAN GROVE
w/Cane Hill, Deficit and Blinder
The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide, South Australia
August 14th 2026

_{Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)}

If there is one band that can always pull a crowd in Adelaide, that is Ocean Grove. Beloved for their unmatched vibes and unparalleled bangers, there was no doubt that them hitting the SA capital on a Friday was going to have people through the door. Close to sold out and having fans slowly packing into The Gov, this show was always going to be one not to miss.

Opening up proceedings for most of the tour was local upcomers Blinder. Only a few days after releasing their debut ep low-res, the Adelaide gems took the stage with a maturity that went beyond that of a band in their beginning years. Uniform in appearance but more experimental in sound, their brand of alternative shoe-gaze offered a different look into the city’s thriving underground scene. Flittering between moments of heavy and soft, their atmospheric and interesting sound captivated the punters who made the effort to get in early. While they had an obvious solid local fanbase, it was easy to see that they also won some hearts with this performance and if they deliver the same quality across the country, it won’t be long till we will be seeing them as headliners.

In a whiplash of energy, Sydney beatdown nu-metalcore act Deficit followed. Hitting us straight in the face with their signature ‘deathstyle’ sound, the band have a ruthless aggression that cannot be resisted. Getting the pit moving both through heckling the crowd and backing it up with some absolute blistering breakdowns, they were a commanding force right from the jump. There is something so addictive about Deficit. They give us the fun and punchiness of Limp Bizkit with the straight up in your face ruthlessness of a band like Kublai Khan TX, while still maintaining their own authentic attitude. It is always a joy to catch this band, so shout outs to the promoters for putting them on.

With all that said, it was time for the only international guests on the bill, New Orleans’ own Cane Hill. Setting foot on our shores for the first time in a long time, it was obvious from the crowd’s reaction that their return was much anticipated. This band has always been on my radar, but I have to admit I have yet to dive in, but after this set…I am now a lifelong fan. Mesmerising from start to finish, I admit I fell in love. They have nailed the melodicness of metalcore while not falling into any of the cliches. Dipping into an almost sultriness (which according to vocalist Elijah Witt, was intentional), the Louisiana natives kept the energy up throughout their entire set. My only complaint? I wish their set was longer. 

But, the feeling of wishing for a longer set was quickly put out of my mind the very second Ocean Grove hit the stage. There is something to be said about this band that constantly convinces me when I see them live that no matter how bad the world gets, it is going to be okay. Their music just has this element of fun that is almost nostalgic. It takes some of the best parts of many alternative music genres and packages it into this gorgeous blend of straight up joy. It is not mindless or ignorant, but more like it is optimistic. I just know that I am going to have fun at an Ocean Grove show and once again, I was not let down. 

The band has this synchronicity about them. They are so dialled in, even with members who are not technically part of the official lineup. Artie Vear from Dregg was holding down the guitar, while RUNNING TOUCH was on the ones and twos, working seamlessly with Dale, Twiggy and Sam. This set was spectacular, dipping across all their releases to give us the full spectrum that is Ocean Grove. From The Rhapsody Tapes to their latest ODDWORLD album, it felt like a celebration and closing chapter before what is most likely new music to come soon. They had the room jumping and singing along with every song. Nuking the idea of an encore, the hour set flew by with ease. Before we knew it, we were saying goodbye in a way that I believe could fix so many problems in the world, by getting down to ‘Fly Away’.

There is a reason that when frontman Dale surveyed the crowd that many had come back to see Ocean Grove multiple times. For a band that is such a mainstay in our scene, they always feel so underrated. Once again Ocean Grove put the show of the year and no doubt, they will continue to do so.

Boys, see you next time.