Review: Ball Park Music @ The Gov 31/05/26
A jam-packed crowd at The Gov were treated to an incredibly vibrant performance from Ball Park Music that left everyone wanting more.
Words Brad Pine // Images Candice Hu
Ball Park Music @ The Gov 31/05/26
Ball Park Music’s latest tour goes by the name The Rock and Roll Adventure Continues. After witnessing them live for the very first time, this seems like it could be the title of every tour for them going forward.
The all-ages gig in support of last year’s Like Love saw some as young as 10 entering The Gov before the Adelaide weather threatened rain. The side of the stage was awash with guitar cases and other boxes of assorted sizes. As it was a sold-out show, it was inevitable that I would run into work colleagues and even old students from my days of high school teaching.
The first of the two supports was Molly Rocket, a band I have reviewed before when they performed with DZ Deathrays. The band nonchalantly entered the stage and cranked the noise up for the crowd. Initially, the vocals were shared between Ben Main and Georgie Evans before the latter took the reins for the majority of the set. It was distortion joy throughout – “Dance if you want, even if it’s a Sunday,” Evans asked as their noisy rock continued to infect the crowd. Their last song, ‘Buzzbox’, had Evans screaming intensely, leaving a lasting impression on the home crowd.
Sunsick Daisy were the next support act, and were a perfect fit sandwiched in between Molly Rocket and Ball Park Music. They kept us grooving and moving, with vocalist Sarah Grainger alongside guitarist Kane Gabell, creating some beautiful harmonies amongst their shoegazy rock. Their merch was mentioned in the set, with two fans holding up t-shirts in the crowd, and Grainger added that the merch design and the song ‘Over & Over’ were in tribute to her late cat. In addition to that highlight, bassist Ella Phillips moved the mic away from her little part of the stage for the remainder of the set, making sure she had the space to really play her instrument and let loose.
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The stage was bathed in a blue light before the entrance of Ball Park Music. What seemed to be a distorted tape playback initiated the band’s arrival. “Are you ready to have the best fucking night of your life?” Sam Cromack asked us, and we replied with a triumphant cheer. ‘She Only Loves Me When I’m There’ kicked off the set; everyone was already pumped up for the rest of the night.
Cromack, throughout the night, enjoyed some witty banter with the sold-out crowd in addition to moments of reflection. The inspiration, he told us, behind the tour’s name was their late tour manager Greg Weaver, with the band dedicating ‘Stars In My Eyes’ to his memory. The heartfelt moments continued into ‘Exactly How You Are,’ showing the softer side of their music.
Cromack stated how polite we were as an audience. “If you want to be naughty during the breaks,” Cromack inquired, “It’s Sunday night… [be] proper psychos of SA.” The cheers in response validated his suggestion. Another tribute to the band’s guitarist Dean Hanson, as he was chair-ridden for the gig due to an unfortunate cricket incident, saw the band play the aptly titled ‘Nothing Ever Goes My Way.’
For ‘Like Love,’ Cromack was left solo on stage, for one of the many highlights. With a full light show including strobing effects, this moment just had the spotlight on Cromack and a crowd in awe. The band returned, and after having “a look-sey” through the back catalogue, they played a revamped version of ‘The End Times,’ apt for the times we are in currently. Cromack still wanted us to party – “Science has proven that Monday is the best day to be hungover.” That was a perfect entry to their new unreleased song ‘The New Me Starts Tomorrow’, a pulsing rock banger with Cromack screaming his way into our souls.
The last few songs of a set are always the crowd pleasers, and with Ball Park Music, it was no exception. ‘It’s Nice To Be Alive’ had the biggest singalong of the night before ‘Cherub’ and ‘Please Don’t Move To Melbourne’ continued the rock and roll adventure. The latter of which had that connection for a Brisbane band and an Adelaide audience. We sang our little hearts out and wanted more as the band left the stage.
An ear-splitting cheer greeted the band on returning, with Cromack saying, “You guys have been awesome.” It was a genuine reaction to the love the Gov crowd showed the band. ‘Alligator’ proceeded another favourite singalong ‘Everything Is Shit Except My Friendship With You.’ The applause did not stop, and the band stayed for one extra song because they loved us so much. ‘Trippin’ The Light Fantastic,’ with its references to SA, was a fitting end to the night.
For all in attendance tonight, it was a show we did not want to end – the rock and roll adventure needs to continue. The Good Mood Ball Park Music left us all in was immeasurable. So, with a sneak peek at a new song, maybe it will not be long to see the band visit the “lovely Governor Hindmarsh” once again.
Want more pics of the gig? Check out our full photo gallery here.
