Fed Square Live Presented by The Push is an initiative promoting independent and emerging talent in a free all-ages environment based in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. On a balmy autumn night, the city landscape provided the perfect backdrop for Thursday evening’s performance which included Melbourne’s own World’s End Press, ably supported by young guns Hunting Grounds (formerly Howl).

Arriving for the end of Hunting Grounds’ set I was treated to a cover of Beastie Boys’ smash “Sabotage”. The six long haired rockers finding a nice groove over the last couple of songs I witnessed before disbanding to allow for the headliners to set up.

World’s End Press hit the stage in a sea of colour with eccentric lead singer John Parkinson decked out in pale watermelon jeans and nautical-esque jumper.

By the time the band launched into their anthemic second track, “Faithful”, a few members of the crowd were up and about. Mid-song however, upon the front man’s proclamation of “let’s dance”, the song and the crowd kicked into gear and a disco inferno ensued. The new synth elements added to this track hinted at the direction the band is headed with their latest recordings.

From here on out, things only got wilder as a cover of Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls” started a dance-off and some momentary show stealing from a couple of gents at the front of the crowd. Focus was soon back on the World’s End Press boys as they dropped “Only the Brave”. The lyrics “only the brave, survive” are extremely apt given their impending 2am slot at Golden Plains this weekend – apt for the band and punters alike!

After what felt like an all too brief set, the band announced they would be closing with a new song; a rave jam titled “Somebody’s Daddy”. This new direction signals a shift from The Rapture-esque dance-funk sound of earlier recordings such as “Golden Child” to a sound more reminiscent of The Klaxons recent output – a harder edge but still awfully danceable.

Sashi on bass guitar almost stole the show with his crazy legs dancing; the boy’s got rhythm. I can see “Somebody’s Daddy” being a huge hit for the inebriated punters hanging about Golden Plains in the early hours of the morning. Most spectacular though was the mini dance party which ended the song and saw the band’s lead vocalist happily trading dance moves with punters.

After the show I had the pleasure of chatting with front man John Parkinson who confirmed the band’s new direction, as seen in the dance floor friendly closing number. They’re also working on a new EP with an album release still a while away, he said.

All in all, Fed Square Live is a fantastic initiative to bring independent music to an audience that might not usually experience such things. Top marks to The Push for their continued excellence in staging these types of events. And if you are heading to Golden Plains, I implore you to stay up for World’s End Press’ set - you won’t be disappointed.