OBGMs purge demons in London
The energy of the crowd was electric when the OBGMs took the main stage at the Punk Rock Flea Fest in London. Despite the expectation of a typical rock performance, lead vocalist and guitarist Denz McFarlane immediately set a defiant tone, announcing they were a Nickelback cover band while making it clear that any Nickelback hate would be met with zero tolerance.
The Toronto-based quartet—comprised of McFarlane, drummer Cola Humphrey, bassist Joe Brosnan, and guitarist Camila Milla—delved immediately into their sound. Instead of starting with a familiar hit, they launched into the frenetic energy of “Outsah” from their 2020 album The Ends, immediately pulling the audience into a raw, spirited atmosphere.
McFarlane used his stage presence to engage the audience directly, leading them in a sing-along of “Outsah,” which earned cheers and encouraged the audience to turn up the volume. As the performance continued, the band navigated through their catalog, offering commentary disguised as music. They introduced “GET UP” from their 2024 album SORRY, IT’S OVER, framing it as a song about crippling depression, followed by “BUFFALO,” which addressed the theme of a personal ex. McFarlane noted how these intros elicited varied responses, prompting the audience to consider their own reactions.
Amidst the musical chaos, the rhythm section provided a powerful anchor. Cola Humphrey’s drumming was superb, creating a collective heartbeat that unified the space between the stage and the pit. This shared rhythm quickly evolved into a profound act of community. McFarlane established clear ground rules for the mosh pit, urging participants to look out for one another, emphasizing empathy over aggression: “Look after each other in the pit. No kung fu. Pick people up if they need it. Just don’t be a fucking asshole.” This sentiment was instantly embraced, turning the chaotic energy into an expression of genuine solidarity.
The band’s message extended beyond the stage. During a discussion about societal issues, bassist Joe Brosnan brought a weighty perspective, noting that even powerful figures like Batman hold immense responsibility, especially concerning their impact on low-income areas and their massive carbon footprint. McFarlane seized this moment to declare, “Punk is political!” He argued that artists must take a stand rather than embracing neutrality for the sake of profit, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the unified audience.
This call for collective awareness permeated the venue. The group urged the audience to look outward, fostering a sense of shared responsibility: “Look to your left, look to your right — there’s more of us than them. Do with that information what you will.” This moment distilled the raw kinetic energy into a powerful feeling of unity and shared conviction.
The set continued with new material, pushing the band’s sound to exhilarating new heights. A standout moment was the song “Brightside,” which opened with a provocative question about heartbreak. The interaction escalated when McFarlane challenged an audience member to name an ex who had wronged them, leading to a cathartic explosion during a chant of “fuck ash.” This segment became one of the most emotionally charged moments of the night, allowing the audience to collectively release anger and find incredible joy in that release.
The OBGMs proved themselves not just as musicians, but as master facilitators of collective emotion. They led the crowd through thunderous sing-alongs and infectious chants, culminating in a final call for unity before the inevitable wall of death. The performance left the venue drenched in sweat and exhilaration, cementing the band’s reputation for delivering incredible tunes, electrifying energy, and pure, joyful catharsis.
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