Mojos, Saturday May 30, 2026
Mid Drift were in town for a sold-out show at Mojos, the Brisbane outfit offering a sun-soaked brand of indie-rock that we’d like to hereby declare coast-rock. It’s a genre that oozes sun-drenched coastal roads, relaxation and good times.
First up were local band Hey So Hungry. The band are fresh out of school and having a real crack at breaking into the scene. Singer/guitarist Maisie Jamieson was a charismatic presence up front, with her big vocals adding a widescreen indie feel to the coast-rock foundations (think Florence + The Machine). Considering their age, it was clear they are working hard at their craft; the band were tight and confident in front of an already crowded room. Keep writing, keep playing shows, hone your craft, things can only go up from here.
Lazy Haze up next and they stepped up the intensity, the now heaving crowd clearly familiar with their material. Devin (is that your real last name) Pullyblank is a force on stage, full of energy and connection with the audience. It’s fair to call the sound coast-rock, but the bounce and energy pushes them into upbeat rock territory. Think laid-back modern indie with a touch of Arctic Monkeys. The four-piece really got the room going and ready for the headline touring act. Someone may have even fainted.
Mid Drift took to the stage in the now cooking room and kept the party going. The band have enjoyed a steady rise in the Australian music scene, clearly striking a chord with younger audiences. Supporting the likes of Ocean Alley, as well as selling out national tours, it was clear they are a polished outfit having a blast travelling the country, showing off what they can do. Singles Madness and Easily were highlights, the songs taking on a bigger sound live.
With reverb-soaked, groove-heavy vibes, the songs are a great example of what we are calling coast. A bit of reggae, a touch of psych, and always building into big-moment indie-rock. Between the slow-burn songs that finish with a flourish and the more upbeat danceable tracks, they have a solid, pub rock leaning sound, singer Sarah Engstrom engaging the crowd and the fans happy to respond. It’s good to see younger bands bringing both old and new influences to the Australian music scene.
Overall, it was a good showcase of the younger talent coming up through the ranks, playing songs that fit comfortably within the Triple J indie aesthetic and proving popular with the packed room.