If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be hit by a freight train made of guitars, leather jackets, and pure Scandinavian swagger, then you probably caught Junkyard Drive on their recent UK tour, hanging out with Australian hooligans, The Lazys.
Junkyard Drive weren’t just the warm-up act—they were the ignition. Frontman Kristian Johansen was a vocal powerhouse. His voice was a standout feature for me. He soared, growled, and made you feel like your ribcage was vibrating. Tracks like “Electric Love” and “Mr. Rock N’ Roll” were pure joy. But it wasn’t just the music—it was the vibe. Junkyard Drive brought charisma, cheek, and a touch of chaos. Their chemistry with Aussie rockers The Lazys was undeniable making them a fantastic duo of entertainment.
The Lazys. From the moment boisterous band The Lazys stormed the stage like a pack of caffeinated kangaroos let loose in a guitar shop, it was clear the night was going to be anything but ordinary. Hailing from the land where Spiders have their own gym memberships and Kangaroos box better than your uncle after three beers at a wedding, these boys have been blazing through their 2025 “Hot Under the Collar” Tour, disturbing stages across Canada, the UK, and Europe. Their single (of the same name) ‘Hot Under the Collar’, released in June and backed by fan crowdfunding, is a testament to the fierce loyalty of their global fanbase. That same passionate energy was bought along to Underworld, Camden.
Joined by a seasoned Underworld regular and good friend, I stepped into the venue for my very first outing, quickly realising this isn’t the place you frequent for a quiet pint and a polite toe-tap.
Staff were friendly — but none more so than guitar god and Lazys legend Matty Morris, who greeted me and my friend with a warm, rockstar-worthy hug that instantly made us feel welcome. I first tasted the wild energy of The Lazys at Firevolt Festival. From that moment, I was hooked. Their sound bit down hard and didn’t let go, and I knew I had to experience it all over again. Enter Underworld Camden, where mischief-maker and frontman Leon Harrison appeared, flaunting his trademark bright pink socks and an attitude that screamed “Nothing but trouble”.
His vocals sliced through the air like a chainsaw through a Vegemite sandwich — sharp, unapologetic, and unmistakably Aussie. The crowd were completely under his spell. Their set was a full-throttle masterclass in classic hard rock — loud, fast, with just the right amount of feral. It wasn’t polished; it was unapologetically primal. And that’s exactly what made it unforgettable.
Meanwhile, riff-lord Matty Morris whipped his luscious locks like a shampoo commercial gone rogue, baring his teeth like a Tasmanian Devil mid-guitar solo, shredding through the fabric of his very own T-shirt. Tracks like “Little Miss Crazy” and ‘Rattle them bones” turned the crowd into a sea of air-penetrating devil horns and ecstatic roars. On the other side of the stage, Teej Smitty and Kenny Holt brought their own brand of mayhem — trading intense rock stares and competing for “most impressive tongue” while laying down thunderous bass and guitar lines. Personal favourite Lazys track “All Fired Up” had the crowd absolutely buzzing — fists in the air and some mini mosh pits breaking out around the room. Everyone was loving it.
What truly set this gig apart was the atmosphere. It transcended the typical concert experience, becoming a communal celebration of sound, energy, and connection. The Lazys don’t just perform — they craft memorable moments. Whether diving into the crowd to showcase their riff wizardry, engaging fans with their signature cheeky banter, or delivering spontaneous collaborations with tour mates Junkyard Drive, the band demonstrated an infectious spirit of inclusivity and spontaneity.
My favourite thing about this band is their ability to blur the line between stage and audience that makes the performance feel less like a show and more like a shared rock ‘n’ roll ritual. If rock was dead, The Lazys would be the defibrillator, the paramedics, and some random feller shouting “CLEAR!” before hitting you with 10,000 volts of pure Aussie madness.
Their performance was a reminder of why live music matters — because sometimes, you just need to shout song lyrics in places you’ve never been, with people you’ve never met to bands you’ll never forget.
The boys from a land down-under, conquered the world down-under and I loved it.
Photos and Words by Shavorne Wilbraham
