MELTDOWN
When the ideas get too hot, the music gets louder. Meltdown is a one-night punk eruption – fast, loud and gloriously unhinged. Expect distorted guitars, sweat on the floor and a crowd ready to lose it. Presented in partnership with Heaps Normal at the Heaps Normal Health Club, Marrickville.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Joining Meltdown are the Inner West’s own Mac the Knife, psychedelic rock occultists Neptune Power Federation and dance punk band Ponzi Scheme. Featuring roving performances from burlesque artist Porcelain Alice.
Ages 18+ only.
This session is made possible with the support of Heaps Normal.
Mac The Knife
From the concrete pathways of Sydney’s inner west, Mac the Knife have cultivated their distinctive sound which is as strong as their following. From the depths of sweaty inner cities garages, the five piece hydra built on volume, velocity, and songs written for the people, by the people. Loud, restless, and unapologetic, they channel chaos into something communal and cathartic.
Neptune Power Federation
Australian psychedelic rock and roll occultists. Like all great threats to decency, the church of The Neptune Power Federation was born far from the tired gaze of the masses. Operating out of dive bars and biker clubhouses, playing to troubled souls with dirty hair and crude intentions, their high-volume psychedelic gospel spreads like a glorious subterranean infection.
Ponzi Scheme
Ponzi Scheme are a three-piece dance punk band from Newcastle, Australia that has been active since March 2025. Through cold tones of guitar, thumping bass and brooding synth, Ponzi Scheme draws influence from an amalgamation of genres including Post-Punk, UK Garage and Dark Wave to capture the sound of the steel city nightscape.
Porcelain Alice
Porcelain Alice is one of Australia’s most sought-after burlesque artists, renowned for bringing an impeccable vintage showgirl aesthetic to the world stage. For over a decade, she has performed full-time across Australia, Europe, Asia, and the United States, captivating audiences with her signature blend of elegance, wit and daring.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country on which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
The views and opinions expressed by the Festival participants are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.