The OBGMs Purged Demons in London

In a dynamic showcase at London’s Punk Rock Flea Fest, Toronto’s punk outfit the OBGMs captivated the audience with a performance that was as much about connection as it was about music. The band, featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Denz McFarlane, drummer Cola Humphrey, bassist Joe Brosnan, and guitarist Camila Milla filling in for Simon Outhit, demonstrated both musical prowess and a deep commitment to punk’s foundational values.

Rather than opting for the expected, the OBGMs opened their set with "Outsah," a track from their 2020 album The Ends, immediately setting a high-energy tone. McFarlane’s engagement with the crowd, including diving into the pit to encourage sing-alongs, established a collective enthusiasm that only grew throughout the evening. Despite technical issues with his microphone, the frontman’s intensity remained undiminished, underscoring the band’s relentless drive.

The band’s newest works were a significant feature of the night, with songs from their 2024 release, SORRY, IT’S OVER, receiving live testing in front of an eager audience. McFarlane introduced "GET UP" with an honest framing of its themes, opening a space for dialogue on mental health that resonated strongly with attendees. The subsequent track, "BUFFALO," sparked provocative commentary on personal relationships, inviting varied emotional responses but unified through rhythmic participation, especially Humphrey’s compelling drumming.

A hallmark of the performance was the emphasis on community safety and mutual respect within the mosh pit. McFarlane set clear expectations for behavior, advocating for support and care among fans, which the crowd wholeheartedly embraced. This atmosphere fostered one of the most intense and affectionate pit experiences observed in recent years, highlighting punk’s enduring spirit of solidarity.

Beyond performance, the band engaged in candid discourse on socio-political issues, with McFarlane and Brosnan critiquing cultural icons and affirming punk music as a platform for political expression. This stance challenges the growing trend of apolitical or commercially driven punk acts, reaffirming the genre’s roots in activism and social consciousness.

The OBGMs’ interaction extended beyond music and politics into playful yet cathartic moments, such as a crowd participation ritual involving a named ex-partner that unleashed collective frustration and joy. This blending of raw emotion and communal release exemplified the band's ability to forge powerful shared experiences.

Throughout the set, McFarlane’s vocal range, particularly his commanding screams, and the band’s cohesive sound underscored their artistic growth. New songs like "My Baby" and "Brightside" demonstrated evolving musical complexity and thematic depth, signifying a band confidently pushing creative boundaries.

The climax of the performance involved a carefully managed wall of death, executed with an emphasis on safety and mutual care, reinforcing the band’s ethos. The physicality of the event, coupled with the band's relentless energy, made for one of the most physically and emotionally intense shows of the festival.

In all, the OBGMs’ appearance at Punk Rock Flea Fest was a vivid testament to their commitment to invigorating punk through spirited performance, thoughtful engagement, and an unwavering sense of community. Their blend of new material and crowd-driven moments not only energized the audience but also reaffirmed punk’s capacity to unite and empower.