The Ending Goes Forever: The Screamfeeder Story is a feature-length documentary that chronicles the three-decade journey of Brisbane’s indie rock tenacious, Screamfeeder. Directed by Jacob Schiotz, a filmmaker with deep roots in music and documentary storytelling, the film immerses viewers in the cultural explosion of 1990s Brisbane, where Screamfeeder emerged as a defining force. Through a blend of archival footage, candid interviews, and iconic songs, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a band that carved its own path, defying mainstream pressures while fostering an unbreakable bond among its members.
The film opens with the gritty, humid atmosphere of Brisbane in the early ’90s, a city pulsating with creative passion. Screamfeeder, formed in 1991 by Tim Steward, Kellie Lloyd, and Tony Blades, quickly became a cornerstone of this scene, alongside venues like The Zoo and festivals like Livid. Schiotz masterfully captures the era’s gig posters, street press, and word-of-mouth fueling a rise that propelled the band from local pubs to international stages. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the chaos of the time, with stories of wild parties and near-disasters (like a bonfire that nearly torched a neighborhood), grounding the band’s rise in relatable, human moments.
At its core, the film is a love letter to the band’s creative partnership, particularly the enduring friendship between Steward and Lloyd. Interviews with band members, fans, journalists, and peers, reveal the chemistry that kept Screamfeeder going through lineup changes, industry shifts, and personal hardships. The documentary highlights their refusal to sign with major labels in the mid-’90s, a bold move that preserved their artistic control but limited their mainstream success. This decision, paired with the critical acclaim of their 1996 album Kitten Licks, underscores their commitment to authenticity over fame, a theme that resonates throughout the film.
The documentary’s strength lies in its ability to weave Screamfeeder’s music into the narrative without overpowering it. Tracks like those from Kitten Licks and Flour are used sparingly but effectively, reminding us of the band’s raw, melodic power that drew comparisons to Hüsker Dü and Swervedriver. Interviews with the band are unflinchingly honest, offering insights into their creative process and the personal toll of their unconventional path. This authenticity makes the film accessible even to those unfamiliar with Screamfeeder’s discography.
For fans of Australian music or indie rock in general, The Ending Goes Forever is a must-watch, offering a window into a pivotal era and a band that helped define it. Its exploration of community, loyalty, and the DIY spirit feels timeless, resonating in today’s algorithm-driven music landscape.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
