There is one thing I usually think of when I hear the word shoegazer – pretentious druggies with distorted guitars and keyboards.

However the Dardanelles, a band that classifies themselves as “shoegazer/live electronics/alternative” managed to avoid my cynical stereotype.

Intrigued to see if all shoegazer bands were just rip-offs of My Bloody Valentine, I went to see The Dardanelles at Jive for the debut of their newest album Mirror Mirror.

Opening support act *The Reptiles *were like a twenty-first century Nirvana with tight jeans. Although the Melbourne newcomers had little audience to perform to, the lead singer went nuts and the overall band energy was a good start to the night. I had the pleasure of spilling my beer on the drummer’s feet later in the night, entirely accidental of course.

Next up was the birthday boy of the night, E.L.F. aka Darren Cross from *Gerling*’s electronica side-project. “It’s my birthday by the way,” said a shy Darren on stage, responded with cheers from the crowd. Using only a mini-keyboard and an Apple iMac, E.L.F. introduced some intensive dance music to the venue such as song Cockroach. “I’m staying at the Hilton with J.T Not really, I’m sleeping in a fucking car,” Darren joked.

Following half an hour of ear-pounding bass were local band Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire!, a band that never fails to impress me. Despite problems in the beginning with the bass player’s amp being too loud, the Fire! boys played familiar songs such as I’m Here, Where Are You? and Crisis B. The lead singer was even kind enough to write out a set-list for me after the show.

With half an hour until midnight to go, the Dardanelles finally appeared. They certainly didn’t look like pretentious druggies, but like normal scruffy-haired indie kids in second hand t-shirts.

The lead singer Josh’s pre-performance involved him standing in the middle of the stage with the most unusual disposition – hands clasped together, wide-eyed and bouncing up and down like a little boy about to enter a carnival. I couldn’t tell if he either was fucked on drugs or just one of those guys that gets lost in the moment of performing.

After a grungey intro, the Dardanelles launched into Alone is Not from new album Mirror Mirror. The lead singer was bouncing, shaking, rolling his eyes back into his head and “really feeling it, man!” However, I found myself being disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm from the other band members after such energy from the supporting acts.

Other songs performed included Mirror Mirror and a wrap-up with Footsteps. Overall, I thought these Queensland lads were good, but it may take another Saturday night gig at Jive to waver my opinions on shoegazers.

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