Sydney trio Acid Eyeliner are about quality, not quantity. They weren’t expecting a sell out at Melbourne’s Hi Fi Bar. They weren’t even expecting a relatively large turnout. What they did hope for was to share a night with a few kids that mattered – kids that had embraced the band and were in search of a good time. That’s what each got.

Lukey Lukess and his band travelled down to Melbourne for two shows on the same evening with three starting support bands. They were eager to convey the fact that “every band on the bill is unsigned” and for the fans to get behind them.

Of the supporting acts – Violet, Front Counter and Perfect Reason – the final rated a special mention. They were a clear cut above the others, as indicated by their set which lasted almost as long as the headline act. After setting the stage, they took to the side for a short moment before returning with a professional and intriguing intro. Everything about them was more mature and enticing. Their sound was bigger, the songs had more depth and the performance as a whole more convincing.

The young crowd appreciated the unique drum solo and gave a deserving applause when the end came. The time schedule cut their set short by one track, but the overall positive is they left me wanting to see more. They offered a sound and vibe to come back to.

Then the Acid boys hit the stage and fronted in a triangle like stance: Lukey Lukess on lead vocals and guitar to the left, Pete Nu on bass to the right and drummer Murray Danger centre-back. Their 45 minute set covered a substantial amount of their new tracks off the self-funded album Future Lies as well as a rocked-out version of Cutting Crew’s eighties classic “I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight”.

The eager kids made requests for dedications and either lined close to the stage, sat on the outer or joined the select few moshing across the floor. Clearly they were paying attention to the bands message to “look after your friends” when one boy took a bit of a knock and the rest stopped to ensure he was okay – then back to it.

The boys “roared” and the girls “squealed” for the track “Scream” and a crowd favourite was ‘Pennylane’ – a song inspired by the movie Almost Famous and the fans at an After The Fall gig. Of course for this show, it was for the girl “hanging by the Hi Fi door,” relating the here and now. Album title track ‘Future Lies’ and set closer “Kissing You in the Driveway” were also highlights. ‘Scream Your Name’ was to surface at some point that evening and the underage crew received the play on request.

All three members had a microphone for vocal duties and the lead man’s voice was clear and strong. But even more impressive and reflecting his background as an experienced guitarist, Lukess showcased his skills and tricks with the strings. The guitar solo ending ‘Leave Me Alone’ was excellent and his stint playing the instrument behind his back, which was faced to the crowd, was appreciated.

Throughout Lukess thanked the kids for their support and encouraged them to continue to spread the Acid name and fame – essential for an unsigned band. There was an hour gap between the two gigs, which left time just to hang out with the kids and to “grab a cheeseburger”. The moment the band exited stage, the kids gathered to chat. Of course one asked “So Lukey, when are we getting burgers?”