My Wednesday evening was a sequence of errors. I missed two appointments, fell on the pavement in my stilettos hurting my shoulder, only to be greeted at Hermann’s Bar, Sydney University, with a “Sorry, you are not on the guest list, please pay!” The flamin’ cheek after all I had been through! It was no fun standing in the rain arguing over the guest list and to think that only half an hour ago I was debating whether I should go or not.

As I enter I am greeted with a loud thud from support act Music Box. The first song is a mass of wailing, complemented by some rolling onstage. The next song is a bit of an improvement but the music is way too loud and thick on distortion. Forgive me for being brutal, but the band did a great job at fraying my nerves. Come the third song all I heard was sound and some muffled singing. As the tempo went from loud to soft, it was clear that this band was in their infancy/experimental state and did not know how to cater to the audience via announcing songs or conversing.

I sat near Blackie ( The Hard Ons vocalist) and asked what the deal was with the band? He informed me that he handpicked them and I was at a loss for words. I felt the band tried to capture the Joy Division darkness as the guitarist went through the frets and the sound overpowered vocals. In essence, I rather have drunk cum juice than listen to the band. The experience was painful and at best annoying. Again, it’s not that I’m nasty nor was in a bad mood, rather if you are going to do a gig, polish your act. Be your own harshest critic and be fair to the paying punters.

A short break between sets and The Hard Ons were onstage doing what they have been doing for the last 20 years – providing an entertaining set among nifty numbers. Blackie wore a smile despite the heavy rain outside and a meager crowd attendance of only 30 or so people.

As they played I wondered if they knew they’d still be around 20 years later. They have come a long way since Punchbowl Boys High, having done well overseas and having a strong following domestically. Songs played were Suck and Swallow and Carrot Top among covers of Paul McCartney and Wings Jet and Bo Diddley’s Bo Diddley in ode of the great one dying earlier this week.

Despite a somber ambience, the band did their best to spruce up a dreary night with their contagious enthusiasm. Thumbs up from this reviewer, who managed to convert a frown to a smile by the end of the evening.