The atmosphere wasn’t exactly pumping at the Enigma bar on Thursday night. A total of about thirty people turned out to see Skybombers, supported by Adelaide band Booster and fellow Melbourne band Calling All Cars. After a brief sound check, power trio Booster began their mix of stoner and straight up rock, to the appreciation of the modest crowd. Singer and drummer Sean, and bassist Josh’s vocal harmonies and interplay were a highlight, as well as Craig’s guitar work, with some great use of feedback.
The next band Calling All Cars felt the need for a half-hour sound check before they went on, which was a bit of a buzz kill. It must have payed off though because the boys sounded great. They were energetic and put on a great show, but their stage acrobatics didn’t affect their sound. They had their punk/rock mix down, sounding tight and professional. Vocalist and guitarist Hyden made great use of loop effects on his guitar and delay on his vocals, at one stage looping a riff, putting down his guitar and carrying the microphone into the crowd to sing.
My first impression of Skybombers was a good one. The band came in early to watch both support acts, obviously appreciating the music. This interest in other local bands and music showed them to be down to earth and was a refreshing change in an industry where all too often egos fly just a bit too high. The guys started out strong, giving an energetic performance of their brit-pop/early punk/grunge sound,
with Vocalist and guitarist Hugh Gurney’s voice reminiscent of Oasis’ Noel Gallagher or The Vines’ Craig Nicholls. They played songs off their debut album Take me to town such as Always Complaining and It goes off which featured prominently on L.A. radio station Indie 103, and started their popularity in the US. Their Easybeats cover got people dancing and Elenor’s Lullaby was a tribute to the early days of rock and roll, the Beatles and the Stones.
Although they played a great set, full of passion and didn’t hold back, I was a bit disappointed with the sound quality. They weren’t as tight as Calling All Cars before them, and Hugh’s vocals were too soft at times and didn’t cut through the mix. That being said, I enjoyed the show, and with a US and Japan tour scheduled for later this year, the future looks bright for Skybombers.
