The Bazaar at Queensbridge Hotel was a great way to spend another freezing cold winter night, with the promise of electrifying performances from six local up-and-coming bands to set the soul on fire.
Featuring the likes of Many Machines on 9 (now known as MM9), Brisbane favourites Dead Letter Circus and local heroes Mammal, it was a night destined to impress and excite. Having witnessed most of these bands in a more intimate setting over the past month, the translation to the larger venue was a critical point in the evening. Fortunately, no one disappointed.
MM9 had the slowly filling venue swaying their heads along to the industrial-garage-metal-meets-indie-electro sounds that permeated the room. Delivering an energetic set, one couldn’t help but feel that MM9 were holding back, and perhaps should have looked into either changing the order of their set so that it closed memorably musically. However, MM9 have refined their live performance, claiming the stage as their own and making the most of their time on board.
Trial Kennedy hit the stage next, exuberance and enthusiasm barely contained as they waited to showcase their work to the (by now) near-filled room. Riding on the success of the recent release New Manic Art, the boys appeared fired up to ensure that each and every person in the room had a good time. Frontman Tim Morrison was particularly impressive, his vocals seemingly effortless, charming the crowd as he pranced from side to side, microphone stand glued to his hand. Not so charming however, were his in-between song antics, orally spraying water over the centre mosh pit, where the reaction was mixed. Backed up by an enthusiastic crowd, Trial Kennedy pleased old fans and may have garnered a new wave of support on the night, stamping themselves as a promising live band. Yes there is still work to be done, but so far, so good.
Next on stage was Dead Letter Circus, accompanied by a sense of apprehension. The question for the evening – would they live up to their capabilities, or continue to surf on the flatline that has been evident in the recent shows? DLC were let down by sound problems – at some parts of the set, vocalist Kim Benzie could barely be heard. Fortunately, the 500 or so punters packed in helped him out, even drowning him out at times as they enthusiastically sang along with the well loved tracks from their debut EP including Lines and The Mile. Current single Reaction, the first single from the upcoming album proved to be a hit as well. The boys appeared relaxed and comfortable on stage, which was a major element missing from previous performances, which turned tonight’s performance into one of their best for a while.
Mammal took to stage just after midnight, the crowd momentarily stunned by front man Ezekiel Ox appearing on stage…. dressed. Renowned for running around without his shirt on, the purple long sleeved top stumped many for a moment. Powering through a massive set including Nagasaki in Flames, Think, Inciting and current single Smash the Piñata, the irrepressible Zeke and guitarist Pete Williamson took advantage of wireless instruments and performed amongst the crowd at times, creating a 360° experience for fans, as bassist Nick Adams and drummer Zane Rosanoski kept the show going on stage.
If there was anyone sitting down during the previous performances, they sure as hell were roused to their feet by the organized chaos that took part as soon as Mammal hit the stage. Despite relatively enjoyable performances by those on stage tonight, somehow, nothing beats Ox and crew on stage. The energy that encapsulates the crowd, no matter how big or small, and fills the venue always makes each show unique, and definitely a night to remember.
The Bazaar at QBH was certainly a great showcase event, and introduced fans to other artists that are floating within the music-sphere, and sure put a smile on everyone’s faces as they left the venue, sated with good music.
