From the outset it appeared as if tonight was going to be a big night with a strong crowd already pouring in for the first band of the night, Kiai Academy. Having seen these guys a few times already, it was great to see them break expectations and pull out with a pretty strong set of numbers. They were working well off each other and put back that passion into their set oft missing from most supports these days.

Following on were The Retreat, playing an interesting mix of folky indie pop. Not too bad for what they were, but slightly out of place on this bill of heavier punk-rock flavours. Plus, something also tells me these guys place a little more emphasis on their retro-chic style over substance.

Last of the supports came from Melbourne outfit, The Mission In Motion. Their latest release, A Curse, A Calling, was quite a big production, with huge amounts of bass and an energy that I haven’t heard from a smallish Aussie band in a while. Translated to the stage, it didn’t quite work out so well. Perhaps it was the small venue, or production that was too slick, but it all sounded fairly washed out and pretty lacklustre on this occasion. Despite all this, the crowd seemed to enjoy and I would expect to be hearing more from these guys in future.

Horsell Common sauntered onto the stage at around 11pm, informing the crowd that they were extremely drunk and had only 30 minutes to play. They vowed to “fuck the setlist off” and play pretty much whatever the crowd wanted to hear. In theory it sounded like half an hour of awesomeness for any fan, but in reality the band did not seem into it at all. Plus it just wasn’t the same with Bodyjar’s Shane Wakka replacing the departed Leigh Pengelly.

For a band that once stood proudly as the best of the new lot with a killer live rep to boot, tonight was a fair disappointment. It left me doubting whether they still have what it takes.