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The line-up of up-and-comers at the Annandale Hotel was sure to impress, with a variety of rock sounds from different bands from different states. The night began with the indie kids from Alsation, who were well focused and into it. They had some funky tunes, danceable beats, and played well despite the lack of an audience.
Without a long intermission, the music began again with Brisvegas band Numbers Radio, who’ve recently released an EP. They seemed to be reviving ‘90s rock that wasn’t old enough to be cool again, with rock songs whose predictability some may have liked. However, their musical talent and some poppy songs with a sing-along feel kept the growing crowd entertained.
In a ballsy move, without a bassist and drummer, The Nevada Strange’s sound was kept together with an iPod, the cowboy-hat-clad guitarist and the energetic vocalist who would from time to time bash a single drum at the stage rear. Battling through some sound issues, he still writhed around the stage in some twisted state of euphoria that snatched your eyes. Even with two temporarily missing members, they managed to woo the crowd. If you like any musician in the ilk of Nick Cave, listen to The Nevada Strange, and you’ll be whipped into their aural and visual tornado. Next up were Diamondback Rattles, who had much ambient instrumental work threaded through their lyrics. The female vocalist’s taunt was like a mermaid singing to sailors.
The Butcher Birds stepped up to a tough plate after two killer bands. While they’re no Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the girls with attitude fronting the band made some intense overlapping noise to the recently-recruited drummer’s beats. Although they had all the energy while the boys watched on, their sound needed to be cleaned up a tad. The young guns making up Under Lights had a certain raw energy, that the crowd connected well to, as they belted out some great songs that were refreshing and not overly poppy. It’ll be hard to avoid these fellas as their sound, and no doubt their fan base, develops.
As the popular Bear at the Door took the stage, the audience grew once more. Girls danced to vocal instrumentals and clean, catchy indie songs, although to an extent it’s all been done before. However, this band has potential to push it further. Regardless, well-performed climaxes, occasional keyboard, and some shouting vocals ensured it was a crowd favourite.
The secret headline act was taken out by Brisbane’s garage-grunge band Violent Soho, who were playing at the Annandale for the third night in a row to support the release of their debut album. The rumours around the pub of their incredible sound were true. They set the tone with throbbing basslines, seaweed hair drenched over their instruments in a contagious, raw, violent energy true to their name. Simply, this is a band that must be experienced live. Some songs were Pumpkins-esque in their ability to move between hard and soft, while others are reminiscent of Nirvana’s grunge. Their explosiveness on stage is one of a kind. Although comparisons are tempting, Violent Soho definitely have a personality on stage all of their own.
Overall, the night offered some incredible music from burgeoning names to look out for in the near future.
