The night was off to a questionable start. There was a suspicious stench entering into the venue that I’d rather not think about. However, that was quickly forgotten in the grungy surrounds while listening to Sid Vicious sing Something Else over the speakers.

Soon enough, openers Atomicide began their set. A reviewer, in writing about their single TV Tried To Kill Me, supposed that they would be an exciting live act, but that was sadly not the case at this show. Perhaps the guys were just nervous, but I found their set lacklustre. They had some interesting ideas – such as having all three members share the vocal duties – but the sound is derivative of the New York Dolls without really adding anything new to the mix.

Second band L.U.S.T. were much more fun to watch. Swaggering onto the stage and looking like they took their fashion cues from Mötley Crüe, their energy and enthusiasm was contagious. Their stage presence brought everyone in the room to attention. Lead vocalist Mikey Stone was channelling Sebastian Bach as he strutted around in snakeskin pants, aviator sunnies and cowboy hat, while guitarist Ronnie Rocker seems determined to become the next Slash by way of face-melting guitar solos and copious amounts of head-banging. Their music was reminiscent of old school ‘80s rock – Å“n’ roll with the attitude to match, and they pulled it off with aplomb.

Next came the always impressive Sydneysiders Shake!. I have to confess that this is the third time that I’ve seen this band live, and they’ve never disappointed. Always delivering consistently dynamic performances, they had the entire room shaking from all the punters dancing. As their last headlining show before they head off to try their luck in the UK, Shake! gave their audience everything they had and then some.

Vocalist Sam Dillon cavorted all over the stage, playfully involving his band members in his antics as he demanded (and received) everyone’s attention. There was no mercy from guitarists Lee Edwards and Dan Pritchard, bombarding everyone with catchy melodies that you can’t help but dance to, while bassist Amanda Pross and drummer Tim Milner watched on in amusement. At the end, the crowd was left wanting more as Shake!’s electrifying set came to an end.

With Jack Nasty Face’s themed stage costumes, I expected a set that would end the night on a high note. Instead, I have to confess that I was left bored to tears. As visually interesting as it is to see frontman Jack Nasty prancing around onstage in his top hat and cane, the music left me cold. I wasn’t alone, as the intense attention the crowd had directed towards the stage during the two previous bands quickly dissipated. People began to talk amongst themselves instead of watching the show. It’s a shame, as it brought what had been a great night to a less-than-satisfying end.