Throughout February the Melbourne Zoo is offering an exciting new concept called Roar Sounds that allows great bands to be enjoyed amidst the animals every Thursday night. For the third instalment The brilliant Tame Impala and, arguably Australia’s best live act, Eddy Current Suppression Ring both put on an incredibly entertaining show enjoyed by families and music aficionados alike. The unique setting, solid performances and, perhaps most importantly a B.Y.O event, created a fantastic vibe, allowing everyone there to have a fantastic time.

Tame Impala had a very strong start and their psychedelic style immediately added to the early evening festivities. Picnic rugs and hampers littered the open patch of grass in front of the stage and a very wine and cheese event seemed likely. There was a very relaxed mood across the crowd and whilst this meant not too much moshing, everyone was clearly having a ball. The rather unusual choice of venue was suited to Tame Impala’s unique mix of ambient, grungey, psychedelic rock and made for what was a memorable set. A cover of Blue Boy’s Remember me was a highlight along with crowd favourite Half Full Glass of Wine, both going down a treat in the dusk sunlight.

Contradicting the earlier relaxed vibe, the reaction to Eddy Current Suppression Ring was always going to be huge, with scores of their young fans turning out to see them. What made it so interesting though was that the reaction by families to the garage punk rockers was overwhelmingly positive with babies up on shoulders dancing along with the sweaty, drunken, youthful moshers at the front. Opening with Memory Lane and moving straight into You Let Me Be Honest With You, the moshpit as per tradition gradually began to get more and more out of control. Lead singer Brendan Suppression worked the crowd into a fever with his erratic but inspired movements, with everyone right up to the back getting up to jump around. One of the highlights of the night was Which Way to Go into Insufficient Funds and truly showed off why this band is so good live. Even with an open air stage all eyes were captivated by the band’s infectious melodies and Brendan’s manic singing. Colour Television was perhaps track of the night and the finish of Get Up Morning into Cool Ice Cream left everyone wanting more.

With the Summer festival market completely saturated and despite being such a short event, Roar Sounds on Thursday was reminiscent of a mini festival. It possessed all the benefits including good music, drinks, weather and people, yet it displayed none of the negativity that often detracts from such events. The performances put on by the acts complemented the night superbly and it is a credit to both the acts and the Melbourne Zoo for creating such a superb event.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW HERE