The joys of Easter Sunday. If you happened to avoid the obligatory chocolate OD, and you instead found yourself at the East Brunswick Club, you were in for a treat of a different kind: five of Australia’s brightest talents, filling out the EBC stage over around four solid hours, for an evening of pure entertainment.

The first of the five bands came in Richmond’s Royston Vasie: three lads each sporting a guitar, accompanied by a drum track. I was rather impressed; I’ve been very firm in the belief that its particularly hard to find a three-piece rock band that not only captures the imagination, but leaves a lasting impression. Royston Vasie checked both boxes, laying down basslines and foot-stomping grooves reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand, or even The Blood Arm. Sure, its familiar territory, but the undeniable fact is that they put their own spin on it.

The one problem with being such an accessible-sounding band is that most of Royston Vasie’s cookie-cut choruses, from song to song, tend to bleed into one another (see, or hear, Badlands ). I would also suggest the addition of an actual drummer, as the energy of their music demands it. Their performance needs that extra kick (no pun intended) to change up from often-placid sight of three guitarists simply standing stagnant in their craft. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed their brand of dancable-rock. Its just a shame they were the first act on a lazy Easter Sunday, and nobody was quite so open to the idea of tearing it up on the dancefloor.

An emphatic flurry of jungle-like drums signaled that Foxx On Fire had appeared to maintain the tone of the evening. Guitars crunch and distort throughout the East Brunswick Club, until a solid riff forms. Foxx On Fire’s sound all comes together, rather similarly to Royston Vasie, complete with hook-laden chorus-lines, at times bordering on cosmic psychadelia.On occasion, vocals failed to hit the mark – but maybe its just as well, as lyrics aren’t their strong suit (‘Out of control x 4 / Misson Abort’ from, you guessed it: single, Mission Abort ). I know, I know – it’s probably not supposed to be the focal point. After all, the band is self-described as ’ ...(making) apocalyptic disco-noir for the dance floor’. That said, I’m just not sure about them.

Armen Firman took to the stage to set a significantly less intense mood, a distinct change from the bands that came before them. They provided a tight, emotionally-charged performance, and present themselves as an entertaining outfit with partcularly charismatic stage banter. By the set’s end, with tracks such as Common Man and Dressed For War, the East Brunswick crowd were convinced, judging by their reaction: Armen Firman are very talented, and certainly have great potential to mix it with the best live acts on the Melbourne circuit. As anyone who follows my writings knows, however, I’m not as easily won over. As much as I can highlight the best of Armen Firman, I couldn’t shake this feeling that there was something missing. Still, I will grant them that they are a band to watch, and you should check them out if you have the chance.

The Seabellies were next, direct from Newcastle. They begin slowly, but soon the band delights the EBC, breaking into powerful harmony and launching into their set. They’re a very spirited bunch, and almost seem as if they are as one with their music. The cohesive performance of all members, the pleasant tides of the keys, the precise percussion sections and the guitars combined all at once to perfection – truly a joy to watch and to listen to. Paper Planes began, instantly beautiful in its musical landscape, and demonstrated how the six-piece works together for marvellous results. Single Feel It Leave brought it up a notch, with the inclusion of sax and trumpet, working to reinforce the fact that they’re a band of multi-talented musicians.

With every song, there are so many sounds to unpack, each so intricate and adding so much to their entire live experience. If you’re into music of Rogue Wave, or Death Cab For Cutie, then The Seabellies are definitely for you. Personally, Its just a shame they’re from New South Wales, and it might be a while before they’re back here. Equally as disappointing – if I must have a bad word for them – I was surprised to find none of their music for sale at the gig. Boo, indeed.

Finally, the headline act of the night: The John Steel Singers. These Brisbane boys are a fun, quirky lot, with brass sections easily claiming the memorable moments of their whimsical compositions. As the set rolled playfully along, with each song a new, surprising direction was unfurled, and it soon becomes apparent to any punter that The John Steel Singers are a band that excel in keeping you well and truly tuned to their frequency. They’re a band of accomplished musicians, found experimenting and jamming constantly when given half the chance. Triple J favourite The Staged Intervention Of Poor Rich By His Righteous Peers was certainly a highlight, and easily one of the most catchy and creative to work its way onto Australian radio in recent times. Much like with The Seabellies, I find myself wanting more of JSS. With only a couple of EPs I’ll be sure to have on high rotation from now on, I’m eagerly awaiting a full length release to demonstrate at large the obvious talent of the group.

Overall, an enjoyable night that seemed to get better as it unfolded. That said, a total of five bands playing well into the evening, after a big Easter Sunday? Probably not everyone’s cup of tea. Still, a big thumbs up nevertheless.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW HERE