What is one way to scare all Sunday trade away from West End on a beautiful Sunday morning? Hold an all-ages gig for one of the most popular power-pop bands to emerge out of NSW. Hordes of over-excited teenage girls and boys, who are eager to let loose with shrill screams at the slightest mention of their heroes, are lined up all the way down Boundary Street, ready to sway-sway into the afternoon.

The event staff don’t seem to have everything quite under control as yet, and it is 15 minutes after the doors are supposed to open that the kids are finally let in for WHEREWOLVES, the first band of the day. Formerly A YEAR TO REMEMBER, this Brisbane foursome are no strangers to the stage, supporting the likes of Avalon Drive, Kisschasy and Gyroscope. They get their set underway with catchy tunes and well written songs but sometimes they seem to drag on and although they converse with the crowd, and the antics of lead vocalist Bryce Schnieder. Songs like Out To Kill and the keyboard synth of We Stayed bring out the influences of bands like Motion City Soundtrack, and show that these boys can do it just as well. For a young band, they have a mature attitude which will see them go a long way and they have definitely gained some new fans today.

ELLINGTON are the second Brisbane band to grace the stage, trying to make a name for themselves amongst the crowd here today. Their songs are sweet and catchy, another perfect pop-punk opener for the headliners. They are all talented musicians and Jake Bosci on lead vocals has a great voice. The thing is, their set seemed mundane today. The crowd was starting to lose interest and being that these days the kids have the attention span of a goldfish, bands need to have flair and be able to entertain the masses so as to really bring it home and make themselves a name that is not to be forgotten. Ellington has performed much better in the past, but as they are still growing as a band, expect great things from them in the future.

Before SHORT STACK have even begun, the crowd is amped and security are busy at the front barrier hauling young teens out of the crush. The wait for the Budgewoi lads is filled with random moments of shrill screams that cut to the core, along with chants of – œWe want Short Stack!’ and it shows that the pop-punk trio have quite a following in the sunshine state. At last, as the curtains draw back and flashing strobe lights illuminate the familiar skull and crossbones, the chords of One Step Closer ripple out of the speakers, and the teens go absolutely beserk. Shaun Diviney, lead vocalist and guitarist, is a born entertainer, and he is backed up by Andy Clemmensen on bass and Bradie Webb on the drums. With his tight black leather pants, Diviney is like a man possessed, leaping all over the stage and belting out the lyrics to each track, he keeps the crowd in a frenzy and they are loving every second of it.

Short Stack are no strangers to the touring arena, having formed in 2005 and supported Good Charlotte, HelloGoodbye and Simple Plan in their early years as they made a name for themselves. A true product of the internet era, they found their fame via Myspace and Youtube. This current tour is in support of their debut album, scheduled for release in August this year. The boys are talented and suave, and if they can keep entertaining their fans, then they will succeed where the more reserved will fall.

The set continues along at breakneck speed, each song is delivered with perfect timing, including the covers that these boys are becoming well known for pulling out. Covering everyone from Kylie Minogue to The Ramones on previous outings, this tour sees them declare Blink 182 the best band in the world, then proceed to cover Dammit. We Will Rock You has a look in, and to get the crowd moving after slower song Back of my Head Clemmensen breaks out Tina Turners’ Nutbush.

Two encores bring about the close of the set, with a fantastic drum solo where Webb bashes out the latest dance club hit Riverside and their popular singles have the teens screaming even louder and more shrilly than before with Princess and Shimmy A Go Go. Beach balls are produced for Drop Dead Gorgeous and the kids love it. The whole set is full of energy and it obvious the boys love playing up for their fans.

Then finally, to end the afternoon of pop delights, Sway Sway Baby raises the roof and the crowd is left breathless as their idols leave the stage, and everyone leaves The Hi-Fi with their emo inner selves completely satisfied.