Entering the Amplifier Bar this Friday evening, punters were treated to a lineup of local music customary to the venue’s booking philosophy. However, on this occasion the acts were in competition. The first semi final of the Next Big Thing Competition 09 was underway.

With a good sound that hummed sweetly as gatherers traversed the front bar and court yard to the performance area The Silver Stars were a competent opening act. Some clumsy phrasing and the interesting but impractical action by the front man of removing his mic from its stand and wandering about the stage singing with guitar slung sideways showed a lack of confidence and strength in live performance.

A few of the tracks selected for the 20 min set did sound like two or more very different songs in one. Jam sections showing off musical skill was where they gained the audiences interest.

Unceremoniously ripping out guitar plugs to finish the set, their girlfriend roadies made quick work of packing up and heading to the front door.

Overlooked by this reviewer at their heat Art In Algebra demonstrated why they were given a birth in the first semi final of the competition. Their beaming faces and slight embarrassment at their thoroughly daggy introduction was apparent with MC Justin in his finest form.

With some complex time signatures, often difficult to comprehend, the unit successfully gave attention to each instrument with the unfailing but restrained twinkle of the keys as provided by Christine. Boppy and poppy with hard synth in places, the highlight of the set was Breathing Fire punctuated by dramatic pauses and soothing vocal all on the bendy gumby legs of front man Ross.

Before the next act MC Justin took to the stage dutifully reeling off sponsors names that had turned his charisma into a bad smell for those who had attended several of the Next Big Thing heats previous. A heckling FasterLouder photographer Stuo piped up during the tirade and comically earned himself a CD for the effort.

Soloist Helen Shanahan stood side stage giggling, embarrassed at the favourable and flirtatious comments being made about her in introduction to the Amplifier crowd.

After the mic got a quick antibacterial spray she settled into her set and strummed fervently throughout Mirror. The powerful voice of a woman acutely aware of her own youthful naivety was a refreshing change from the four piece rock outfits of the competition.

Sweet and a bundle of nerves Shanahan got through chatting to the audience and calling on her supporters to click their fingers creating the beat. Beautiful Disease was a lovely display of control and the vocal and guitar playing were restrained. The slowly swelling introduction provided contrast in the set and the development of an undulating back catalogue is sure to gain her many admirers.

One Tiger Down entered like a refreshing ocean breeze opening with Bow & Arrow. The band members’ enjoyment of their chosen creative manifestation was clear from expressions, some that provided entertainment in their own right!

With a great deal of snare and symbols the relaxed musical attitudes were perhaps too at ease as vocal harmonies were thrown off. Guitarist Lachlan Gear nearly stole the show with a Santana like solo clad in an outfit it looked that his mum dressed him including and painted guitar strap and suspenders.

A melting pot of influences and styles, One Tiger Down had a sporadic direction that made them anything but predictable.

Cranking the amps up expectations were high on Arts Martial as their drummer Gabe Thomas removed his shirt before playing one track. A prolonged sound check ensued as just about everything was creating feedback. Problem Child opened their set and one by one the delivered sounded like hit material.

With rowdy mates putting on a show of their own, sing-a-longs and head banging had many in the crowd wondering if they were witnessing seasoned performers or just very good rock star reproductions.

Finishing in style the band went off to towel down while the crowd cooled in their sweaty and beer drenched winter wears.

The next act filled the musical gap somewhere between New Order and Grafton Primary. Lacey was hard on the synth with a mac computer and whispery backup vocals developing an unearthly irresistibly pop sound.

A crowd now lined the stage and Lacey performed amicably with no rock star poses, just straight playing. Their furiously thumping energizer drummer kept the sound together with guitarists providing plenty a catchy hook. Whip was a standout with so much synth that if you were on mind altering drugs you’re head might have just popped!

A sold out Amplifier Bar attested to the interest and popularity of both the venue, night of the week and the great talent on display.

Finishing off the night’s live music offerings Hang On St. Christopher were an odd pick to end the night, and the band was affected by not only the large crowd but growing disinterest in the room.

Unfortunately one could hear every conversation and the once mesmerizing quieter and drawn out tracks felt like they took eternity for everyone involved. The practiced and perfected skill was clearly there but the performance was well below the standard set by their heat.

Wrapping up the evening to a packed out crowd made the event all the more memorable. This reviewer’s picks were: Art In Algebra, Lacey and Arts Martial.

The Official Result progressing to the final were Arts Martial and Hang On St. Christopher.