Walking into a near-empty ANU bar around 8.15, it was clear this gig wasn’t going to be the overbearing, sweaty moshpit people have come to expect from one of Canberra’s leading music venues. But with a 14 page RSVP list, it did look like it could be a fun night. And that it was.

First up, self-proclaimed Kings of Canberra, The Fighting League, started the night off late with a blend of garage metal, pop lyrics and tame antics. Made up of uni-kids, the band bantered with members in the audience, telling everyone that they were the best in the business and they should get free drinks after their set. Shoddy equipment did not help their cause, with one of the guitar amps in need of serious repair. On the upside, the lead singer did all he could to warm up the crowd, including taking his shirt off before the set started and dancing around the stage like Rocky. Given that they were the first band up, The Fighting League did well to warm the modest audience and prepare them for the upcoming bands.

Alternative DJ’s The Strangeways and the Purple Sneakers crew kept the crowd amused in between bands. Clearly from the same scene as Canberra’s own Indie club Bar 32, the DJ’s provided good vibes and funky tunes with interesting song choices.

Already running behind schedule, the second band arrived late and had a lot to make up for, which they did in abundance. Sounding like a whole lot of music genres having an orgy, Canberra band Kasha blended different music styles and tempos flawlessly, creating a new sound that is sure to get them noticed. Rocking guitar and precise drumming was the drawcard, with the idea of singing used more as a filler than a part of any song. In fact, most of the set sounded like a very tight jamming session, with everyone in the crowd loving the results. As far as stage presence went, most of the band had their backs to the audience at different points of the set, so the intensity was occasionally lost. But overall, Kasha was the highlight of the night.

Starting much later than expected, things were never really looking good for headline band Chambers. Launching their new EP in the nation’s capital, the 4-piece Sydney band were probably imagined a much bigger crowd than they were graced with on Saturday night. By the time they took to the stage, most of the small-ish crowd were heading out, with the band left with only a handful of people staying for their set.

Standing in near-darkness, the boys started their set with a brief soundcheck and a quick hello. As they began, it became painfully obvious that a more thorough soundcheck was needed, with the singer being drowned out by hideous microphone reverb. Reminding those patrons left in the bar of soft-rock bands like The Fray and Snowpatrol, Chambers showcased songs from their debut EP A Slow Decay. With soft guitar and a smooth bass, Chambers showed Canberra a nice sensitive side of rock. By the time they finished, the crowd were smitten, regardless of their poor equipment.

One thing is for sure, good scheduling and organisational skills clearly aren’t a high priority to the ANU Bar. But, when the music is as diverse as this, who cares?