Sunday sessions are a weird tradition for those of us who grew up on the other side of the globe, where Sundays are spent catching up on homework and chilling with the occasional rental movie, and a bowl of popcorn. After adjusting to the first 5 culture shocks, we foreigners learn to appreciate the custom of pub-ing, picnic-ing and going to concerts on a Sunday. Filling one of the most void days of the week with social activities is a nice move, and absolutely one of the things yours truly will miss when leaving the country in 2.5 weeks.

The Newport have had their share of local gold lately, with many of the semi-successful bands who either get RTR playtime, or many, many gigs around our fair city and its many venues. Sunday last week was no exception as the venue filled slowly with a variety of guests, from hippie-market-frequenters, to classy upscale dressed pissed-off-their-mind hen party participants. A fun crowd. But that was nothing compared to the actual music on stage.

Newcomers Fools Rush In were a breath of fresh air if you feel you have seen way too much mopey and sad indie lately. Sometimes, a band comes along, with a new sound, an eccentric stage show, and an overall great performance. On stage, Fools Rush In are energetic, bubbly and sweet, the way good indie should be. Those with a feminist on their inside, would squeal over their guitar player, who is young, talented to the degree of hard core, and – a chick! The band, who is receiving excellent reviews both here and overseas are due soon to release a debut album. Watch their MySpace if you are keen to follow their next move, or go to one of their gigs.

Next one on were great southeners; Homebrewe who have had a couple of weeks deserved break from continuous playing. Presenting some more of their new material, having the crowd very excited, they followed their now tried and true recipe with aggressive guitar, smooth bass and rear end kicking drums. A sight for sore eyes is the fact that youngest band member Dylan Grogan seems to have woken up since FasterLouder saw them last and was a more eager contributor to the band synergy, than we have seen before. Just one more word of wisdom for the same bass player, you do have a cute buttocks honey, but we in the audience would love to see more of your face too. Do not turn your back on your audience! Apart from that – supreme show, with an especially amusing guest cameo by the night’s headliner Jack Action

Jack Action have found a combination of elements that create successful music. Their tracks are poppy – still semi aggressive, and their band has an exceptionally good look and feel to them. Especially when one of their band members exulted “Wow, look. there is so many people here!” one could not help but smile over their shown enthusiasm and sheer joy over playing for an audience. Those of you who never go to a gig unless it is something frequenting the international hitlists better get out more often, because new and fresh musicians are even more entertaining than the professional showmen who hardly have to put in effort to make the crowd go nuts.

A last encouragement: – Go to a Sunday session, check out the “local” section in your record store, and support local music in any way you can, that way WA can continue to have their diverse, colourful musicians, as it gives these talented souls the ability to fend for themselves.