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Magic Dirt in a bottle: Life Was Better Ep, Friends in Danger, What are the Rock Stars Doing Today?, Tough Love. Why you should love them: Because they’re not so much a band as an institution. One comprised largely and often of feedback. Because Adalita isn’t so much a Frontwoman as a petite tattooed explosion (although back in the day she was more frontgrrrrl!) And on a personal level Magic Dirt are a bit special. They hail from Dougie’s old ‘Hood of Geelong, and Adalita is the reason Jayney picked up the bass to try and be a rock star. And who does one turn to for inspiration when one is learning to be a Rock Star? Why, Magic Dirt, of course.

So when bass player Dean Turner passed away in August the shock and sadness was felt not just in our own humble household, but Australia-wide. The current tour for Magic Dirt is their tribute to Dean, and Thursday night’s gig at The Gov was part rock ‘n’ roll wake, part viking funeral in feedback form. Appropriately for Dean, the band opened with a bass note so sub-y Jayne’s insides tried to crawl to her outsides, and then a long and beautiful outpouring of grief-laden feedback. It was incredibly beautiful, and emotional, and we’re not ashamed to admit to a misty-eyed trip to the bar.

Most touching of all was Adalita’s personal tribute to Dean. We felt privileged to allowed into the band’s private grief, and able to be there to show our support. Let’s face it, Magic Dirt’s never let YOU down; go and let them know you’re sorry for their loss. A bandmate is kin in a way that no-one else will quite ever be, and Magic Dirt’s farewell to their good friend and drinking partner will be remembered as a sad, yet rocking, chapter in Australian music history. We’ve seen Magic Dirt play numerous times: we’ve never before seen them bare their soul quite like this. Actually, we think it’s fair to say we’ve never seen a show like this, and we doubt we’ll ever see one again.

This was the first show of the tour, and we’re assuming the first time they’ve been on a stage in a while. The energy onstage was electric, helped by a setlist of Dean’s favourite Magic Dirt songs. Every recording was featured, with everything from Fairy Park (sung admirably by guitarist Raul) to Babycakes, which opened the set. Highlights included Redhead, Pristine Christine and new single White Boy, which sounded particularly menacing. The mix was perfect, and loud as hell! The role of bass player was filled by Matt Sonic. It was strange not seeing the trademark Rickenbacker, but maybe it would have been strange seeing Matt play one. Either way, Magic Dirt seemed pleased, and there was a real chemistry between them.

Which brings us to the conclusion of the evening, where Adalita informed the crowd that they were unsure if Magic Dirt were going to continue. We can completely understand this feeling, but after tonight’s show, it would seem a terrible waste to leave the music scene now, when quite frankly they played the best fucking gig we’ve seen in our life. Ever.

Miss Golly Gosh opened the evening, in what was their final performance. Which is also a shame, because it was the first time we’d seen the girls. They were loud, brash, bratty and messy. The drummer, bass player, and guitarist ripped out catchy punk tunes while their singer slaughtered baby rabbits with her voice. Then drank the blood of the baby rabbits with her voice. And then spat the blood of the baby rabbits over the crowd. With her voice. And we liked them. A lot.

The Nation Blue followed and played a very tight, very aggressive set of three-piece math-punk. They were an amazing band if you like yourself a bit of the old Mark of Cain or Shellac, and we think they would sound sensational with a second guitarist providing leads. Every rock band has a token ballad, and The Nation Blue’s foray into Ballad Town (Population: You) was a gorgeously-*Drones* -like little tale. It was always going to be a tough gig opening a show like this, but both bands nailed it. Thanks for topping off an already perfect evening.

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