Mods, ‘60’s psych freaks and garage rockers unite. The call is out to converge on the Empire Hotel for Psych-Out 2. And why not? These gigs are always a blast!

The Men From U.N.C.L.E looked very serious in their black suits, white shirts and ties. It must have been part of their secret plan to be the most well dressed band on the bill. Who could tell really? These secret agents have never been known to kiss and tell.

Napoleon Solo urged the crowd to “Yes, do please stick around”. That certainly was the crowd’s intention as the band ripped into their set of obscure sixties madness. Napoleon Solo excelled in laughing like a crazed lunatic while executing perfect pelvic thrusts. Next was the zombie call of the Hoodoo Gurus classic, Dig It Up.

Colonel Stone Cold Steve Austin had a rockin guitar sound and looked like he was enjoying every sonic second. Meanwhile, Napoleon Solo lost his mind and started chanting “brain washed assassins, Manchurian Candidate” over and over until it escalated into him screaming “HELP ME U.N.C.L.E”. Say no to bad acid kids. It’s just not worth it! Dr Igneous Kathexy wasn’t buying into all the hysteria and kept his bass the hell away. The highlight was a cover of the Masters Apprentices, Turn Up Your Radio.

Three more paisley shirts later, and it was the Dolly Rocker Movement’s spot in the limelight. Did these guys bring half the crowd or was it just a coincidence? Peter Brady (aka Daniel Poulter) was having his party and we were all invited. But who spiked the Kool-Aid? No one was complaining! In fact, everyone in the room was having a blast! The psychedelic properties were leeching into every particle of our body and the Dolly Rocker Movement were taking us on a magical mystery tour. How could you say no to warm, fuzzy guitar tones and cascading keyboards? What a trip! Their songs are really well structured and the highs and lows peeked and drained away, leaving you feeling like warm goo. Now that’s a good thing!

The crowd loved every second of what the band had to offer, swinging to the sweet sound of sixties psychedelia. The drum solo in the last song hit that primal nerve and pounded my brain, while the fuzz effect on the bass just hammered it home. Why aren’t these guys signed to a label? Like your secret stash – the Dolly Rocker Movement draw you in to that special place. Shhhhhhh. Let’s keep them our little secret ok?

The party was really starting to jump as The Booby Traps hit the stage. I dare say there were a few guys in the crowd who felt there hearts flutter at the sight of three girls in groovy, paisley mini dresses. The male members of the band looked pretty snappy too.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing this band a few times over the last two months and they really are damn good at what they do. Warm, fuzzy, distorted guitar, great melodies, and a groovy sixties beat. Just what the doctor ordered for one young man in the crowd. Either that, or it was the bladder of goon that he had smuggled in! How he skulled so many schooners of it without passing out is beyond comprehension! He was so taken with the Booby Traps that he was front centre, down on his knees, playing air guitar! I’m sure he’ll be needing a doctor in the morning!

The drummer really knows how to stomp and I’m sure he’s studied the “Hard and Fast Guide to 101 Garage Beats”. He really is fantastic and I even noticed a few new songs in the set. Carrie’s vocals really shone tonight and the melodies made it all that much sweeter. There was plenty of hip shaking fun to be had on stage and the crowd were happy to dance along.

Peter Brady and a swinging sixties chap jumped on stage to play the shakers during the last song of the set – Be My Caveman Tonight. As the crowd cheered, I know my mind drifted off and I was thinking about how I should get… another beer.

The crowd had dwindled in size but the die hards fans weren’t deterred. It was The Intercontinental Playboys’ spotlight tonight. An album launch no less! The band proved just what a special night it was by wearing matching gold, 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll jackets. It seems that there a few bands around at the moment who are deciding to forgo the traditional bass player, but I think the Playboy’s take their place as one of the small number of bands that have succeeded in making this decision.

Everyone’s voodoo psych garage specialists, the Playboys played all the favs, as well as showcasing the songs from the new album Sonic Seducers. At times the band can be reminiscent of the New York Dolls, yet there are moments when they remind me of Iggy Pop in his Loco Mosquito days. Overall, I really enjoyed the set, but felt that the keyboards were severely neglected in the mix. The stage sound really didn’t do them justice. They powered on regardless and it didn’t stop the crowd digging what the band had to offer. As the set drew to a close, plenty of keen contenders headed straight to the merch stand to take home a little reminder of what they had just witnessed.

Thank you Barfly Promotions and Skorch for a fantastic night. It’s not often that Sydney gets to delight in what the swinging sixties has to offer. By the looks of the amount of people who turned up – I think it’s time for a bigger venue!