Triple bills don’t get much more enticing than this, with a genre spanning lineup that could get anyone’s appetite a little whet. Billboard was playing host to Midnight Juggernauts first and foremost, as they hop around the country to warm crowds to material from their forthcoming second LP. But for those curious, and clever, there was also top-notch support to be seen from Kiwi pop-rockers Cut Off Your Hands and local emerging act Rat vs Possum. The potential the night held on paper, was one generously fulfilled in reality.

The crowd was sparse as Rat vs Possum made their way on stage, given their relatively early kick-off, but those who made the effort saw why the local press has been so generous in their opinion of this experimental four-piece. With layering vocals based around leading lady Daphne Shum, all-rounder Matt Kulesza bouncing between instruments and numerous occasions that saw eight drum sticks flailing about on stage, RvP were not only easy on the ear but were intriguing to watch live. With an album on the way and songs as cool as Jungle Pills, this is a band that is ready to explode, in the best possible way.

Nick Johnston’s voice makes it immediately evident to even the more naïve music fans in attendance that they’d heard Cut Off Your Hands at some point in time. As they started to progress through their set, it dawned on this reviewer that this is a band who actually cop a weighty amount of airplay about the place, whilst you may not actually realise it. And it is this immediately recognisable trait that make COYH so easy to enjoy in the live setting.

Johnston is without doubt the focus, consistently moving and shaking before arching himself up against the mic stand to pound out some vocals. With the band having a turbulent start to the year with guitarist Michael Ramirez quitting the band and drummer Brent Harris also having to go due to hearing problems, COYH may have been on shaky ground. Fortunately, you couldn’t see it, and once again these guys look set to make some waves moving into the future.

Given Midnight Juggernauts ability to sell out the larger Forum Theatre only 18 months ago, it was no surprise to see the final punters pouring into a jam packed dance floor as the main event was imminent. The show was always going to be very much about showcasing the new material, something that while necessary, usually seems to detract from the crowd’s response.

This was no exception, as tracks including current single This New Technology were met with a largely still crowd. In saying that, these same tunes will likely end up wielding rapturous support once the LP actually sees the light of day. Some of the fresh material also indicated the band had nearly moved full circle, back to their earlier days where they sported a raw rock sound. But fear not synth-lovers, you certainly won’t be missing out by any stretch.

The brief lulls meant when time came for a taste off the trio’s wildly successful debut Dystopia, energy levels were at a high. If you needed any further inspiration you needed look no further than drummer Dan Stricker, probably one of the best in the business to watch as he bashed away amongst laser lights and IKEA-esque coloured lanterns. The runaway highlight for the evening was Tombstone, bringing most in attendance to an excited hybrid of mosh and dance.

One disappointment came in past single Road to Recovery when the Juggers, a band who have put together some outstanding remixes, performed a remix of their own hit that lacked all the punch of the original. But when it came to the crunch, such as set closer 45 & Rising, all was forgiven as the Melbourners showed their live prowess and ability to send any crowd (see: Meredith 2007) bonkers.

While not obvious upon heading to Billboard for this gig, it became apparent after that it was almost like looking into a musical crystal ball, as all three acts look set to take huge leaps forward in 2010. Let’s hope these fortunes come true.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE