I don’t know exactly what it is, but there seems to be some kind of mystical melodious qualities to the water of Western Australia, they seem to have the highest level of talented musicians per capita than any other place in Australia. Think Eskimo Joe, Bon Scott, Sleepy Jackson, Little Birdy, Karnivool, End of Fashion; and now add to that list the rocking four-piece outfit that hails from the wild, wild west, Sugar Army.

Sugar Army has released one the records of the year, The Parallels Amongst Ourselves, an album which is full of catchy, upbeat psychedelic rock songs that you can dance to. When performed live, the songs filled the Evelyn band room with a fun and celebratory atmosphere.

Lead singer Patrick McLaughlin’s vocals sounded great live, given a stellar musical platform to propel from thanks to the work of Todd Honey on lead guitar, Ian Berney on bass and the wizard of drumming that is Jamie Sher.

Showcasing a set full that was full of tight, catchy, guitar-riff driven songs, Sugar Army delivered everything that the eager crowd was expecting and more. The highlights of their stellar set had to be the tracks Tongues in Cheeks, and the mesmerising No Need For Lovers, both of which you will have heard on high rotation on triple j throughout the year. Ever the showman, McLauhghlin remained unfazed when, midway through a song, a rabid fan jumped up on stage and threw him over his shoulder, proceeding to spin him around. McLaughlin didn’t miss a beat, still singing every word.

Sugar Army are like the Australian version of Kasabian, in that they are a talented band who produce a sensational soundscape, one that is familiar but distinctive all at the same time, and they have an energy and style that I think will take them far.