The newly refurbished Civic Hotel has clearly put in a lot of effort into getting a decent set up for bands with an impressive stage and sound system. Tonight it played host to the Caballeros’ inaugural show. Self-proclaimed, “Perth’s most handsome band”, decided to bypass the traditional route of gigging around Perth’s less popular venues and kick off their career with a double stager featuring some of Perth’s more prominent local bands.

Last minute substitutes Tracksuit kicked off the evening on the second stage with a solo performance by front man Steve Hensby. He was soon joined by the rest of the band and, after cursing the inadequacies of the PA system, The three piece launched into a polished performance of Indi guitar pop which was well received by all.

The New Husseins were next up on the main stage with a more punk sound. It was another very tight set, frontman Fritz with beverage in one hand and microphone in the other egged on the crowd to get drinking… and who could argue with that? Taking his advice meant missing the next band The Floors unfortunately.

Watching the Caballeros tear through Rattus P. Rattus It became apparent that they were more than a match for the other acts, in fact you’d have been hard pushed to pick them out as the new band at all. Jake England is a natural performer; playing to the crowd at every opportunity they couldn’t help but get carried along with his infectious energy. The guitar duo, Leroy and Dog of Strychnine Cowboys fame, played a white-hot set. You see so many decent guitarists around Perth it is easy to get a bit bored of it all, but they managed to play some really enjoyable stuff.

As the Caballeros’ set drew to a close the night was running a bit behind schedule so Eyespy played a heavily curtailed set. They made the best of it though, and while their set was eclectic you could still get into it. Guitarist Chris Callan’s recent stint with the Panda Band looks to have rubbed off on them as some their songs were very off the wall… good though.

Armed with probably Perth’s tightest rhythm section and a haircut as mad as a box of otters, Will Stoker wrapped up the night in style. Five Beds for Bitsy packed real punch and was probably the highlight song of the night. Stoker’s got a great voice and, with the Embers providing the solid music foundation, he had plenty of freedom to focus on entertaining the crowd.

So closed a night of thoroughly impressive acts. It wasn’t just the musicianship, the bands were genuinely entertaining and created a fantastic atmosphere. The Caballeros know how to put on a good show and hopefully they’ll be putting on a few more nights in the future.