Whether you are interested or not in the Melbourne Cup, it is hard not to get swept up in the festival atmosphere that surrounds this glorious splodge on the calendar. So it was, with overwhelming joy and excitement that I entered the Corner Hotel to immerse myself in the sounds being produced by the ever more impressive Magic Dirt, the powerhouse that is Airbourne, Sydney’s own Modular Lounge, Rose Turtle Ertler and Dane Certificate.

With so many acts on tonight, the smaller stage as well as the main one were operating. The evening for me kicked off with Rose Turtle Ertler, with her ukulele, playing au natural as well as with the use of a range of effects pedals. Unfortunately the buzz of chatting in the crowd featured prominently as Rose and Steve Fraser on the bass guitar gave us this performance. Rose Turtle Ertler produced a very folksy type music, experimenting with sounds using her ukulele. This act was summed up right at the end with Rose singing ‘and its all over, thank you.’

The Corner was rapidly filling with a varied bunch of happy punters. All I can say is that I sensed we were in for an ear bashing when I peered in the direction of the main stage where there were Marshall stacks galore adorning every spare space. I had heard the stories circulating about this band called Airbourne and was riveted to the spot. The four lads from Warrnambool that form Airbourne bounded onto the stage with the air of those old greats AC/DC, with big hair (reminiscent of the ‘80s) and classic rock manoeuvers to match. One of my fellow punters wasn’t quite sure how to take them, were they being serious or taking the piss? I couldn’t quite tell, but I liked what I saw. This set was a whole load of fun, with songs like Women In Black  and other hair flinging frivolity I found them entertaining t say the least, and found my foot tapping and head nodding in agreement during the entire set.

After that onslaught, a quick recovery and visit to the bar, Modular Lounge took their positions on the smaller stage. A four piece from Sydney, they appeared awkward on stage yet very well rehearsed. Modular Lounge throw off a clear sound easy to listen to if high end layered female vocals are what you are into. They play a tight set together and seem to be aiming for a very particular ‘look’, tonight they seem a  little flat, and perhaps a little lost for words to share with the crowd. Every 10 minutes or so thanking Magic Dirt for having them on the bill. I would like to see them to make an informed judgment because tonight they just didn’t grab me.

Then for the moment we had all been waiting for had finally arrived, the cheer was set free as Dean, Adam, Raul and Adalita meandered onto the stage. True to a prediction made by one of my gig-going buddies and probably Magic Dirt’s greatest fan…they launched into Locket.

With no stage adornments Magic Dirt was definitely the focus of our attention and the awesomely powerful sounds that they produce. Tonight was advertised as their CD launch however they played an array of both old and new tracks. Adalita’s vocals are just becoming more and more impressive. The ‘Dirt giving us songs such as Dirty Jeans off the disc What Are Rock Stars Doing Today and Snow White and Feels Like A Demon from their new album Snow White, one of my favourite tracks.

After around 13 years of being together Magic Dirt certainly haven’t lost any of the enthusiasm and appreciation ‘thank you so very fucking much, it’s great to be home’ Adalita revealing that life has been hectic with the punishing touring schedule they have had. Tonight we heard such other treats like All My Crushes and I Love The Rain which she explained is all about her beautiful kitty Thurston who was at home alone but that ‘she is ok’.

Initially, before Magic Dirt even hit the stage I thought with a line up like this I would have heaps to write about, and all I can really say is how brilliant Magic Dirt were tonight, they were on fire and super tight. Next up was Vulcanella which they dedicated to the boys from Airbourne.

Talk about letting us down gently, Adalita showing us that she is indeed one of rock’s finest frontpeople, forewarning that our night together was soon to come to an end, the time was closing in on us. Curfew tonight being 1am, we were ‘going all the way to 1am, ‘cause that is what we do for live music’ in response to the sadness that it was ending.

This was clearly a special show tonight as Dean cranked out  a rare track Fairy Park as he took the spotlight for a bit. A dark but happy rendition of Mothers Latest Fear and the finale of Amoxycillin which saw Adalita helping Adam out on drums. Tonight showed Magic Dirt at their very best.