Entering the Roxy is a surreal experience, especially if you have not been there since the days of it’s cinematic enchantments. But the distant memories of catching the latest blockbuster film for $4 on a Tuesday is short lived, because the historical Roxy has transformed itself into Parramatta’s premium live music venue. And tonight, the stage is welcomed with the presence of homegrown favourites The Mess Hall, and the highly anticipated debut album tour of Wolfmother.

Tonight, this gig is divided into two crowds: those who have experienced Wolfmother live and know what to expect, and those who have recently been acquainted with the band’s debut album release and are intrigued. However, all share the same enthusiasm, eagerly anticipating the pure essence of rock to take its form in the way of three young ‘rock music lovin’ men on the stage.

Behind every great headlining act though stands a support act, and this Australian Wolfmother tour welcomes the art of The Mess Hall. If you have only heard them on the radio, then you would then you’d be very surprised to find that they are but a two-piece band. For in a live atmosphere they certainly have the musical depth equivalent to bands of a larger scale. The sheer enthusiasm of this duo is uplifting. And the electricity that pumps through the arms of the drummer to create the cardinal backbone of each song is quite inspirational. While this backbone is an asset, tonight the lead vocals does fall victim to the projecting drumbeats at various stages, and sometimes loses clarity. As a result, your attention can be forced. But these moments do not dominate the performance. With superb executions of Feeling Sideways and Metal & Hair you cannot help but be impressed.

As they croon out a number of songs including a homage to Nirvana’s Breed, you cannot help but imagine yourself standing in an underground club in New York or Seattle, as you experience the raw and edgy disposition of The Mess Hall’s performance. It is not until the lights go up that you remember that you are in fact in the Roxy, and of course have not left the shores of Eastern Australia.

Either way, as the Wolfmother set commences it does not matter what geographical location you are at. You are more likely to feel as though you are transported to a specific time rather than a place. Wolfmother live welcomes an amalgamation of the great rock artists spanning from the transcending ‘60s to the periodical ‘70s, whilst also throwing into the mix a dab of more recent rock artistry influence. In simple terms, a great gig to bond to take dad to. Prove to him that you appreciate true rock music.

On stage, the band has perfect timing and oozes professionalism; they can congratulate themselves on this as they guide the audience via a series of emotions throughout the gig. You feel anticipation during the organized music that precedes their entrée, release stored adrenaline during the opening riffs of Another Dimension. You sing at the top of your lungs to the familiar, yet faster tunes of Woman and Apple Tree, and fall into a trance during the very melodic tunes of Tales from the Forest of Gnomes.

Wolfmother’s musical influences – Zeppelin, Sabbath, and The Who to name a few, are all brought to life via the astounding guitar riffs, mesmerising keyboard solo’s, prolific drum beats, and the diverse vocal range of Andrew Stockdale. As both he and Chris Ross mimic the stage antics of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend, you cannot help but be transported into a rock dream. Tonight, this dream is a reality where crowd appreciation is shown with the reemergence of lighters (not the lights from mobile phones), and the engorging chants of ‘wuuulfmutha, wuuulfmutha’!!!

After a one-hour set and an half hour encore, you find yourself wishing that Wolfmother were maybe a little more established with a plethora of material. But don’t worry this will happen in time, with an impeding world tour and a fast emerging fan base. Their live sets can only improve over the next few years with the release of more albums.

If you only experience one rock concert this year, let it be Wolfmother. They are a prime example of the great talent coming out of Australia over the last couple of years, and you won’t break your budget to see them. My prediction: BIG hair is making a comeback!