Ghosts and ghouls, monsters and fiends came in from the graveyard chill of mid-winter for the Third Annual Monster’s Ball, held at Camperdown’s Marquee Club. A distinct air of spookiness hung amongst the dwellers of Sydney’s punk ‘n roll underworld, with slasher brides, undead pirates and an animalia of beastly bunnies, kitties and creepy creatures all making an appearance.

First up this evening were the schizophrenic sounds of The Slimy Things. This is a band that reminds you of a soundtrack to a bad 80s movie that ended up being much better than the trash that spawned it. Listening to the band you are alternately reminded of Devo, Classic 50s swing and a lively jazz session (the six-piece includes a saxophonist). The group reaches a height with the sugar-fizz of ‘Help! I’m in the 80s’.

Next to hit the stage in this ghoulish line-up was the Gold Coast’s The Wrath. With influences ranging from The Clash to Motley Crue, the band delivered a powerful cocktail of horror-punk and driving rock, while staying uniquely Australian in that non-pretentious, balls-to-the-wall way. The band is fronted by a red-eyed, vampyric vocalist who would seem perfectly at home in the annals of Anne Rice, blending venom-spitting, powerful vocals with classic croons.  Combined with a heavy-hitting rhythm section and driving guitars, once The Wrath plunge into a set there is no mercy.

Further entertaining the legions of the damned were The Splatterhouse Showghouls (if you were lucky enough to get a spot near the front). The only problem with burlesque is that its abilty to be viewed in the standing-room-only pub rock format isn’t great. But those who got a look witnessed some blood-flecked madams’ shake what their mama gave them in tease dripping with gore.

By the time Zombie Ghost Train took to the stage a sizeable crowd had arrived. Buoyed by their incessant touring schedule, the ghoulish three-piece has garnered an impressive following. Clad in smart formal gear suited to the crypts, the band dispensed their unique sound, blending psychobilly, raw garage-punk and voodoo rhythms (while even throwing in the odd dance move or two).

Before long, there was a healthy circle-pit running, and even a couple or two displaying the fine art of rock ‘n roll dancing, Mohawks ‘n all. High points of the set included a brilliant and strangely fitting cover of Sheb Wooley’s classic 50s’ tune ’ The Purple People Eater’. The band’s feature single ‘Graveyard Queen’ from their latest offering ‘2005’s Glad Rags & Body Bags, also drew a litany of unholy howls from the crowd. The band truly seems to enjoy their undead persona, playing up to the crowd and reveling in the kitsch that comes with their image. In a world of bands that take their music so very, very seriously, it’s refreshing to see an act unafraid to let their hair down and show their cheesy side. Perhaps more bands should throw jelly eyeballs and lolly bones into the crowd?