MS Fest is in its second year, and with its growing profile, there is increasing interest from local bands wanting to join the line up. So much so that this year three showcase gigs were arranged at venues around the state with one band from each gig added to the overall line-up for the main gig on 11 March.

First up, at the Hobart showcase, Branded Left Handed. They played a set of fairly tight pop-punk, but overall their sound was lacking a little, probably due to the fact that they were breaking in a new band member.

The Bad Luck Charms followed. Easily the best indie band in Hobart at the moment, they played with intensity and enthusiasm. Their newer material sounds fantastic, and it fits well with the earlier Halcyon Days EP.

A new look Reactions line up was next. Reverting back to their original three-piece line up, the Reactions featured new material from their up coming High Technology album.

Finishing up the evening were sets from hip-hop outfit Heads of State and the increasingly popular Scientists of Modern Music. Heads of State seemed to have the whole “hands in the air, everybody say ‘yeah’” routine down and it was largely popular with a crowd that was steadily growing in anticipation of seeing the Scientists of Modern Music.

The Scientists played a steady set drawing mainly from their first EP Number One and also included some new material from their next release. They received the best reaction of all the bands and it was no surprise when at the end of the night they were announced as the lucky band joining the likes of Silverchair and Spiderbait on the MS Fest bill.