In these uncertain times we live in, politically, socially, economically etc. aside. Musically, it is a rare phenomenon when we can celebrate the opening of not one but two promising new venues (The Waiting Room, West End and utilising the old Troubadour space, The Black Bear Lodge) and on the same weekend have every other venue in town bursting at the seams with some of the finest local talent. So, with endless choice available as to who is going to provide the following day's hangover, the choice lies firm with The Beetle Bar whom which tonight is hosting the legendary Giants of Science, personal favourites and unmissable talent who are surf ambassadors, Los Huevos and a whole swag of new and old Brisbane live talent.
Kicking off proceedings is newly guised Bat Nouveau. Formerly branded Thirteen Bats, this local three piece do their job description in true style delivering on their experimental goth punk influences. It's a sound that draws from the classics of The Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen and mixes it with lashings of reverb and appropriate imagery through their stage presence and music. The band in some ways have created a sense of diversity on tonight's bill that on paper may sound odd but truly add to the night's atmosphere. Also, you can't go wrong with the use of an omnichord in your band.
The bar is beginning to fill up as a party hat is flung on to my head in honour of three different birthdays being celebrated tonight within the venue. The addition of the colourfully worded balloons is also a treat to be seen.
Their biography reads 'Two guitars and one bass with two drummers; shitting on a rock and howling at the moon' which is pretty much what you get with classic psych rockers, Captain Sledgehammer. The band's sprawling guitar jams with the heavy hitting rhythm section are nothing but rocking and make the band sound far more authentic to their classic rock influences than a lot of contemporaries thrusted into mainstream media through songs about women. They were a very tight outfit who can put on a good show and that is really everything you want from a band. An early highlight that only cements that tonight's bill was a good choice.
Along with Captain Sledgehammer and BMXRAY still to come, Ironside were added to the bill at the last minute due to all gigs being rescheduled as The Step Inn is still undergoing the process of a management change. But from the onset, Ironside prove they were a welcome addition to tonight's bill as they play their blend of hard drunken' rock n' roll and hard drunken' they were, as vocalist Daniel Ironside necked glass after glass of red wine as it was delivered to the stage. Ironside beach balls even came into play which, to be honest was an awesome marketing technique and saw drinks being spilled in an effort to keep the balls alive. Guests were present as friends of the band took up harmonica duties and guest vocals. Looking at Maps proved to be a notable highlight as the band hurled themselves and their instruments around the room during the Queens of Stone Age like track. Between the Sheets also proved to be a highlight with the Black Keys'ish main blues lick being hummed well after the band had finished. With broken glass, spilt alcohol and beach balls scattered around the venue after the bands wake, it was pretty obvious that everyone had a good time during this performance.
With a long illustrious history behind them including supporting MC5, Mudhoney and more recently being hand picked by the Foo Fighters to support them during their flood relief benefit, it is clear whom tonight's headliners are. Giants of Science take to the stage with a boat load of energy and perfect sound. Playing a swagger of new tracks and old classics the band are faultless as Here is the Punishment and Complete This Progression has the whole venue moving and drinking along. Frontman, Ben Salter is one of the hardest working men in Brisbane music, as he also is a prominent force in The Gin Club, The Wilson Pickers and also as a solo musician. Tonight he is on fire as he owns his guitar and engages the crowd as if it's a second nature to eating and drinking. Shots are brought to the stage as fellow guitarist Benjamin Tuite is one of tonight's birthday celebrants as he apparently turns twenty two, although it seems his complexion has suffered over those twenty two long years. Having set out what they came here to do, Giants of Science have impressed all and blown the roof off the Beetle Bar in the process. And, if the new material on show tonight is anything to go by, there will be a lot more pleased audiences in times to come.
With the witching hour almost upon us, party mode is in full force as BMXRAY take to the stage. The three piece are in fine form as they cover their microphones in spit and their instruments in sweat and alcohol. Their sludged up punk rock is moving as tracks like Swords and Walk Away get the crowd going. The late set is a bit taxing on them though as crowd interest comes and goes throughout their set. Still, when they finish the crowd demands an encore to which the band are much obliged to satisfy. An all round good set despite the late billing proving to be a challenge for some.
Ah, the late night rock n roll show is a time honoured thing that sees some amazing sets pop up for those keen enough to stick around to check them out. Tonight's 1:00am billing of one of the coolest bands in town, Los Huevos rings true to that, as the band are on fire delivering one of the best sets of the night and of recent times. The last time I saw them perform was when they closed the infamous Troubadour back in 2010 and I have been a fan ever since. You have to have a heart of stone to not be able to dance to this band as they provide authentic surf music with tremolo pedals and theremins being pushed to their limits. Being purely instrumental and tackling a very specific genre set can be difficult to a young band but for Los Huevos the music speaks for itself as I left the venue barely being able to walk after numbers like A Gringo Ate My Baby. A truly astounding band that has gone from leaps to bounds in recent times in their career. It is far too hard to critique a band like this where the true essence of them lies within their live show which purely has to be witnessed to be experienced. An amazing band who, at this rate can never faulter and if you fail to witness them when an opportunity is presented then it is purely your loss. WwwwwIpe Out!
It is safe to say that tonight's event was more than a success. Every band on show delivered a fine set and not one person went home disappointed. With gigs like this it proves true that the Brisbane scene is alive and well. With venues opening and RnB clubs turning back into music venues, it seems that this real life game of Stratego for people that love music is being won and with gigs like this I think we just won Russia.
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