The Mere Poets

The Mere Poets kicked the night off with acoustic numbers ‘That Girl’ and ‘Home is where the Heart is;’ warming the room with their easy listening tunes. These songs were punctuated with sweet sax lines throughout. Lead singer and guitarist Jake swapped to the electric guitar for third song ‘When You Feel Lonely’. This change really got The Mere Poets swinging. Well dressed bass player Nathan provided solid bass playing which gelled well with Jamie’s solid drumming. Jake’s guitar and Chris’ sax set the groove for these songs, with both of them cleverly intertwining with each other. The Mere Poets finished with the slow starting ‘Just for Eternity’ which had a hint of Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah in the beginning before the whole band kicked into an epic ending.

Mary Washington

Hot Pink! The first thing that catches the eye of the crowd is James’ hot pink Bass Guitar! The first thing that catches the ear is four boys on stage called ‘Mary Washington!’ Without hesitation Mary Washington dove head first into ‘Derelict,’ a rocking tune that had a fat sound. Harry’s voice was soaring over the top of this wall of sound. Big double kick and good use of the china cymbal from drummer Ben held it all together. Lead guitarist Daniel was in an open rock stance position for the majority of the set and he provided some nice solo guitar picking in third song ‘Providence’. During ‘Ties to Yesterday,’ Bass player James went into the crowd and got the got the crowd clapping along. A solid set from the Mary Washington boys!

After Dark

A recorded intro to start the show and then bam! The After Dark boys kick in and the fan base goes wild! ‘After Dark’ got the punters roaring! Lead licks flying everywhere from John’s Flying V Guitar over Chris’ solid Bass playing, while Singer and guitarist Adam chanted Pop Rock Anthems. The crowd were cheering “After Dark! After Dark!” after their first song ‘Catching Thieves’. ‘Flicker and Fade’ got the crowd clapping along, with Good Charlotte style vocals and drumming from Adam and Emile. Finger tapping solos by lead guitarist John were very tasty. Adam was playing a nice locally made Cole Clark electric guitar. When announcing ‘Brace Yourself,’ the crowd went crazy for the tune that is well known by their fans. After Dark’s fifth song for the night ‘Slow Dance’ had the crowd singing along as the drummer played ballistically on the kit! A solid band with an energetic fan base!

Ambrosia

Ambrosia could very well be Melbourne’s loudest metal core band. Synth driven metal core to the max! Double vocals from Nick and Ethan made sure they were heard! Drummer Sal provided the necessary ingredients with loads of double kick being played. Constant shredding of the lead guitar and solid strumming provided the biggest sound of the night, along with heavy bass from Alec. Emma was subtle in her keys and synth playing, providing a unique touch to the band. Ambrosia’s songs were consistent, with many shifting arrangements within them. Syncopated head banging throughout the set was enjoyable to watch. Over half of this seven piece band was playing and rocking out in the crowd for the majority of their set.

Rock Monster

Rock Monster’s experience shone through from their very first song ‘Machine’. A nice clear sound with female lead singer Ally’s vocals sounding crisp and clear and cutting through the room. Second song ‘Last Resort’ saw a change up of lead vocals to guitarist Aron. ‘Whispered Promises’ started slowly, with some nice synth sounds before busting into a more up tempo rock tune with Ally back on the lead vocals. Very tight drumming by Phil, and good backing vocals by keyboardist Ian held ‘Rock Monster’ together. Another song and another change of vocal, this time back to guitarist Aron who also added some nice playing of the Fender Strat to the fourth song ‘Done’. Phil’s Bass lines and Aron’s guitar lines were following each other nicely. Final song ‘She’s my Lover’ got the crowd clapping along with Ally’s encouragement. Keyboardist Ian took over the vocals on this very catchy tune. A good set from Rock Monster, with the alternating vocals keeping the crowd guessing and not wanting to take their eyes from the stage.

T-Rhythm

Starting with an instrumental band intro that drew the crowd to the front of the stage, the room was already swaying to the sweet reggae sounds. When the three brothers walked onto the stage and hit the microphones the crowd went wild. They instantly showcased harmonies that made hearts melt. It’s easy to hear that these guys are family. The chemistry they have on stage is something that cannot happen overnight. At times rap style vocals were used by main front man and MC Paul, under laid with sweet backing vocals. Sax solos by Syd and Tarhko were blended into the tunes nicely. T-Rhythm’s sound was on show and produced by the solid guitar, bass, drum and keys line up, a sound that is unmistakably reggae. The crowd did not stop moving for the whole set as the temperature in the room got hotter and hotter! Solos from the whole band in the second last song made the crowd go crazy, followed by a “Reggae Reggae” chant that filled the room! Everyone in the room was smiling at the end of T-Rhythm’s set, and even the other bands of the night were dancing along to this group with an infectious energy. A brilliant way to end the night!