Amethyst Close

First band of the night was a metal band from the Western Suburbs called Amethyst Close! They utilise heavy syncopation and accents, with heavy shredding and melodic synth lines. The opening track ‘Desolate Minds’ certainly got the crowd’s attention with it’s heavy guitars, vocals, solid drums and catchy synth hooks. The band showcased a brand new song called ‘Apophis’ for their third track which really stood out in their set as one of the better tracks, especially with its good use of double kick drum. Amethyst Close finished off their set the same way they started it, loud and rocking! Thanks for bringing the heavy Amethyst Close!

Intoxicated Memories

Intoxicated Memories hit the stage second for the night in The Espy Basement. They took a while to settle into their set, but the band started to find their grove in third song ‘Fighting Dirty.’ It was a more melodic song, which was a lot more appealing than their earlier songs and a highlight of the set! Intoxicated Memories are a young band just finding their feet, but had a good energy which in time with some musical improvement could have a fun future and cult following. Front man Matt’s antics between songs was a highlight as he was quite witty and funny when introducing each song and telling the crowd what the song was about, which is always a good way to draw a listener in. An Intoxicating performance from the lads!

Mantis and the Prayer

Not everything went to plan for the start of Mantis and the Prayer’s set with some technical issues early. Once the band did kick into gear though, they showed some of their class and brought a different tone to the night. Second song of the set was ‘Comfort Me’ and the band really seemed to find their feet in this song, showing a lot more confidence and some sweet sweet backing vocals from Diem and Elaine. Frontman Mantis has a voice that reminds this listener of Nick Cave. Jay on the drums holds the band together with his amazing drumming skills! A psychedelic set from Mantis and the Prayer.

Kae iLL Quinton

Kae iLL Quinton cut a lone figure on The Espy Basement stage. Unfortunately the keyboardist of the duo was ill and the lead singer tackled the situation head on and took to the stage to sing the songs by herself to some backing tracks. A very brave effort! She has an amazing voice! When she started singing she put the crowd into a stunned silence! Most of the set was very chilled, smooth and spacey. The final track of the set was a really dancey number that upped the tempo and made you want to dance, a real highlight of the set! Thanks for giving it your all Kae Ill Quinton!

Guzzler

The most solid and polished set of the night came from four piece rock band Guzzler! Rock in its most pure form was what was on display here! A stand out of the band was Matt and his great guitar skills, massive riffs and killer solos! The band is also led by the very charismatic front man James. A solid rhythm section backs this band and gives it it’s tight sound. ‘Dirty Rotten F****’ was a highlight of the set! Guzzler blasted through their set so quickly that they had time to play another two songs! This really pleased their fans! Horns up for Guzzler!

Midnight Shifter

Now here is a band that is ready for the big stage! Ladies and gentleman, Midnight Shifter! These guys dominated The Espy Basement stage, but the bigger stage of the Gershwin room is a step up not all bands can handle and that others shine on, but watching these guys you would think they will take it in their stride. They brought the funk, they brought the energy, but most of all they brought the moves to the dance floor. The fans loved getting the boogie on to Midnight Shifter! In ‘Dinosaur Song’ they also brought the heavy! The band is lead by an energetic front man in Adrian! By the end of the set everyone was up the front going nuts! Thanks for the dance grooves Midnight Shifter!

Dojo Collectors

Dojo Collectors are a three piece band from the North Eastern Suburbs. Opening song of their set was called ‘Don’t Hate Me’ and it had a very ‘Midnight Oil’ feel in the riff. Second song of the night ’Invited’ had a mix of an offspring riff and an ‘Ugly Kid Joe’ chorus. Third song ‘Mangles’ showed some originality in the band with a touch of their own flavour which was great! Fourth song of the set ‘Coach’ saw a change to the line up of the band when lead guitarist and vocalist Max swapped duties with bass player Damian. A solid set from Dojo Collectors!

Oglivion

Oglivion was the first hip hop artist we have had in the emergenza festival for some time! He brought with him a very loyal following of fans that were up for it from the very first bass drop! We didn’t just witness moves on stage from Oglivion himself, but from almost every single person in the crowd who were all getting down to Oglivion! No one was prepared for what was about to happen in The Espy Basement! In the second last song of the set, Oglivion called up nine female dancers that absolutely killed it! Followed by a duo dance style in the last tune! Fair to say Oglivion brought the house down!