Heat 4 of the Sydney competition was a total contrast to the previous rock and roll night. This was more pop, indie and electronic “driven” but some rock was there. 

Perhaps more eclectic and to some more interesting but it made the whole evening a pleasure to witness.

WICKED ENVY 

With this name you’d think this band was somewhat heavy. They were rock but with great melodies. This female fronted band had good songs. Of course we can’t not compare them to Alanis Morissette (first album) because it’s only natural but a tinge of The Pretty reckless was in there too. The woman showed showmanship (or showwomanship in this case) and a great deal of energy. perhaps the band could learn from her and show some balls but their playing was faultless so nothing to criticise there. A good all round effort and a special mention should go to the guitarist because apart from his great playing he did have a good tone…….and that is rare to find these days.

GRAND GESTURE

Apart from having a really good band name this band really does have something special. Not sure if the boy-girl two singers are an item or just brother and sister but the chemistry is definitely there. These tow write good lyrics. never facile, banal or simple. It fits the songs properly and that is the sign of great songwriting chemistry. They got warmer and warmer as the show went on and eventually got the crowd involved. A good clap along is always appreciated and when you are intelligent enough to understand who you have in front of you, you can pretty much say “ I’m like a real pro”. Interaction, pop songs and lyrics. All good. maybe the band could have given more energy but all in all a terrific band.

OSCAR AND THE GROUCHES

This can be described as Surf pop reggae. it’s an interesting mix. Imaging the love child of Bruno mars and Bob Marley…..brilliant isn’t it? and so are their songs. These boys came second a few years back in a final and have improved since. The people at front of the stage were dancing so this band (let me repeat: with brilliant songs) did do their job properly. A phenomenal set and a brilliant band…..do I have to add more?

TOYDEATH

Boys and their toys….these lads are somewhat twisted and really good. They are weird and perhaps we don’t understand it and that is why the electronic noise isn’t appreciated but we never heard or seen anything like it….which makes this “project” one of the most original ones. super energy and very confident on stage. The crowd enjoyed the difference as well. A good break from the norm. 

HAMMER SWITCH

Rock and roll with a great front man. This guys had the crowd in the palm of his hand. This is exactly the sort of thing that young would be front men should look at. He is a joy to watch…..they all are. Polished, big sound and excellent performance. If these guys get more and more live experience they have a chance out there.

FLORENTINE

What do you get when you mix the Chili Peppers and The Black Keys? easy….Florentine. songs are varied and interesting. Good songwriting as a basys. You can tell they spend time with their arrangements and that is brilliant. they play with passion and the crowd noticed it. Great energy on stage and a special mention should go to the good bass player. A bright future in our opinion.

RIGASAURUS

This is what could be described as heavy pop. Tool and pearl jam are there but not quite the rock I was expecting. original enough but perhaps they should have shown more confidence. Enjoyable to watch but they need to relax and show confidence because the good songs and good arrangements are there. All that’s missing is a bit more energy. Good effort none the less.

LAMALO

This is a soft indie electro band with a brilliant band name to start with. They are young but have a real understanding of the genre they provide. it’s not easy to find a band with their ideas actually set into place. They have that idea. They know exactly what they want to do. They are confident in their ability but not in their showmanship. that, will come with more practice, more gigs and of course more experience. Keyboard and laptops are the “riguer” for pop electro these days but having a really good guitar player that does tasty licks is an added bonus. They have a bright future because they have their ideas in place, they just need more experience.

And so this was the more eclectic of the 2 nights at the Lair inside the historical metro theatre. Let’s see who will make it to the final