Another ripping night of Melbourne alternative music. An extremely varied bill more suited to the open minded among us. Thankfully, there are a number of those in Melbourne, and a very solid crowd jammed into the classic surrounds of the mighty Evelyn this cool early autumn Melbourne evening.
Featuring two members of one of Melbourne’s best known alternative/heavy acts Sydonia, I Am Duckeye are a ‘side project’ that have absolutely no worries about being compared to the main band. They are quite the opposite in many ways. While Sydonia destroy all in their path with their intense, metal tinged alternative heavy rock, I Am Duckeye make you roll on the floor, pissing yourself with laughter. They are as much a comedy act as a rock’n’roll band, and their lyrics, antics and onstage banter put a constant smile on your face. At the same time, however, their brand of good natured thrashy/punky rock is tight, powerful and a whole lot of fun. Definitely a band to check out for a rollicking good time.
Artilah are a tight, professional, punchy alt-rock band who combine well together and have an engaging stage presence. Their songs, and their overall presentation, are very well put together, they just need to start developing a signature sound that’s all their own. These days it’s not enough to simply be tight and powerful, you have to stand out in some way amid the overwhelming glut of bands out their clogging the scene, and with a bit more work these guys will hopefully do just that.
Sub Atari Knives are a different beast altogether. Dancey, chaotic, alternative, punky and energetic all at once, this trio (consisting of a drummer, bassist and vocalist, backed up by tons of samples and electronic enhancements) create a vibe similar to that of the dearly departed and sorely missed MM9, although possibly even more frenetic; If that’s even possible. Not surprising, since the drummer Ben Ellingworth was in that Sydney based electronic rock act. This is one of those rare bands that can comfortably play at a doof club/rave or an alternative rock night, and this night the (open minded) rock crowd absolutely lapped it up.
The night closed with the ‘mash-up’ DJ Esquire, who mixed up other people’s songs quite well, and good blend of heavy and dance music.
Melbourne’s weather is cooling down again unfortunately, but there’s always her live music scene to warm the cockles of your heart this coming winter. Its quality just seems to get better and better.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
LOVED: The diversity.
HATED: That I have to start wearing a jacket out to gigs again.
DRANK: The beers flowed freely.
