Since reopening under new ownership last winter, The Gasometer Hotel has established itself as an important addition to the music venues of Melbourne. For this reason, there was a noticeably celebratory tone evident at the pub’s first birthday blowout, where musicians, music fans and drinkers crowded together on Sunday evening.
First up in the band room, Esther Rivers impressed with her powerful and dramatic vocal. Backed only by guitarist Chris Geoff, whose dynamic playing provided both intricacy and attitude, the Little Desert singer moved from a soft vocal to a gutsy wail without seeming like a show off. This was in direct contrast to Elizabeth Barker’s set in the front bar; her acoustic folk songs slipped too easily into the background against the sound of drinking and talking, a fact not helped by some sound problems early on.
Back in the band room, Twin Beasts provided an energetic and enjoyable set of eclectic rock’n’roll, encompassing cow-punk, spaghetti western, storytelling and catchy hooks. The bass sounded as solid as a steel bar, the two guitars chimed and Dan Hawkins’ gruff vocals only made Giuliano Ferla’s voice sound sweeter. The band appeared to be genuinely enjoying themselves throughout, a fact not lost on the crowd, who showed their appreciation with affectionate revelry.
Back out front, Pete Bibby’s expressive and often aggressive acoustic guitar playing helped convey a punk-ish attitude in a folk setting. If you weren’t gathered directly in front of him, it was hard to see or hear Bibby with much clarity, but for those who could, it was a highly original and enjoyable set. By this stage both rooms were fairly full, as the mighty Sun God Replica took to the main stage to blow Collingwood apart with their loud, shit-hot rock’n’roll. The merriment showed no signs of slowing down and neither does The Gasometer.
BY ALEX WATTS
Loved: Giul’s trombone solo during Twin Beasts.
Hated: Hate is a waste of emotion.
Drank: What me? Never.
