Live Review: Abbe May, Bec Sandridge, Rackett

We think the tired old sawhorse, do women rock?, was comprehensively put to rest by not one but three outstanding rock acts on stage at the Newtown Social Club. It is decisive counterpoint to the usual sausage fest that afflicts most live music line-ups.

Rackett opened the show with their take on short, sharp, fast, loud, cranking out great licks and getting more than a few heads nodding and bums shaking. The band itself might only be weeks into this new venture, but the years of experience are writ large in the stage presence, well rounded tunes and sense of fun. This outfit is one to watch.

Bec Sandridge blends etherial electronic and synths with chugging, driving guitar rhythms and a gritty undertone that nicely offsets the frothier elements. She gave an accomplished performance that established her sound and made for a dynamic persona in the spotlight. Melding classy pop with clean, stripped back rock made for a hugely enjoyable set.

Abbe May hinted that punters might just catch a glimpse of Lindsay 'The Doctor' McDougall earlier in the day with a social media post of the guitarist working the strings during soundcheck of the first night of her Are We Flirting? tour.

May knows how to pair her wailing voice with slinky bass and a smattering of guitar distortion into a sassy, stripped back number. More Joan Jett in attitude than deferential nice girl, May owned the house and held the crowd, letting us into her space with wicked humour and sultry self-possession. The set showcased several tunes from the new album, as well as singles and crowd favourites from her earlier catalogue.

Fuck yeah!