Live Review: Violent Soho, The Bronx, Luca Brasi, Tired Lion

The best rock in the country coupled with one of the best from the US; a four-pronged rock attack at the Hordern that cemented Australia's standing in the international rock populace.

Perth's Tired Lion won over even more fans tonight with their fuzzy grungy sound reverberating around the Hordern early. Sophie Hopes' powerful yet heavenly voice soars over trademark '90s indie guitar. The songs have grunt with a sense of playfulness. A perfectly matched vibe for the night. Not My Friends finished the set but we all wish we were.

Tassie's Luca Brasi are quite simply one of the best rock bands in the country. Tight, energetic rock that bristles with professionalism, musicianship and passion. It's great to see a lead singer bassist, like Tyler Richardson, really giving it and clearly enjoying himself. They seem at home on the big stage and soon enough they'll be deserving headliners at venues like this. A crisp and solid set, but the lack of volume from the sound-desk was disappointing.

Where the previous band are slick, The Bronx emit a rough and ready vibe. Lead singer, Matt Caughthran, is one of the most entertaining frontmen in music and when he bounces around the stage to their fast punk rock, it infects the crowd quickly. The temperature rises, the songs get louder and of course Caughthran jumps into the swelling crowd. Sweaty and very, very good.

The rise of Violent Soho has been a joy to watch. Whilst we know which song broke them, they have delivered a follow-up album, in Waco, that is probably even better. The crowd just finished belting out John Farnham's You're The Voice before Soho arrive. Dope Calypso kicks off a set including new (No Shade) and old (Jesus Stole My Girlfriend). Vocals are screamed out as death pits open up sporadically in the spacious hall. The mood is exuberant and people get up smiling. The all-ages crowd clearly enjoying a chance to cut loose and seemed well behaved.

Singer Luke Boerdam chooses to let his fellow band mates get excited as his delivery is deadpan, and almost bored-like; and seriously, he's got to start looking after his voice which feels strained on some tracks. Two huge tours in a year though and Soho are riding a huge deserved wave. It was an epic rock show.