Live Review: Ecca Vandal, Midas.Gold, Dangerpenny

There are whispers that the infamous Shark Bar - one of the Gold Coast's last surviving venues (and of those few, it's the one where all the shit goes down) - has been sold. It's an ominous titbit.

As one of the last live music outposts along the glitter strip, the Sharky has been a haven for music lovers with a heavier bent and it may be surprising to many but the hardcore genres have flourished on the GC thanks to this venue. As sad as the prospect is, seriously, would it kill management to bolt the toilet roll holders back onto the ladies' stalls? Sold or otherwise, let's still get the basic amenities covered, people.

It's a Thursday night and whether that's got something to do with the humble turnout is anyone's guess. It doesn't seem to faze Brisbane psyche rockers Dangerpenny. This crazy concoction of four dudes with lots of hair, and songs that are both tragic and upbeat, criss-cross the genre spectrum between progressive and fuzzy surf rock. Singer Rio Muchada's raspy vocal cuts through the heavy mix with ease and, missed chorus starts and a guitar on its last legs aside, these guys have bucketloads of energy to share.

Miami Tavern is still no fuller when Brisbane-via-Seattle wordsmith Midas.Gold slinks on stage with his backpack and pal Gallus in tow. He's clearly bemused at the small number of faces in the crowd, but determined to keep "the vibe up and stay up". Even the diehards at the back of the room can't help but saunter up for a closer look. This duo don't disappoint; the album is a sleek production but in the flesh these guys bring it to life by bouncing around the tiny stage, mesmerising with their wordplay and prompting plenty of giggles with their banter. They end on 000000 and get a solid roar of approval.

It doesn't matter how many people are or aren't here now because Melbourne pocket rocket Ecca Vandal could not care less judging by her ever-cool onstage swagger and ripping loud greeting; it could be one fan or 10,000 and she'd still be happy as punch to bust out some tunes. New tracks Your Way and Future Heroine are thumping, End Of Time prompts an awesome singalong and people get airborne in Closing Ceremony. Musically, everything is watertight and her voice is so dynamic it's like its own little big band; every staccato, crescendo and trill is precision perfect. There's no sign of her breakout hit White Flag, but Battle Royal and Broke Days, Party Nights round off the set before some hugs, fist bumps and sincere thanks prove that size doesn't matter to acts like Ecca Vandal.