Live Review: Food Court, Shearin', Bare Minimums

The Chippo Hotel, as a venue, is a bit of a basement den — has a cool vibe, but its concrete walls are not conducive with a great-sounding show.

This was realised as soon as Sydneysiders Bare Minimums hopped on stage to play. The sound was deafening and bouncing off the walls but, hey, apparently this is what we get post-Newtown Social (RIP) — fingers crossed for The Lansdowne. Looking past the sound issues, the four-piece played a solid set of lo-fi punk.

Five-piece Shearin' were looking a little cramped onstage, so lead singer Jeremy Hyland took up the free real estate at the front of the dancefloor, joining the most theatrical dance this reviewer has seen. Reminiscent of '80s and '90s pub rock, Shearin' oozed Aussie essence with their poetic lines on local culture, their DIY sound and catchy guitar riffs.

This reviewer and co were getting the vibe we were the only ones who weren't in a band or knew the band (despite a brief introduction to Cristian Campano at the door) in the crowd tonight. But a few others straggled in for the final act.

Food Court, off the back of a successful SXSW trip, were here to show off new single Not My Way. But, before they got to that, they played us a few older tracks. Cycling through the likes of Slightest Brightest, 14 Years Young and For The Morning, the band showcased their excellent garage sound. Some of their songs emit a fuzzy surf vibe suggestive of Hockey Dad without the surf (given they are Sydneysiders). Not My Way was whipped out towards the end of the set, and the crowd seemed to be digging it. Surprising both the band and crowd, an encore was played before we left with ringing ears and satisfied grins.