Live Review: Hundred Acre Wood, The Scotch Of St James, Ruby Boots

It was a tune from the forthcoming Ruby Boots record, inspired by two valium, red wine and a painful layover between LA and Perth that kicked off the evening. Led by an impressive strumming technique from Boots that filled the void created by not having a drummer, the three-piece were near perfect – no doubt a result of recording live to tape the week previous.

Although their presence on the live circuit has been somewhat lacking of late, locals The Scotch Of St James were as tight as ever and were welcomed to a room brewing with anticipation. Scruffy to the point where they looked like they'd just woken up, they hosted a casual demeanour that made their rock more believable. The whole room hugged the walls and bar, while a single punter - no doubt a gentleman who had stumbled in without knowledge of the bands playing - was dancing around in the centre of the room like a tradie jiving to the chicken dance. It wasn't long until his enthusiasm spread to others.

Usually a music video launch isn't the most lively of events, but Hundred Acre Wood know how to throw a party, and amidst catering and the best lighting and PA set-up PICA Bar had ever seen hung a projector that welcomed the boys onto stage by premiering the clip for My Alibi. The empty floor space became littered with people, punters began sticking their heads in from outside and the venue came alive.

They sounded best when drummer Matt Ruggiero – who made impressive use of a glockenspiel - was belting out harmonies to accompany the relentless vocals of Chris Baker, which remained a constant until they fittingly closed the set with My Alibi. While Hundred Acre Wood have not quite found their sound yet, they are well on the way to becoming a nationally recognised act.