Live Review: The High Learys, Mount Zamia, Sun Sap

The High Learys have worked hard for this tour. They've taken the time to seek out and book their own support slots, booked their own band rooms and are stopping in at a whopping 13 venues over a month-long road trip stretching the entire length of our big brown country. It's likely been a slog for the guys, but that hasn't stopped them from delivering the goods. Their show at the Social Club drew a modest crowd, and it was a shame. Too many riffs, not enough punters! With the help of two impressive local outfits the night was a noisy success and a heartwarming tribute to the '60s.

Sun Sap kicked off with a breezy bunch of garage-surf-rock tunes, with touches of psychedelia bleeding into their light, lazy jam sequences. It was a short slot, but their sunny vibes and effortless jangly charisma point to bigger things.

Mount Zamia brought an impressive swagger, with a glossy cock-sure sound assembled from the discarded remnants of yacht-rock and power-pop from the '90s, all delivered with a shaggy garage aesthetic. There was the odd moment when the mask slipped and a few jarring chords got loose, but for the most part they were a well-oiled machine punching above their weight, deploying some iron-cast riffs that hit you right in the solar plexus.

The High Learys brought it all home with a fuzzy set loaded with retro charm. Frontman/bassist Jamie Turner was full of good cheer and gratitude, and their vintage go-go clamour was tight and buoyant thanks to sticks man Mitch Benson. Benson added some visual flair by tipping some beer on to the snare, a frantic spray shooting up every time he hit the beat. Nice touch. Michael Nutt's growling Moog frothed and spat, and his little explorations dripped with authentic admiration and affection for a decade long gone. Matt Williams and Turner wielded their Rickenbackers with confidence, throwing down each crackling riff without a hint of irony or indulgent self-awareness. The result was a fun show full of sunny optimism and bright noise, a welcome antidote to a tough week.