Live Review: 4zzz Guilt Retreat 8

Boatloads of bands have convened tonight at the humble and growing Greenslopes Bowls Club and it's Dag that kicks things off while it's still good bowlin' and sunglasses weather. The band drive through their set, the closing portion proving the highlight, sounding like a lo-fi version of Gareth Liddiard's solo work. Operating on a two-stage premise, in the bar room Adelaide's Hydromedusa were described amongst the audience as bitchin' Sabbath riffs', and true that. The band actually pull it off without sounding tacky or as if the bong had been left in SA; an interesting addition on this eclectic bill.

Sydney's Adults are the kings of the breakdown tonight with pseudo math-rock riffs mixing in with elements of post-rock and general garage. The sound of the group during some tracks doesn't feel as full as it could, but overall it's a solid performance. Then come Gerald Keaney and the Gerald Keaneys, who, in their traditional fashion (even with a partially new line-up), are the musical equivalent of a finger painting done by GG Allin. It's eclectic, it's confronting and it's bloody engaging and super tight. Blank Realm are, as per usual, a big drawcard for the night. The set draws from upcoming release Grassed Inn with newly rebranded Falling Down The Stairs being a notable highlight of the generally psych-jangle-sounding set, while, following a broken string, the funk interlude is a terribly underrated part of the evening and the band once again nail it.

Back by the bar, Eggvein are unmissable, partly due to the wig/hive worn by the group's vocalist falling just short of the ceiling. The songs are a tad goth and a tad punk and it sits in an interesting realm between traditional and bat-shit crazy. Part US part Aus group Shovels follow and in comparison to their on-record sound, the group feel more accessible on the live stage. The sound is very post-punk and at times it hurts but in the end it's a well received and warranted set.

All the way from the US of A, The Real Numbers could slot themselves into the Sydney DIY scene with ease. Their set is fun and energetic partly due to its basic delivery and classic pop songwriting. Fellow US Sound Summit sideshowers Tyvek close out the night with a generally well-rounded set. The blood/alcohol level of the crowd allows them to generate a marvellous reception no matter what, and their set becomes a highlight by the end after earlier creases are ironed out. The terms 'snotty' and 'lo-fi' are thrown around about this band and lyrically they're on the money as the wittiness of the lyrics is what drives the tracks. A brief encore concludes the set and then the masses spill out onto the street well served. Phew.