Live Review: Beaches, Per Purpose, Occults

Brisbane-based trio and self confessed 'gloom lords' Occults draw a commendable crowd to Black Bear Lodge considering they're the first of two support acts tonight, possibly due to the fact they have been touring up a storm of recent months, earning positive reviews around the country for their unique blend of dark, sultry and gothic rock. While strumming it out with admirable dexterity, lead guitarist Jasmine Dunn is throwing herself around the stage in trademark gloomy splendour, while Sam McKenzie's deep, dark and seductive vocals reverberate throughout the venue to great effect. We're treated to the delightful sounds of songs including Sex After Death and Failures, before the set wraps up with Soiled Bibles.

Fellow Brisbanians Per Purpose are next to command the stage, offering an interesting visual spectacle: frontman Glan Schenau is sans shoes, donning arguably punk's prettiest haircut and using what looks like a scarf as a belt, while comparisons between drummer Joe Alexander and Rocky Horror Picture Show's Riff Raff are undeniable – it's fantastic! Their quirky, off-beat style of punk wins the crowd over effortlessly, and commendations must be given to lead guitarist Mitchel Perkins for his contributions – his sound resembles jazz music in that he hits the most unexpected notes in succession, yet they sound so perfect together. While tracks like Trod On The Tip and Reaction stand out as highlights, the entire set is a success.

It's a full house by the time Melbourne's Beaches take the stage, and there's something about seeing four bodacious babes on guitar, lined up together on a small stage, backed by a bangin' female beatmaster that's oh so right. Coming together from bands such as Love Of Diagrams, Panel Of Judges and Spider Vomit, these ladies are nothing but professional; they know exactly how to work their sound and this crowd. The set commences with Out Of Mind, which coincidentally is the opening track from the album they're here to launch tonight, She Beats. A couple of tracks down the line, Allison Bolger takes over from Antonia Sellbach on lead vocals for Send Them Away, which is beautiful from every way you look at it; angelically sweet vocals, serene guitar and amazing team work from the group. Distance and Runaway – where Bolger and bassist Gill Tucker swap guitars and vocal duties – also leave a lasting impression, before the set concludes with a blast from the past, Eternal Sphere from their 2010 EP of the same name. It's always a privilege to witness a strong and talented group of females rock a stage, and despite slight difficulties with sound and feedback throughout the set, Beaches have been no exception to the rule. Rock on girls!