Live Review: Hockey Dad, Dear Seattle, Boat Show

Through the soundproof architecture, and over a vibrant Fortitude Valley Saturday night, screeches of feedback can be heard from outside Woolly Mammoth as Boat Show take the stage, vocalist Ali Flintoff taking on guitar as well as microphone duties. After playing fan favourites The Big Smoke and Cis White Boy, Flintoff hands over her guitar to Violent Soho's James Tidswell as she puts everything into the vocals on Toxic.

Next on the bill are Sydney's Dear Seattle, who have become almost national icons less than a year since releasing their debut EP. They kick off with The Things You Do and Cut You Deep and there's consistent calls for a shoey. Eventually frontman Brae Fisher caves and pulls off his own shoe to drink lukewarm piss from. Closing with a cover of Puddle Of Mudd's She Hates Me and wild anthem The Meadows, the pit's already riled-up and sweaty in anticipation for the headliner.

There's a grand spectacle of lights as Windang's Hockey Dad jump out on stage. Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming create an incredibly fun atmosphere. Strobe lights flash with every drum fill and, as the duo blast into Can't Have Them and A Night Out With, it's impossible to catch even a glimpse of the band through the friendly mosh. A few cheeky punters chant the similarly chorded Smells Like Teen Spirit during the chorus of single I Wanna Be Everybody and after a half-minute breather the sweaty crowd groove along again with Join The Club and Raygun.

Saying that the crowd is continuously energetic and euphoric would be an understatement. Even with several people removed by security, not one person leaves the venue with a frown, or without a racing pulse. What a set.