Most live music enthusiasts would have me shot if they knew this was my first Jive experience, a staple venue on the Adelaide rock and indie scene, and as I walked through the big green door, I immediately understood why: Jive is rad. The colour scheme is striking walking into the quaint theatre-style venue. I quietly took my position on a comfortable couch against the wall and watched as a small crowd slowly meandered in, each group surprised that numbers were still quite low, but it was still early days.

A half an hour after doors opened, five-piece The Dunes took to the stage and provided the audience with tunes reminiscent of ‘70s psychedelia, bands akin to the likes of Jefferson Airplane. This strong sense of slower tempo rock with a swirling melancholy twist was provided largely by the edgy vocals of Stacie Reeves and the heavy use of guitar effects. These psychedelic vibes were solidified through the use of a sitar in the final song, a homage to bands like The Byrds and the avant side of The Beatles, who regularly channelled their inner Ravi Shankar.

This paved the way for The Murlocs, who came gunning straight off the blocks with clean, groovy and energetic, original material, a sound very similar to that of The Black Keys and legends, The Smiths, full of harmonica solos and groovy rhythms that the crowd couldn’t help but move to. Unfortunately, the vocals were heavily effected, as if to sound like they were coming through a megaphone throughout the entirety of the set, which became a little taxing. It would have been nice to hear a clean vocal in parts.

By the end of the set and through the changeover the vibe had definitely reached the desired level. Some had found temporary love with other random punters on the couches while most were comfortable in the safety of their own friends; regardless everyone was eager to watch the headline act, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, who took the audience on a jamming fusion that went well over an hour and felt as though the Melburnian seven-piece could go on forever. Consisting of two drummers, four guitarists (which included two bass guitars at times) and a harmonica player, the act gave a brand of quick-paced psychedelic rock that heavily featured melodic guitar licks with ample vibe and groove creating a roller coaster of build-ups, breakdowns and flat-out jams. If that isn’t enough, the lead vocalist also played the flute in sections. Things got really fast, Girls got really drunk and everyone chucked on their dancing shoes and rocked out to the eclectic sounds of King Gizzard & that Lizard Wizard.