Alt-rock is back, and this time, it's got ripped jeans, a studded collar, and is ushering in a new generation of Cobain-esque rockers. Support act The Dead Love were no exception to this, their shredded guitar definitely in keeping with the overall vibe of the gig, the highlight no doubt an almost groovy, scruffy rendition of Oh Well So Long.

Touring on the back of their third studio album Raise The People, Calling All Cars hit the stage with the casual confidence of a band that's been touring heavily for the last three years. Haydn Ing looked almost bored as the band launched into their first track, jarringly slow compared to The Dead Love's unrelenting energy. After this unpromising start, the Melbourne three-piece didn't dawdle any longer; leaping straight into the resounding triple j hit Werewolves. The crowd responded in kind, jumping and fist-pumping, hair flopping all over the place. Earlier tracks like Disconnect were played with an intensity of guitars that had even the tamest fan head-banging like the amps would power down if they stopped. Calling All Cars' most recent hit Standing In The Ocean shows the band moving in a slightly more mainstream rock direction, away from the Grinspoon vibes of yore. The crowd didn't seem to mind the fresh track, with more people abandoning their beers outside and joining the fast-growing mob at the stage.

Kingswood followed in a haze of blue lights and straining amps, leaping onto the stage with raging enthusiasm, pumping their hardcore alt-rock sounds around the bar. Clearly excited to be home after a stint in the States, Kingswood launched straight into tunes from their debut album, including the grungy Sucker Punch, a tribute track to their more alternative beginnings. Kingswood's arguably most played, mainstream song – at least as mainstream as they get – was a clear crowd favourite. Ohio was belted into the crowd by Fergus Linacre's high voice, which has always been much more melodious than your typical grunge frontman. Their lyrical focus, shredding guitar riffs and true rock hooks make their lives shows, the highlight definitely a straight-up, anthemic version of She's My Baby. Touring together as part of the joint Life's A Beach tour, Calling All Cars and Kingswood prove that grunge-rock isn't dead – it's just been resting its eyes.