It was a night to look back on fondly in future and we’re all hoping the band continues making music for a long time yet.
It's always an exciting time when a local band hosts an album launch night, particularly their debut, and especially considering the rest of the talent on the bill. The semi-Sugar Army side-project Depth Boys were the first group to grace the stage, and they were engrossing with their articulate musicianship. Pat Chow lifted the energy even higher with an abrasive rock set and as the crowd began to grow, so did the quality of the performance. If anyone's keen for a fully-fledged rock-out, these guys are the ones to keep an eye on.
Adelaide's Sincerely, Grizzly were the third band to take up the reigns. Cue instant energy as they whipped through a half-hour set practically without pausing to take a breath. Whether or not the shout-sing-scream design is your cup of tea, there is no denying that the trio knows how to belt out some wonderfully catchy riffs and clever progressions. Fan-favourites FOAM were the penultimate group to take to the stage. The trio were as well-rehearsed as ever and put on a wonderfully tight performance, which set the scene perfectly for the highly anticipated headliners.
Around a quarter-past eleven, Mezzanine took to the stage and showcased their debut full-length release with a fantastic live rendition. It's been roughly five years since the band formed, but it was well worth the wait to hear these songs, which are a production of clean, yet energetic and incredibly catchy rock n' roll. Old favourites Mannequin Man and Someone To Abuse, which featured on their previous EP, were enjoyed thoroughly by the now packed-out room, yet newly released single King Of The Ring – which was featured online merely a week ago – was greeted with cheers of recognition; a great feat for the locals. The set drew to a close just after midnight, and the roar from the crowd had me as the reviewer - and the band too, I'm sure - feeling very humbled by the amount of support that local bands can acquire from their community. It was a night to look back on fondly in future and we're all hoping the band continues making music for a long time yet.