Live Review: Panel Of Judges, Twerps, Terry

In the front bar of Yarra Hotel, tonight is an intimate affair for a good cause with all proceeds from this sold out show going to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. But at the centre of it all, is the one off re-formation of classic '90s-spanning indie-pop act Panel Of Judges. But we also get fellow institution (playing their first show in yonks) Twerps and of course Terry, who opens the night and could be considered the little sister in this cross-generational game of musical affluence. Excellent debut LP Terry HQ recently dropped and the band have so much to offer. Moscow On Thames, Chitter Chatter, Hot Heads and closer Talk About Terry (the track that started it all) already have a timeless quality to them that equals the work of these band members' other already noted projects.

Twerps begin in a bit of a different fashion, quite quietly/subtly as a result of both the mix and the fact that most audience members are still topping up their beers and finishing cigs. But it's not long before awkward glances are exchanged with the people we're crammed next to. Unfortunately, the sound doesn't pick up much and with beers flowin' and jaws consequently flappin', the chatter does not aid the quiet mix. Another issue is that, for a band with such an established back catalogue, they are not going to be able to satisfy all; 'wish they played X' becomes the talk of the beer garden after their set. In saying that, Twerps remain timeless and moments like the charming irony-pop of closer Back To You prove their worth with almost no effort.

The atmosphere in the room for Panel Of Judges alone can be commented on as a point of beauty. The packed room stops their chatter and looking around; almost all can be seen absorbing and appreciating the quality of the music. Instantly, everything about this set is jaw-droppingly beautiful and engrossing. From the first few tracks you don't have to look as far as Twerps to see the influence that this band has had on independent music in Australia. The beefy 14-song set sees the core three-piece line-up expanded upon periodically throughout with guitarist Martin Frawley also making an appearance. Technically, it is not perfect with some songs having to be restarted due to technical issues and a few bumbles here and there, but this is really all forgiven and, if anything, embraced as the band's connection with their audience is paramount. Dream Satisfaction goes down as an unquestionable highlight. The combined repetitive guitar/drum sound (also coming across a little psych) is the perfect bedding for Alison Bolger's walking bass line, all becoming hypnotic. Dainty Vagabond is also up there. When it comes to the conclusion of the set, the response from the audience requesting more is a heartwarming experience as a punter and fan of live music, and surely the band feels humbled as well. Ultimately, tonight's set by Panel Of Judges gives us another reason to respect our local music scene.