Live Review: Slowly Slowly, Flour, Worm, Space Panic

To kick off a night of pop-punk power, Space Panic are the ideal candidate. Full-bodied and energetic to boot, the Melbourne boys hold on to the sounds of the angst-ridden '90s with everything they've got. With lashings of sprawling vocals and tight musicianship, the band don't let their early timeslot get in the way of a fun time for all.

Next cab off the rank is Worm and they're ready to hurl the crowd into the punk side of the night. Watching the band perform live doesn't feel dissimilar to perhaps peeking in on a garage rehearsal session. There is a distinct lack of interaction or acknowledgement to the audience throughout their set, as the members seem focused on what they themselves are contributing to the performance rather than functioning wholly as a unit. However, this comes to fruition in their polished technical skills, unconventional progressions and powerful contrast between sloshing bass and rigid guitars.

Flour bring the night's support acts to a close and whip up the throng of audience members into a tumultuous temperament. The boys have a clear-cut sense of friendship and camaraderie that completely transcends the gig itself. Watching the band perform is like being personally invited into their world. Flour have clearly carved their own notch into the night and onto the punk circuit itself, with an unrivalled alliance that floods through the veins of their music.

Just before 11.30pm, Slowly Slowly hit the stage to reignite the evening with a fresh, pop-punk intensity. "This is our first launch," notes singer/guitarist Ben Stewart. "It's very daunting." His claim of dismay, however, seems almost untruthful as the band expertly dive into crowd favourites such as Empty Lungs as well as new single 'PMTWGR' (or Pussy Makes The World Go Round as it's officially known). Stewart and fellow founding member Alex Quayle have an unparalleled interdependence when onstage. The duo, plus live members they call "Crimmo" and "Smithy", have the crowd on their feet (and, in some cases, on each other's shoulders) in an instant. In the audience tonight are only two types of people: fans and immediate converts.

The most enjoyable aspect of watching Slowly Slowly perform is a simple one: it is genuine. It feels like watching a group of old friends getting together and knocking out a few tunes for kicks. It feels like this because that is, at its core, what it is. This is mates, beer and music. Exactly what punk needs.