Live Review: Strawberry Boogie

There's a lot more going on at Wollongong's Yours & Owls than just their annual festival.

Drop by any month of the year and you can soak up some local vibes thanks to the movers and shakers behind Strawberry Boogie - a monthly celebration of the 'Gong's ever-growing creative culture. This month's  Strawberry Boogie teamed up with Wollongong Fringe Festival to deliver a plethora of musical treats from across the State and also acted as a platform for local creatives to showcase their own unique works.

A last-minute downsize in venue didn't stop Johnny Hunter from strutting their stuff in a cramped corner stage to kick off the night's affairs. Macho Britpop antics, courtesy of their charismatic lead man Nick Hutt, ensured it was a raucous pub-rock show from the outset. Hutt's howling vocals entranced early arrivals as delayed guitar riffs echoed out over smashing drum beats.

Equally as smashing were Sydney's latest super-group STUMPS. Jumping on the slot to fill in for an absent Flowertruck, the four-piece were fun and conversational in between songs, but all business when blasting their emphatic choruses and catchy melodies. The alternative rockers bounced between moments of upbeat euphoria and audacious aggressiveness to deliver a startlingly awesome performance.

Next up and supplying dance-friendly tunes were Sunscreen. After an initial guitar dropout, it was nothing but breezy guitar licks and good times. Band leader Sarah Sykes' angelic singing already had the crowd won over when she expressed her love for the 'Gong over and over again during their set. The crowd worked themselves into a moshing frenzy to prove that the appreciation was more than mutual.

Electronic producer MUTO then brought the late-night vibes by mixing his tracks into a seamless blend of escapist pleasure. His set became increasingly unpredictable with drops coming out of nowhere while shifting between various rhythmic patterns as the night progressed. The Northern Beaches artist eventually broke up his well-curated flow to introduce his mesmerising banger Through The Fog. As the lone electronic artist on the bill, MUTO didn't have to do much to stand out sonically but still put in a whole lot of effort anyway.