The ChatsQuartet The Gurdies take the stage first playing a steady stream of guitar-heavy rock numbers including a hilarious ode to footy and the grinding Nunawadding. One of the vocalists looks like a young Jimmy Barnes and the band merge punk vibes with ferocious rock riffs, managing to get a mini-mosh started despite their early time slot.
Next up it's far north Queensland four piece Boing Boing who demonstrate the not too subtle art of garage rock. Labelling themselves as "meat and potatoes rock'n'roll" the eclectic looking group sing songs about crocodiles and rugby legend Johnathan Thurston. They insert Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love into one track while their "fuck you" to Xavier Rudd, surprisingly titled Xavier Rudd, gets the biggest cheer.
The Chats wander on stage nonchalantly and do a little tuning before getting stuck in with slacker anthem Nambored. At the song's end guitarist Josh Price proclaims, "We're The Chats. Get fucked," to a chorus of cheers. What follows is 45 minutes of good old-fashioned rock'n'roll with a healthy splash of garage rock and punk riffs thrown in for good measure.
Specialising in short bursts of energy, the band blow through the majority of tracks from their two major releases. The cracking Bus Money, call and response Left Right, rollicking I'm The Best Person In The World and pinger tribute How Many Do You Do all sound just as good live as they do on wax.
The Chats write simple but effective songs about everyday subjects and occurrences. Ross River is an ode to their friend Tristan, who apparently has the virus, while 4573 is about the area the lads come from. The band play a slew of new tunes in between sinking tinnies, including Pub Feed, CCTV and newly released single Do What I Want. While Price and bassist Eamon Sandwith share vocal duties, it's the latter that keeps the audience mesmerised. His red mullet and incredibly expressive face make him look like a ginger Beavis of Beavis and Butt-Head fame. Sandwith also has a sensational rasp to his voice that contrasts well with Price's more direct delivery.
Sandwith introduces their mullet-wearing friend, Wad, who proceeds to sing his own song about his five loves; skating, surfing, smoking, drinking and "fucking rock'n'roll." It's an odd moment but draws plenty of cheers and hoots from the audience. Another new track Heat Wave gets a showing before Smoko brings the house down as the entire audience sings along. The boys leave the stage but chants of "one more song" bring them back for the blistering Temperature and another newbie, I'm Better Than You, with The Chats proving they are more than one hit wonders.
