Violent SohoBearhug opened the night with their infectious sub pop tunes, reminiscent of the golden age of indie rock. A Dinosaur Jr influence is obvious, particularly in Over The Hill and Be Fine. The latter features a distorted and aching guitar melody with a distinct '70s California feel. Shades of more modern bands such as My Morning Jacket and Broken Social Scene to name a few are spread throughout each track. Their sound is drenched in optimism and that overbearing happiness transferred to the crowd who happily bopped along with the Sydneysiders.
Violent Soho gripped the crowd early as they belted out tracks from their soon to be released third album Hungry Ghost.
Like at a grunge gig of old, security nervously tried to keep a boisterous front area of the crowd from getting too out of hand, and hair and shoulders were flying freely as Violent Soho exuded a more refined brand of grunge than their previous discography.
Similar to, though much heavier than, London-based indie/psychedelic grunge rockers Splashh, a more mature emotive style is achieved, with patience and temperament embedded in the instrumental tracks, contrasting Luke Boerdam's fraught, desperate vocals.
Their sound is still distinctively '90s grunge, and in each tune the influences of Mudhoney, Smashing Pumpkins or Pixies is never too far away.
Opener Dope Calypso was an intelligent mixture of thoughtfulness and recklessness. The first single off the album In The Aisle is raw and reckless, classic Violent Soho intensity meshed with a new maturity that the band seems to have picked up. Boerdam's vocals were a highlight, spitting despairing lyrics at an eager crowd.
Leaving breakout tune Jesus Stole My Girlfriend out of the set list didn't even dampen the mood of the appreciative audience who loved every minute, some travelling all the way from Canberra just to be there.
The boys have strayed out of the garage – though not too far – and onto the main stage making for an exciting new sound and a live show bursting with energy.
