Live Review: Zen Panda, The Montreals, DRUID FLUIDS

Opening for what was to be a showcase of some of Adelaide's finest upcoming psych-rock bands was a very blissed out set from local outfit, Druid Fluids. Taking us on journey through a swirling, bubbling soundscape rolling with fuzzy guitars and floating vocals, frontman Jamie Andrew warmed up the crowd with ease.

Next up, shifting to a more indie-rock pace were fresh-faced four-piece The Montreals. From the guys we heard some classic, broken-hearted songwriting matched with upbeat guitar work and super catchy riffs. Despite having only started up late 2015, a dedicated fan base represented in the the front rows, turning the space into a loyal dancefloor. With a Simpsons montage playing behind them, a distinct nostalgic undertone was present in Becoming Strangers and their title track from their upcoming EP, Indigo Club, as if we'd been listening to The Montreals for years as they played the soundtrack to our fumbling early 20s. 

After a massive start to the year supporting the likes of Last Dinosaurs, Andy Bull and Moses Gunn Collective, Adelaide psych-rock band Zen Panda have released their debut single Cute Hand Touch In The Nutbowl, and it's something to get excited about. Beginning the set with a very ethereal, instrumental build that seemed in sync with the blotted ink visuals behind them, the five-piece had the room engaged and mesmerised in their slick trance. With some very well developed and confident vocals reaching all the notes and then some, frontman 'Samwise' Lavers leapt and threw himself around on stage, the energy sweating off the band was infectious.

Possibly the highlight of the set, as it came so unexpected, was a sudden breakout of coordinated dancing by the whole band, each thrashing away at some wooden percussion instrument. Such a succinct and planned performance was both surprising and hilarious, breaking up the usual formalities. We heard some new material, including a rattling, lo-fi track as well as some more paced out, dreamy tracks that featured some acoustic guitar action. Picking up the pace again with a swampy cover of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizards' Hot Wax left a lingering ring of harmonica within the crowd that was hard to shake. Wrapping up with a huge rendition of Cute Hand Touch In The Nutbowl, featuring a headbanging drop in the chorus and a hook that had the whole room singing along, sealed the night perfectly.