INDYFEST '09 Review

The Jaybirds kicked off Indyfest 2009 at The Basement on Saturday March 7. The singer had a great voice and the couple of covers that I heard them play were done quite well.

I was interested to check out Waterford after hearing good things about them. They brought out some cool indie tunes and were good, but not necessarily great. Halfway through their set they advised that their drummer was in fact their lead guitarist normally and that their regular drummer couldn't play as he was off checking out Gary Numan. I would like to see these guys play again as the full complement of 4 as that might just be what would push them into "great" territory.

Several members of The Jaybirds who played earlier then got back onstage with a different singer to perform as Astrochem. Astrochem are like some tight young band that have arrived as immigrants from some distant planet that George Clinton & Parliament once visited.

The Glaciers played a rockin' set after a dinner break, followed by Moots bringing an energetic set of punk rock, inspired by the likes of Dead Kennedys and Misfits. Rubycon were tight, putting on a good show. Everyone can see real potential in these youngsters.

Next up were Hoodlum Shouts. I had no idea what to expect of this band but as they turned their amps on for soundcheck they certainly made me turn my head to check them out with some meaty bass and guitar tones making me think that something I might like was heading my way. I wasn't dissappointed. In fact I will say that Hoodlum Shouts are totally awesome and one of my new favourite local bands. After an expressive intro from a female friend of the band, the guys brought on a show full of emotive rock music. They were tight and confident, and held the crowd's attention throughout their set. Musically they brought to my mind elements of The Nation Blue, At The Drive In, The Drones and Godspeed! You Black Emperor, with a slow-paced but heavy power.

Scaramouche were last to take to the stage. These guys had gone to some effort with their stage show, which included a gimp (Forest Gimp) in a plywood gaol set up on the stage. The band showed some great chops off with their wanky rock stylings. The singer not only had an impressive vocal range but also a very impressive pair of pants. Top marks for style.

Indyfest didn't quite have the crowd turn out of last year, but in the end it was quite a good afternoon/evening of good quality local independent music. Being turned on by a band that you'd never heard of before is one of the best things about checking out live music and Indyfest has always delivered some satisfaction on this front for me. Last year I left talking about Thomy and The Tanks and this time around I will be telling everybody about Hoodlum Shouts. Thanks to Bruce and the other Indyfest contributors for putting on the gig and we'll hopefully see you again next year for Indyfest's 20th anniversary.

Duck

INDYFEST '09 Photos

There are photo's of the day available and will be made accessable through this site shortly. Sorry for the delay.

PED

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