Live Review: A Not So Silent Night Fest

The fuzz-driven guitars and playful organic synth leads were unmistakably the sound of '90s alt-rockers Turnstyle. They have been working hard on a new album titled Time = Function and took the opportunity to test out some of their new material on the festival crowd. The rolling tom beats and the low-end riffs blended well with the classic softly sung '90s punk vocals that every alternative Australian listener loves.

The solo career following his era in '90s punk band Regurgitator has led Ben Ely down a much folkier road. His realistic lyrics about death and clear singing are quick reminders of Australian folk legend Paul Kelly. Now it is Ely’s turn to take to the stage in raw form and play pragmatic songs of wisdom and truth.

It is no surprise to see the likes of Pat Chow on a festival line-up as smokin’ hot as the pre-Xmas A Not So Silent Night after the airplay they’ve received for their latest, Bad Thoughts. The recent release of their debut album, Are You Okay?, has driven them in a much more pragmatic musical direction, with the same heaviness and energy in their gigs and songs but more dynamic changes that make the lyrics of Ben Protasiewicz resonate with the keen listener.

The mosh was ready, the three lads were ready, everyone listening was ready, ready to headbang to the indulgent wall of sound that is PUCK. Their dirty, slothy, doomy sludge riffs created a great ambient atmosphere, the floor of the Four5Nine bar stained with sweat. Their new split album with FOAM has gotten some great recognition and has all eyes watching as they prepare for their forthcoming second EP.

The gang of incredibly talented and well blending musical talents of Rag N’ Bone busted into their classic elegant style, all roaring bass lines, a hyperactive guitarist and the deep, anticipating vocals of front lady Kiera Owen. Her style is reminiscent of the lovely Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries.

The local supergroup of Perth, The Long Lost Brothers, comprising the great Andrew Ryan (Adam Said Galore), the great Mitch McDonald (The Love Junkies), Mike Jelinek and Steve S (ever since the photo of them shorts, he hasn’t been the popular guy he used to be). Their lovely combo of the unmistakably quaint riffs of Ryan and the flowing, sombre bass lines over the unruly, articulate drum measures makes for one of those must see rarities.

The fun lyrics, the punk, the trumpets, the fuzz, the burgers… Burgers Of Beef are a happy-go-lucky bunch of adult children. Of course these guys still mean business, playing really uplifting shows with pure comic value. One of their songs in particular, Monkeys Stole My Eggs, is generously hilarious.

The lo-fi psychedelic-blues four-piece, Segue Safari, produce some of the most relaxing and ambient music there is in Perth today. Their smooth synth swells and lead shoegazer-effected guitars lend your mind to another galaxy. Look out for their upcoming EP.

The four-piece — fronted by fellow left-handed guitarist Jenna Pozzi — going under the name Gold Suns projected their alt rock to the wonderful individuals in the Four5Nine bar. They have only just began their journey together with this being their fourth gig. Their style evokes Weezer’s early stuff. The shame is that this beautiful band had a lot less exposure due to their set being placed at the same time as The Love Junkies.

The skilful art of merging elements of punk, grunge and psychedelic blues are three-piece The Drools. Their riffs were spanky and raw with a high-end wailing vocal. Their tunes are formidably loud, sporting the Fender deluxe amp and their heavy-handed drummer, Jake Coulter. They will be supporting the Dune Rats this Sunday, which will be a great addition to their reputation.

Renowned for his active musicianship as a local and international busker, Benny Mayhem shares his passionate enthusiasm for bringing underground folk/punk into the limelight. Mayhem’s candid personality and knowledge of the world gives him unique lyrical edge. He is one of the catchiest solo folk-punk writers we’ve heard in Perth along with the likes of Noah Skape.

The headliners of the night, The Love Junkies, ripped up the Rosemount main room with their massive intro before melding into Chemical Motivation. They continued on to play Television and frontman Mitch McDonald passed off a funny comment about someone knocking his beer over, stating, “Don’t worry, I brought some extras… Who do you think I am, huh?” The Junkies played their new hit, You’re The Pins In My Ears, You’re The Salt In My Eyes, providing the perfect cap for a sweaty, fun-filled day by every measure.