Live Review: GUM, Stevie, San Mei

It's been just over a year since POND/Tame Impala's Jay Watson graced Brisbane with his solo psych-rock project GUM and there's sincere anticipation in the air for his return. Punters are rushing through the door of The Brightside as 8pm hits, whether that's to get an early drink in or get to the front of the stage is up to each individual filling the venue.

First on the bill is Brisbane-based electronic pop act, Stevie. It's an enjoyable beginning to the night, one that complements the danceable aspects of the headliner while still maintaining a blissful uniqueness that draws a fair crowd.

There's a mix of vibrato, reverb and phase effects roaring through the house speakers as San Mei, the musical project of Gold Coast's Emily Hamilton, shreds into a gorgeous display of guitar overtones. It's both fun and energetic, Hamilton's technique inspiring awe and amazement. It's truly a spectacle, and one of Brisbane's best additions to the scene.

One of Australia's greatest musical prodigies, GUM, takes the stage and The Brightside dancefloor is almost too packed to make a move. Jay Watson greets the crowd, calling everyone a bunch of cookers. He states proudly that he's off the durries because, "Brisbane's the most cooked place ever," and there's a cheer from the crowd.

GUM is a formidable act - blending beautiful aspects of experimental psych into music anyone can dance to in a club - and bodies on bodies groove to the one-man show. It's no wonder people keep coming back to see him take over venues. Watson slams down euphoric guitar solos and vocal wails, but as he begins playing the opening chords to Misunderstanding the crowd drowns out Watson with their own voice. As he launches into Anesthetized Lesson, the crowd mimics every "WOO!" and "SHAH!"

The crowd goes ballistic at the familiar but unexpected tune of POND's Colder Than Ice. Finishing up with recent single SIA there are demands for an encore, but as the background music kicks in again it's an end to another fine night with punters wishing it could have continued on forever. Watson truly is one of Australia's greatest!