Live Review: Moses Gunn Collective, Mid Ayr, Neighbourhood Youth

Melbourne's Neighbourhood Youth are first to take the stage. If they feel any nerves, they certainly don't show it. Neighbourhood Youth bring a punchy, stoner-rock style of psychedelia that sets up the night perfectly with a hammering bassline that dominates every track played. The dreamlike synth that layers over the bass is completed by guitar chords; waves of reverb washing over the crowd. When the strong beats subside, the bass quietens to a tremble and the guitar takes over, with notes wailing alongside the haunting Rasta-esque vocals.

Taking over next is Mid Ayr, who bring with them a not-too-dissimilar style of the night. Instead of strong bass and beats, Mid Ayr come with an abundance of minor chords, reverb and misleading build-ups. They cross genres with ease, going from a mellower, more mature sound to grungy choruses that Alice In Chains would be proud of, and to the bright sounds with strange lyricism that calls to mind The Beatles' later years. No matter where they are on the genre spectrum, Mid Ayr bring with them an intense atmospheric sound, taking the crowd to another place altogether.

Previously described as "psychedelic little fairies" by Mid Ayr, psych-rock outfit Moses Gunn Collective pop up on stage wearing clothes that are as glamorous as they are. The reverb-soaked guitar melody for Mary jumps into the hearts of the crowd who sway to the beat of Bella Carroll's tambourine. Aidan Moore alternately sings and speaks to the crowd, showing that despite selling out shows, Moses Gunn Collective still love to keep it casual. Each track that comes thereon - Back Into The Womb, Hole In The Wall, Shalala - brings with it a strong and easy rhythm, and a synth line that creates a dream with the guitar that just keeps up its melancholic wailing. Before long, Moses Gunn Collective reveal some new tracks and it's a departure from their previous sound. Taking pages out of '80s disco music, they pound the crowd with oscillating synth lines and vocal melodies that turn away from psychedelic rock to bring more funk to the mix. Whichever way Moses Gunn Collective turn, their crowd will always follow. And we will never forget their take on the Macarena dance at set's close.