Live Review: The Novocaines, Foxes, Foam, Black Birds

One can only attempt to prepare themselves for a night of loud, distorted guitars and thumping drums, but as Black Birds were the first to prove, preparation is futile. Evolving from their British indie rock undertones to a more psyched-out sound, the trio demolished another thunderous set. Playing with absolute ease and freedom, the consistently loud dynamic of the band could use some refinement, but the more melodic passages of newer tracks for an upcoming EP showed some promise in rectifying that niggle.

Grungeheads Foam were next and showed why they held their place on such a high-quality local bill. Despite taking a little while to warm into the set; as the fuzzed out riffs came, so to did the flying mops of hair, as moments of Nirvana and Brand New sat amongst a sound uniquely their own… and a Cypress Hill cover. If anybody in Perth is bringing the best of '90s rock back, it's these guys.

With two more members, and some backwards sex in their name, the ever-humble Foxes commenced their emotive and confronting set right where it belongs – in the crowd. Initially apprehensive, said crowd was inevitably won-over by the sprawling tracks of technically proficient, beautifully moving, heavy Sigur-rock (apologies for that one); a fine example of metalheads who listen to too much Mars Volta.

Headliners The Novocaines took over the stage, commanding it from the first tune. A very, very entertaining live band, some sexy guitar work was on display early, before their huge fuzzed-out grooves (as good as any) took over. Showing off some perfectly refined tones, the single launched tonight, Freedom Please, ensured more beer found its way onto the floor than into mouths, before more aggression and swagger commandeered the remainder of their set. Showing complete gratitude for the acts they had proceeded, the band deservedly headlined a fine night of passionately loud rock'n'roll, which displayed enough variety amongst the substantially shared approach of the bands.