A Wednesday night gig at a packed Cranker is good for the soul. Hey Harriett’s shows are always a rush, an exchange of positive energy and a reminder that music is healing. Stephi and Storm-Lou opened the show with inspired sets of indie goodness. Though their sounds are different, both bands have great tunes with passionate delivery, and I look forward to catching them again sometime soon.

Hey Harriett opened with a spirited version of ‘Hearts in the Ocean’ that had everyone dancing from the outset, and the wild breakdown succeeded in loosening everyone up. High energy versions of ‘Over You’ and ‘Too Fast, Too Soon’ followed. ‘More’ is a slice of danceable indie rock with a heavy chorus that inspires some jumping around. It’s also the ideal song for a spot of crowd surfing. George Rochow took the opportunity of a packed and engaged Cranker crowd to tick one off her bucket list – the sea of humans carried George out into the room and back to the stage. It’s a rarity these days and the highlight of a night that was all about connection, great tunes, and rocking out.

Two new songs followed – ‘I Wanna Die (agnosis)’ and ‘Your M8’. The former is a barnstorming, punky rocker that touches on the anxiety and stress induced while awaiting a mental health diagnosis. ‘Your M8’ is in swinging 6/8 time and is about being friend zoned. Both new songs sound great, with catchy melodies and driving riffs.

The set was supposed to finish with the upbeat ‘Let’s Dance’ but there was no way the band were going to get away with just seven songs, so after some enthusiastic encouragement from the crowd we were treated to a couple of bonus songs – ‘Ventolin’ and ‘Not Allowed’. In some ways it was a typical Hey Harriett show – we got positive vibes, catharsis, and some joyful chaos. But that’s only part of what makes them great. Their enthusiasm is contagious, their songs are well crafted, arrangements creative and musicianship top notch. The connection they create at every show is something that you can’t fake. 

See them August 27 at the UniBar with Rose Clouseau, Hubris and Peanut Butter Crack Babies.

Last Saturday night the Adelaide hardcore scene converged on Jack & Jill’s Basement Bar for a benefit show to raise medical funds for Banjo Cox. In a typical show of support many turned out in the horrendous weather for an incredible night of top shelf music.

The Uglies opened proceedings with a sharp set of punk/hardcore originals. Lead singer Moose has a great sense of humour and put in an intense performance. The band was ferocious, their razor riffs propelling the songs and getting the crowd moving from the start. Their drummer also somehow managed to play fast and sing at the same time on some songs without collapsing – very impressive. They were a fun way to start the night and I’m super keen to catch them again.

HumanXError were up next and played their final show. The band was only around for a short time but they achieved plenty. Their 7” ‘Your Faith in Ashes’ was a highlight of 2021 and their final act was to donate the proceeds of their entire time as a band to the Zahra Foundation. We were treated to a run through of the songs from their 7”. Singer Steve Cox’s important political messages came through loud and clear – especially with regards to dismantling rape culture. Musically the band were tight, with guitarist Jesse Conte’s versatile riffs ably supported by Billy Harness and Joshua Law’s brutal and groove-based rhythm section. It was a privilege to see this band perform one last time.

I somehow missed all but the last song or two of Culture Shock – they sounded sharp and fired up though.

The Weight finished things off with one of the most ferocious sets I have seen in my life. They were tight, the riffs razor sharp and vocalist Ben had intensity to burn. They played a number of songs from their demo CD and album ‘Prisoners of the Flock’ (including my favourite ‘Speaking in Absolutes’) and whipped the crowd up into a frenzy. They’re justifiably considered legends – even though this was a once off show, they still gave it everything. The positivity and good will in the place were amazing. It was a killer night and one I won’t forget in a hurry.

The Sundials are band that want you to dance. And they have the songs, the musical chops and the swagger to make that happen. Their sound and appearance is undeniably retro, but their performance is fresh and alive. It sure as hell isn’t just window dressing.

Last night at the Lowlife Bar they played a short but very sharp set of Stonesy rockers with a few funkier numbers thrown in for variety. Their originals are well written, catchy and danceable. It’s easy to get caught up in their impeccable vibes and forget that you just had terrible day at the office. The rhythm section captures the groove of the Stones at their loosest but tighten it up a bit. The guitarists lay down a combination of razor-sharp riffs and bluesy and at times melodic solos. Singer Dieter Horvat has a keen ear for melody and a powerful and blues tinged vocal delivery that suits the band’s sound and swagger to a tee. He rarely stands still, often running out off the stage and singing and dancing with the audience – it’s a good way to get some crowd participation happening. He also threw in the odd harmonica solo to mix things up a bit.

The Sundials are a fun band to watch. The 12 string Rickenbacker guitar adds to the late 60s/early 70s vibe, as do the band’s clothing. Their searing cover of the Stones “Bitch” slotted seamlessly into the set. The Sundials musicianship is top notch and they have the songs and intensity to match – and probably have about an albums worth of originals already – I’m very keen to see where they go next. Check them out live if you can, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.