It was a Sunday night, a school night, and not a night you would expect the crowd that was there at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse. But with the excellent lineup on offer, it could easily have been bigger.
It was the last time that punters were able to catch Hobo Magic, with the three lads headed to Europe to chase their fortunes, finding no real support or airplay from the national broadcaster. After seeing them twice and hearing their stuff, you have to wonder why.
The support acts were great, the sound was loud and proud and heavy. A lot of homebred Gold Coast rock and roll was on the menu.
I missed the first act The Aunties Band, so first up I saw local lads, Rinser. Great effort for their fourth ever gig. The sound was a little tinny at first, but the sound and Rinser warmed into the set ans by the third song they were purring like a tiger on steroids - with a harder edge. These guys have passion and style that will be even better with more stage time.
Cakes are something a little different. The two piece Gold Coast rockers kick arse, with guitarist Jake playing guitar through bass and guitar amps - like a reverse parallel universe Royal Blood - but with more of a punch than a growl. Intense is one way to describe these guys, Jake has attitude on vocals, and Sam thumps the drums with power, style and authority.
Black Armada are a powerful band, pumping out rock metal bounce groove tunes with falsetto vocals- booming bass thumping your chest, and great guitar work. Impressive band, massive riffs, and catching with heavy style. Another local Gold Coast product. These guys rip in.
The Boing Boing Band is good old Aussie Punk. Punk is not dead, certainly not with this North Queensland band. They have punk attitude in a real Aussie larrikin way. Lead singer and guitarist Albert encapsulates Australiana and punk attitude. They have a song called 'Xavier Rudd', not very complimentary towards the star, and did give me a giggle.
Then it was time for the main act, Hobo Magic. After seeing them with Tumbleweed at Byron a few weeks ago, I was not going to miss their final Australian gig. They did not disappoint. Kick ares they did, with intensity, and tight as they should be, as these guys have been playing together since pre-teenage years and are an amazing unit. Each one of them are extremely talented musicians. Jake is one of the most talented bass players I have ever seen, and his rhythm partner in crime, Luke, rips in on there drums, solid, fast and holds the groove together. Connor on guitar and vocals seems to be the glue holding this rock n roll groove juggernaut together, powerful with some awesome riffage and lead breaks to top their sound off. Deserving of maximum airplay and attention, they may come back on a victory lap after they rock Europe. Glad I have experienced these guys live.