The Hi-Fi - Sat Aug 8

Tonight sees four Brissy acts take part in the Local Produce series at The Hi-Fi, beginning with The Mercy Beat’s no-holds-barred set. The punkers’ unbridled energy presents a jarring contrast with West End’s laidback vibe, yet breathes life into the arguably unwelcoming venue; the rhythms mostly stay anchored at around 140BPM and sporadic slower moments explode with distortion, screams and saturated licks – in kid-speak, “sick!”

If one had to crossbreed The Foo Fighters and Everclear and strip away the big hooks, they’d end up with Joel Myers Band. The blond-haired frontman being a dead ringer for young Art Alexakis, the four-piece don’t steer one inch away from the ‘90s template and summarily fail to excite.

Psychedelic harmonists par excellence, Drawn From Bees alter their familiar set-list by debuting Cables In The Sky from their forthcoming third EP. The tune is a monster and the rest is a typically sublime showcase; Picture Show as ever sending shivers down the spine.

Headliners Mary Trembles nearly come unstuck thanks to the horrendous mix rendering Skritch’s vocals practically inaudible; fortunately the sound evens out during Geranium and the “power trio” veer back in drop D territory. Emotional Calligraphy, Tiargo, Scene From Below and closing Eating Through The Debauchery are all meaty rock-outs; in a less rock & roll manner, the security kick everyone out afterwards.

DENIS SEMCHENKO

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