Like Christmas, your birthday, or the dread of filling out another tax return, BIGSOUND rolls around again in no time; although it's significantly more welcome milestone than many.
First up at Crowbar (3 September), singer-guitarist Siobhan Poynton introduces Scabz as “the sh.ttest band at BIGSOUND” before opener 'What You Stand For' – a song about Anthony Albanese and false promises. “Told you we were sh.t,” she follows – a patently untrue statement.
'Brett Lee's Got No ID (And He Can't Get Into World Bar)' tells the story of Poynton's encounter with the cricketer at a former place of work; a close call as he “likes Tony Abbott”, as it turns out.
Over at Woolly Mammoth, Concrete Surfers are conducting a more polite, but equally impressive and somewhat ramshackle affair. “We're here to hopefully rock your socks off,” claims frontman Jovi Brook, softly, while bassist Trent Courtenay – looking like the throttled young caddie from 'Happy Gilmore' – slaps his instrument like a master.
Only a lucky handful of people are present to witness Black Rock Band at the Woolly Mammoth, and what a delight they are treated to by the West Arnhem collective.
They aren't the only band giving an acknowledgement of country tonight, which is encouraging to see and hear, but are likely the only singing in Kunwinjku – addressing both a depth of cultural and social issues and making a rapidly growing audience dance their asses off, too.
Reija Lee, playing outside at The Wickham, promises to “amp it up a little” at the beginning of her set. The musical chameleon delivers a varied collection of pop and electro numbers, switching between bass and vocals and winning over a seated audience in no time at all. Her voice and performance deserves a bigger stage.
Over at The Foundry, Dianas are shaking the walls with the tightest performance so far this evening – the Melbourne-via-Perth group make a hell of a sound for a trio, despite complaints of an incredibly sticky stage. Powerhouse drummer Anetta Nevin steals the show with a skin-thumping masterclass, leaving her kit beaten and defeated as the cymbals ring out on the final tune.
At The Zoo, Laura Imbruglia and her band the Bin Chickens immediately prove to be the best act of the evening so far as they run through songs from new album, 'Scared Of You'. Opener 'Tricks' and follow-up 'Carry You Around' set the tone for a classy, skilful set that looks like it will be hard to top this year.
BIGSOUND veterans Bad//Dreems go about their business with the loose, vaguely off-kilter aesthetic they are known and loved for, playing songs from their upcoming third album, including new tune 'Piss Christ'. Older tracks 'My Only Friend' and 'Mob Rule' still sit well among the new songs, while “oldie but a garibaldi” (frontman Ben Marwe's words) 'Hoping For' remains some of their finest work.
Approachable Members Of Your Local Community are the perfect end to the evening at the Ivory Tusk. The “deep south” Melbourne quartet, dressed in ludicrous, matching red Adidas shirts and shorts, are fun, upbeat and silly in all the best ways. New track 'The Internet' sounds like a winner while 'Semiotic Vision' is perhaps their best song, but it's the performance that makes it a killer show.
Bring on nights two, three and four.
