Next big things. Ok I hate that term as much as anyone but having just returned from recording sessions in America with Sylvia Massey (Tool, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) it's a pretty apt way of describing where Adelaide's Lady Strangelove are at right now. The psychedelic fusion rock band have been honing their craft for a few years now, leaving a trail of fans around the country desperate for the upcoming debut album.

"Sweet Exchange" is the first single off the album and by all accounts it's an explosive track. The single sees the band entering new territory with a refined sound that takes their traditional approach of expansive, psych jams and condenses it into a 4:55, more radio friendly song.

Having been in Melbourne working day and night on the album, the band returned home to favorite haunt Jive to give their hometown a taste of what's to come. Supported by The Rules and Like Leaves, the room was already buzzing with excitement as the boys took to the stage.

Opening with “Devil Inside”, the mood was set with a well paced, rolling bass arpeggio that had the feel of Pink Floyd's “Breathe”. It only took a minute or so until frontman Brendan Shaw must've felt his vocals were warmed up enough to begin his trademark wailing. His powerfully clear voice cut in on top of the band’s typical big rock riffs. This was followed by another great Lady Strangelove trademark; a switch to half time where big, long notes echo over hard crashes and a fucking huge kick and snare. Josh Van Looy’s guitar soloing was intense and added that extra dimension to the track. Cutting back to a guitar arpeggio, the low driving bass line came in so loud you could feel it in your chest. The song was full of those Black Sabbath style short, staccato breaks between sections, the tightness of which provide the perfect counterpoint to the listener.

“Staircase” came on so strong it sounded like they started it with the ending of a set. This huge sound resolved into a flanger drenched guitar rhythm and again a driving bassline came in strong underneath. The track had much more of a verse/chorus feel than some of their other tracks, which made Brendan’s voice really stand out. Another big half time chorus showed that Lady Strangelove know how to create a big sound. The combination of big notes, underlying drum flourishes, mad guitar soloing, wailing vocals and a bit of electronic manipulation from bass player Azz Shaw makes it hard to believe so much noise can fit together so well. Small rooms just don't do these guys justice; I want to hear them in a stadium.

“Demon” started with the most Pink Floyd sounding organ I've ever heard that's not on Dark Side of the Moon. This kicked into one of the coolest basslines in Australian music today, a true flowing, psych rock riff. Layered against some psychedelic wah guitar effects, the band played this song so smoothly they even managed to drop the first note from the riff for the whole second verse without missing a beat. The breakdown was full of atmosphere, and drummer Fox Faehrmann was rapping on some real sly jazzy drumming as the guitar notes wailed. Brendan’s voice was coming through real clear and sharp in this track, possibly because the band was taking it easier at a more relaxed volume. The song ended with a big slow jam that you could imagine would go for days if no one stopped them.

All four of the guys were engaging on stage, each with their own look that comes together and creates the bands 70s psychedelic LSD fueled style. As much as they were playing well, I thought the crowd was noticeably disinterested and not paying attention to the gig, which was a shame. From my perspective this certainly wasn't the fault of the band in any way.

“Evolution Shoes” contains an awesome riff and a great screeching vocal line to match, but I was wanting for more vocals. When the band played hard the low end of the vocals didn’t come through enough leaving the vocal melody cloudy. The track broke down into a low tom filled speedy jam with Brendan grabbing sticks and jumping on the bongos and Josh soloing like he was on uppers. The song jumped straight back into their big riff sound before drying up to a single synth guitar. Of course Lady Strangelove didn't give the crowd more than 20 seconds of this before bringing back the balls and rocking out some more.

The next track is easily one of my favourite Lady Strangelove songs. “Chords” began with cool samples and sounds, and the diverse array of sound textures the band displayed in their set is mind blowing. This track is interestingly the most modern sounding by far, having quite a Radiohead vibe in its key signature and chord progressions. It featured a freaking awesome build up to the solo that rounded out the song back into the soft chords they started with.

The single to be launched, “Sweet Exchange”, started with synth noises and haunting guitar tones until a backing rhythm track came in. The way the kicking bassline dropped in over this really makes the single a winning release for the band. The song featured Brendan’s voice in a howling rock style, and he cranked out the harmonica too. Lady Strangelove play that slow burning, head banging rock and roll that transports you to a different time. They take a huge riff, on an even bigger beat, add some effects and top it off with a unique rock voice.

Just when you thought they'd be all out of big riffs, off the back of more droning guitar effects “Balls and Pain” introduced a bigger one, with Fox taking his force to the next level and Brendan reaching even higher registers. The crowd was well and truly engaged now and the whole floor moving to the music.

Overall the show cemented all the great things about Lady Strangelove and if the new single is any indication when they drop their debut album in late 2011 they truly will be the next big things.