There's always a fever in the air (not the swine kind fortunately) at an EP launch, and while this particular one didn't appear to be billed as a 'launch' so to speak, proto-punk rock n rollers The Sophisticants do have a new release and this was the first time they were giving it to the public. The venue, the Blue Tile Lounge, a bar perfectly suited to a boozy rock n roll fuelled celebration. Concrete floors, concrete and brick walls, skateboard decks across the ceiling, and long-necks in the fridge. perfect.

First to grace the stage were indie rockers The 5:48. A short set by the 4 piece band had a couple of catchy, layered guitar driven indie tunes, with the song titled 'Ilsa' (a sort of storytelling blues song) a particular highlight. Probably the greatest shame is that it wasn't until 2/3 of the way through their set that the venue started to fill up, but the people who were in attendance were certainly entertained.

Following on from the 5:48 were young rockers ShyRobyn. With a mix of punk and hard edged seamy rock songs punctuated by screaming guitar and a high level of activity on stage, ShyRobyn delivered a sharp set full of energy, which clearly wasn't lost on the growing crowd.

It's probably important to point out the mood in the venue by about this time. The crowd was bordering on filling the (albeit small) venue, and the buzz in their was certainly a mood in the air, perhaps an heir of anticipation. plus I'd had a few beers...

The 4-Piece Smurfinger's music is difficult to define, I am inclined to go with rockabilly, but quite a bit edgier. Excellent vocals were backed by an impressive level of musicianship from all of the members of the band. The songs were a mix of rockabilly, rock n roll and punk rock, and there were a number of particulary catchy tunes that I wish i had caught the names of.

Finally it came time for the four members of The Sophisticants to take the stage, and almost immediately as they plugged themselves in a significant contingent of the crowd moved their way right up to the stage. From the opening minute of their set the energy levels in the venue reached a fever pitch, and didn't really let up from there. The Sophisticants play a pretty unique mix of oldschool punk (think Iggy Pop), ska, post punk, and a couple of straight up rock songs for good measure. Frantic drumming, smooth bass lines, and thrashy guitar combine to form an incredible sound, and the members of the band clearly have a great time rocking out, and making full use of the small stage. However the frontman of the band, "Scumbag Scott" is perhaps the greatest drawcard to this band. With wild gyrations, hip shaking dancing, and more than a few forays out into the crowd, he was able to work the room and fire up the crowd, and the members of his band also. Highlights of this show were definitely a fuzzy post punk track called "The Roughness" (track one on the new EP) and the crowd favourite, the profanity laden "Fuck London". The band also played a cover of "Saturday Night" by the Misfits, which was also a real crowd pleaser. The closing number was an everybody up on stage belting out of Louie Louie, which had most of the members of the other bands as well as other members of the crowd on the stage. A great way to close what was a raucous show.

I picked up a free copy of The Sophisticants new EP, and would definitely recommend checking it out. If you go to a show you'll probably be able to get a free copy (the band actually turned down the money I offered in exchange for one), and you'll also be able to catch their live show, which was in 4 words ... f***ing rock and roll.

Photo courtesy of The Sophisticants' Myspace Page