Photo Gallery and Review: Wavves + Sures + Gung Ho - The Zoo (08.05.12)

The rhythmic sounds of Gung Ho are shaking and rocking The Zoo, but depressingly enough, no one's dancing. With killer songs like 'Twin Rays' and current Triple J Unearthed fav 'Side By Side', as well as a string of killer supports, I'd have expected there to be a bigger turn-out for one of the best up-and-coming acts in Brisbane. Those lucky few in the audience get a fantastic set, however.

Sures are a bit odd. Sitting somewhere between surf-pop and psych-rock (admittedly, not the broadest of spectrums) they switch between upbeat, jangly indie tunes and long, drawn out, effects laden jams. It's not a bad thing; it's enough to keep myself and the ever-growing crowds attention, but the extremes between which they switch is slightly jarring. 'Romeo' and 'Poseidon' hit it out of the park, however.

I last saw Wavves at SXSW, and I was really surprised when a circle pit opened up behind me for set-starter 'King of the Beach'; I'm ready for it this time, and the same damn thing happens. The Zoo may be less than half full, but by the halfway point of the set rarely anyone is standing still. 'Idiot' prompts a mass singalong, and 'To The Dregs' is a short but sweet blast of punk rock. The only time the crowd stops moving is during a pretty great cover of '100%' (by Sonic Youth), which is both hilarious and depressing. The crowd thankfully get back into it for 'So Bored', before Nathan Williams and co step off stage. For a bunch of songs about being a slacker and smoking a bunch of weed, Wavves put on a hell of a show.