The Metro Theatre was transformed into a ghoulish lair as
the costumed masses were entertained by a human vending machine, DJ sets from
Obama, Palin and Nixon and sets from some of Australia’s most impressive bands.

Dodging the coffins which decorated the stage, Guineafowl proved they are worthy of
the considerable hype floating around. 
After such a formidable rise to the public consciousness, it’s hard to
believe this musical collective are still relative newcomers.  Lead track “Botanist” translates beautifully
live with the layered vocals wafting over the simple guitar accompaniment.  However, the arrangement is strong enough to
ensure the music is not lost over a loyal (however rowdy) crowd.

The energy and exuberance is continued with Brisbane band Last Dinosaurs. Benefiting from
generous Triple J rotation, a number of tracks are immediately familiar to the
audience, and the dancing begins in earnest. 
That being said, it’s difficult not to have fun whilst listening to this
band- their youthful enthusiasm is infectious. Their tracks are surprisingly sophisticated, perfectly
crafted pop songs.  “As Far as You’re
Concerned” packs a heavier punch, with reliance on a more dominating guitar
riff, whilst “Honolulu” is joyously light. 
Last Dinosaurs fill the Metro with songs which are both pop perfect and
mature.

Special mention must be given to the Who The Hell DJ’s, who donned masks of American politicians whilst
providing a fantastic track list between sets. 
The undoubted highlight of the night was the hilarious “duet” between
Nixon and Palin to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Never before has something been
so wrong, but oh so right.

Continuing the haunted hijinks was Spod, whose band and back-up dancers presented perhaps the most
amazing cover of the night- Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’”- simultaneously hilarious
and exceptionally enjoyable.  Spod fuses
exceptionally lyrical rhyming with a seriously accomplished electro based live
band.  It’s a unique proposition, and
whilst it at times seems deliberately shambolic, it certainly works. “Dead” is
a brilliantly cheeky track, with the refrain “everybody loves you, just because
you are dead” set above an increasingly tense backing.  “2131 Ride Wit’ Me” is a dirty, sweaty homage
to Ashfield, and a fantastic track to close with. Spod is basically a whole lot
of crazy, but it’s impossible not to enjoy.

The Halloween Monster Mash provided a showcase of emerging
and accomplished local musicians, with fantastic attention to the thematic
detail. 

Editors note: Dappled Cities were amongst the bands who played later in the evening - unfortunately the reviewer wasn't able to stick around! We hear it went off though!