Having just seen Washed Out at Oxford Art Factory and ready to call it a night, my mate dragged me next door into the Gallery bar curious to see who had just taken the stage. Boy am I glad he did!

As we eventually worked out, the raucous and thoroughly entertaining duo holding the packed room in the palms of their hands was Wollongong act Mother and Son. I had heard their name before but nothing more. Never have I enjoyed a band that I’ve never heard before so much.

Straight from the start, with what seemed like just a jam (“Right. Are we warmed up now?”) but would easily pass for the lead single of many indie rock bands, the duo fired a barrage of raw-garage surf-rock with a stab of blues and it was damn fine! Singer/guitarist Bodie Jarman howls and growls dusty tales of debauchery and food throwing ex-cons while drummer Matt Teudt, grinning madly, batters everyone into submission.

The two are incredibly tight and well rehearsed. You can’t help but marvel at Jarman’s control of his (rather beautiful) guitars. He makes them wail, scream, sigh and sing, moulding loud, rollicking tunes that stop and start, twist and turn, and slap you in the face if you’re not moving. In fact, I’m making the call that he is one of the best young guitarists bouncing around Australia right now.

This is hugely entertaining, good time rock and roll and it's clear that the boys are absolutely passionate about what they do. It’s nothing new but it’s very, very good and great fun. They know how to put on a show. I highly, highly recommend catching them.