The Gaelic Club opened its doors for the second ‘Nowhere’ on Saturday the 23rd of July – and what a night it was. With acts including One Vital Word, Skyway and the hotly anticipated performance of one of Australia’s better known punk bands, Bodyjar.

One Vital Word kicked off the night to a decent crowd. Having never heard the band play before, I was impressed with their energy and overall performance. With a heavy rock sound, and distinctive vocals from lead singer Owen, the band was a great opener, giving us a taste of the night that was yet to come. I predict to only being hearing bigger and better things from this band throughout the rest of 2011.

Queensland pop-punk sensations Skyway hit the stage next, and their performance was undeniably and amazingly fun. With the crowd starting to really warm up, Skyway belted songs from their EP Nauseating Suburbia such as ‘Reunion Road’ as well as giving us a taste of what their new single ‘Birthdays (Are For Sluts and Losers)’ sounds like live – and if this is anything to go by, their debut album due out in the latter part of 2011 will definitely be one to look out for. The fast-paced cover version of Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car,’ was a definite crowd favourite and one of the best cover versions I have heard of a song for a long time. After witnessing them live last year also, Skyway have definitely improved on their band dynamic, with an impressive stage presence. If you love your pop-punk and haven’t seen these boys yet, you’re missing out.

As the night edged towards the final act, the excitement was obvious in the air – and Bodyjar fans were rewarded for their patience. From the very opening of ‘Sequel’ the crowd went wild, and the standard was only lifted as the night went on. With a set which comprised a cross section of all their albums Bodyjar have definitely not lost the magic touch that made them a favourite amongst the punk scene in the 90s and early millennium.
Hit songs included ‘Another Minute,’ followed up by ‘One in a Million’ with the Jar’s sound being polished without losing any of the energy they are renowned for. Fans got a chance to mosh hard, as the band continued with their gutsy set, with another highlight song being the emotionally charged ‘Outside In.’

The crowd lifted again to another epic level, when ‘Not the Same,’ probably the Jar’s biggest commercial hit began, with fans happily singing along to every word. Closing on ‘Call To Arms,’ the set ended all too soon for fans – however an encore performance was extremely appreciated.

All in all, the Gaelic provided another amazing Nowhere for punk and alternative fans, featuring two great upcoming Australian acts alongside one of the best and most enduring punk acts to ever come out of Australia. With Nowhere being a monthly event, raving words can simply not express how much of an experience it is – get down there next time and see for yourself!