Canadian rockers Two Hours Traffic add the international spice to tonight’s event and hold the gig’s main support slot. In short they are what you would expect if you mix the power pop sounding Big Star with the youthful vocal harmonies of a modern day Beach Boys. The melodic tunes are definitely agreeable with the audience with notable highlights being “Backseat Sweetheart” and hometown tribute song “Jezebel”. Both taken from their much lauded album Little Jabs, the quartet are on somewhat of a musical exchange, after the Jezabels supported them on their recent North American tour. Although with roles reversed, the lads still put in 100% and it shows wonderfully in a great supporting performance.

AU Review favourites and indie darlings, The Jezabels, are tonight’s main draw card and it shows with the gig selling out weeks in advance and the venue heaving in anticipation by the time 10.30 rolls around. With a 3 rd EP now under their belts, the group is quickly adding to its burgeoning reputation as a superbly orchestrated band with their latest release, Dark Storm, their best offering yet.
Over the prevailing hour we are treated to a smorgasbord of electric songs. “Unmarked Helicopters”, “Easy to Love” and “Be A Star” are performed effortlessly and quickly whip the crowd into a state of frenzy. Their highly polished live performances exemplify superbly their studio recordings and showcase the virtuoso of Hayley Mary’s soaring vocals, Samuel Lockwood’s steadying guitar and the prodding drumming of Nik Kaloper.

By the time crowd favourites “Mace Spray” and “Hurt Me” are delivered, a sense of indefinite pleasure has been achieved. It is here that Hayley’s supreme manicured vocal offerings are allowed to shine with her fringe also getting a definite workout! Night closer “Dark Storm” fittingly concludes the gig with its delicious thumping drumming and cascading lyrics. The end feeling can be best described as deeply satisfying, like the moment when you’ve had the last bite of your Grandma’s Yorkshire pie – you live for these moments.

Seemingly with the world at their feet, the future looks bright for tonight’s main act. Like their Melbourne Cup winning horse namesake, we hope that this thoroughbred of a band is a true stayer and maybe will one day be the band that stops the nation.