Tonight, the Hopetoun Hotel outsourced its Headline act to Japan, and with some local support by their side, provided an evening of some interesting musical treats.

I unfortunately missed opening act Virgo Rising, but I hear great things about the Sydney band, and will definitely endevour to catch them at a later date. Skullsquadron, up next, were the first band I caught; the three piece bringing a healthy of melodic rock and roll to the venue. I was impressed by their tunes and stage presence alike - expect to see great things from them by 2010!

Vivarta, meanwhile - well I wasn't quite sure what to make of them. They sort of sounded like a Japanese Pearl Jam cover band. I can't think of any other way to describe them, and I still can't decide whether or not this comparison is a good or a bad thing. But they were a good dose of fun - and to see a band from Japan you've never heard of for under $10 - plus the sounds of the preceding Sydney acts - well that's a great night out by any standard. 

Long live the Hopetoun!