The members are charismatic and fun between songs. The whole band juggles each others instruments throughout their show, which is cute, but a little more focus on developing a cohesive sound for a listener to latch on to would go a long way. But that’s my only real criticism and at the end of the day I can hold no hate in my heart for any band that writes a song about making love in the sun.

THE PARADES were up next and although genre-wise one could call them similar to Split Seconds the difference was palpable. There was no pre-amble, tuning, or a even a quick “Hi, we’re The Parades”. They launched fast and hard into their first tune and it certainly made the room take notice. Our attentions grasped the band launched into another driving tune, and glory be unto any rock band that actually has interesting drumming. By now, foot a-tappin’ and head a-boppin’ I was looking around the crowd to see if others were digging it like me, but unfortunately for the Parades the crowd numbers had not reached that magical critical mass [or drunkenness] so that inhibitions can be overcome.

The music changed gear a little bit and songs drifted more towards the harmonic-melodic side of the spectrum. Apparently the female keys player had been flown in from Brisbane just for us so she stepped forward and threw her ethereal voice into the mix. There is a hint of post rock in the Parades live show. Even the songs that start off really beautiful and melodic get layered deeper and deeper and the sound builds until all of a sudden, without being aware of it happening, you’re listening to a slamming energy filled rock tune.

Whether they were building songs from soft to hard, rocking out, or enjoying a melodic reprieve the Parades really delivered an enjoyable show, the next time they come to town I hope there is enough people to mosh, as there should have been on Saturday.