It's Saturday night at the Beetle Bar and the crowd is a little thin on the ground, the likely cause is sure to be a combination of Sprung Festival and rain. It's a shame that there aren't more people here to receive the lashings of sound that are about to unleash from the stage.

The night jolts to life with the unstoppable force that is the Dead Wolves. I reviewed these guys back in April this year which was only their second gig. Since April the Wolves have taken unmistakable raw talent and polished it 'til it bleeds. If you wanted to bottle the stage presence that this act packs you are gonna need a massive jar.

Front man Tim Bones is undoubtedly a mix of part rubber and part flea, the way he contorts his body then springs half way across the room in a single leap. Just one word of caution though Tim, next time you go crowd surfing, make sure the crowd is ready to catch you. Jumping from the stage and landing shoulder first on cement floors is not a long term viable alternative even if you are made of rubber.

When you see Dead Wolves on a line up you will know that equals – Wall of sound; incredible drumming; great vocals and lyrics; stunning visual and auricular feast and ... lots of abrupt song endings. Curious but effective. Dead Wolves are a must see Brisbane band catch em while they're still playing alive – get it? Alive? They are the Dead ... Wolves ... forget it.

The MAIDS!!!

Wow what a surprise package this Newcastle four piece served up. They began the set with an oozy kind of trippy, psychedelic warm up that immediately prompted my internal gig buddy to ask “Heeey, who are theeese guys?” Well they are The MAIDS!!! (Capitals and exclamation marks added for effect only). The sound is heavy on the reverb which forms layers of thick, fuzzy, warm textures that envelope you with hypnotic suggestion. The suggestion being that these guys are effing amazing.

Early on in the set I was admiring the way the lead and rhythm guitars delivered harmonies reminiscent of Skyhooks but much more filthy. Then, later in the set they dished up a Skyhooks cover to my ecstatic delight. The Maids sure know how to clean up a set with relentless thump and melodic reverb that swamps about with refreshing bursts of nuance. Another must see band, hopefully they come to Brisbane and surrounds more often.

Black Mustang are the reason we are all here tonight. They are back in their home State for the final show of the tour which took them up the East Coast of Australia to launch their second album Loaded Gun. The band has been performing together for several years evidenced by the perfectly executed set delivered tonight. The precision and impeccable timing are the marks of many hours of performing. In fact if I were advertising this band real estate style it would read something like “Nothing left to do but get them signed”.

Black Mustang delivers a mix of decadent heavy rock with a back beat somewhat akin to Rockabilly on hefty 'Roids complete with the Brian Setzer guitar and harmonica. It moves, it thumps, it takes momentum and gives it a solid push. The band have enjoyed some success over the years, having their songs picked up and featured by at least a dozen different TV shows including Entourage, Californication, Vampire Diaries, Bikie Wars and Supernatural. They have also had the chance to support bands such as Tame Impala, The Angels, Wolfmother and British India to mention only a few.

The Album is a must buy every song is an 'A' side hit, swept along by sturdy, snappy Bass lines and punishing drum beats that threaten to split skins; a guaranteed party starter. They have also released the title track Loaded Gun on a limited edition 7inch vinyl EP. Album and EP available through blackmustang.com and at good music stores. Hoping to hear a lot more of Black Mustang after a well deserved break. Definitely a quality act worth supporting I recommend you get out and see them next time they play.