One of my favourite things to do is check out new bands. A new band in my language, can be either a band that may have been on the scene for a while but whom I have not yet seen therefore are new to me and the second type are bands that are performing for the first or second time in their existence. Friday night at the Boundary hotel, West End saw two such bands side by side, The Royal Artillery and Digital Natives. I respectfully mention Junkyard Diamonds and Seismic Toss who also performed memorable sets on the same bill.

The Digital Natives are fresh on the scene with front man Bryce Davies known to many as the driving force behind Skeleton Dance Music, a bookings and promotion machine. The Natives debut single “Acid Wash” has been receiving air play on 4ZZZ over the past few weeks. For a first time performance the band was extremely tight and polished, an obvious testament to many hours of practice or just sheer brilliance. The sound is solid, grungy, garage rock with clear audible vocals (often a challenge in small venues) and lyrics that more than adequately display the creativity the Natives have on tap. I can not wait to hear more from this impressive four piece and we don’t have to wait too long with the next gig landing on 8 August at the X and Y bar with the legendary Lunar Seasons.

The Royal Artillery pump out a psychedelic, hard rock blues sound that is nothing short of a force of nature. Brisbane could have built the Clem 7 tunnel in half the time if we had harnessed the sub-stratum, melting, sonic boom that is The Royal Artillery. Mr Zed Charles on lead guitar and vocals is an absolute master worthy of homage to the highest order. Not only do the Artillery deliver musically, they are visually impressive as well and I am not just saying they are good looking. I am talking about that wonderful moment when you are watching a live performance where the band is only just a few feet away and you catch a dose of the adrenalin rush that is surging through their systems. That’s living. If you do nothing else with the rest of your life get to the Beetle Bar this Friday 20 July and see The Royal Artillery when they play in support of the stunningly talented Race of the Harridan who are launching their colossal EP Boozy Rouge which has been making pleasing sounds in my ear holes all week. Gets better with every listen.

See you all out sometime - I’ll buy you a beer and support our local venues at the same time.

Janelle Salmon