A mixed hardcore lineup at Fat Louies is a recipe for either a very good time or a very bad time, and I got spun a bit of both. Melbourne's Diploid have been around for a while, but I think this is the first time they have made it north to Brisbane. A very welcome visit it is too, on the back of their recent record Is God Up There?

I was never that good at heavy music subgenres, but Diploid are also not very easily classifiable. Maybe somewhere between grindcore and black metal? There are lots of different elements that make their sound distinctive – weird discordant riffs, slower doomy parts, drum beats that at time verge on danceable, alternating male and female vocals. Tonight they also have something like a chocolate tin with rattly bits in it ran through an effect pedal to add to the cacophony between songs.

When they're not mid-cacophony, the members of Diploid are polite and shy on the mic. Their set is warmly received by most of the room, though some (like myself) loved it and shouted out (to no avail) for more.

I always find it somewhat amusing that the beachside tourist's paradise of Byron Bay can produce a band as downright nasty sounding as Shackles. They are all speedy drumming, short sharp power chord riffs and lyrics spat out like a caged rottweiller. Not that you can understand the words in a live show, but if you ever get a chance to read the lyric sheets in their records you will find misanthropy at its finest.

It doesn't take long for Shackles to get the circle pit going – one guy who before the set had been almost asleep on the couch at Fat Louies is now in the midst of it throwing his elbows out at passing strangers. Another guy stands just on the edge of he pit; holding a hospital crutch which he thrusts in the air like he's leading a cavalry charge.

I never can quite get into it though. I think my overall positive worldview and happy demeanour just means I'm not cut out for Shackles. I talked to a friend after the set. His review was much more succinct than mine - “hard and angry, that's how I like it. Don't give me none of this melody shit.” Whether that's your taste or not, tonight's bill provided a quality selection of heavy music with variety for everyone.

-Andy Paine