Have you ever stepped onto a stationary escalator? As you approach, preparing yourself for a free-ride, you’ll notice that the ride isn’t operational and as such tell yourself to carry on as normal. That first step, though, always proves discombobulating. There’s some sort of disconnect between the cognitive and the motor and you will unnecessarily adjust your gait. This results in a brief moment of swaying, slight dizziness and your preference for dealing with embarrassment, be it laughter or anger. It’s a little bizarre and you ask yourself WTF and carry on along the escalator like you know what you’re doing. Like you got this. Until, that is, you approach the end of the escalator and become anxious about a repeat of your exit. This is, of course, not as disconcerting. You’re usually able to jump onto solid ground, into familiarity, resume your normal gait with ease. On you go. This was my Thursday night at Black Bear Lodge.

Arriving in time to witness local pop-punks Deluso, the venue was essentially empty, the other bands and their hangers-on were amongst the shadows and the bar staff tittered and clanked, I found myself taking that first unnerving step onto tonight’s stationary escalator. Deluso were focused and no fuss. Earnest in their efforts, punching out a succinct but rousing set, punctuated with frequent salutations to their drummer. Watching these ardent young men in front of a red velour curtain framed by green ferns brought about an unease like I was unknowingly on a David Lynch set; about to be directed to waltz in front of a battered panasonic television as Bodyjar film clips flicker on and off. I assured myself that if I enjoyed Deluso’s spirited final song, everything should work out.

And for the most part, it did. When Walken, local merchants of noise and tie-die, stepped up there was a fresh sense of purpose and a growing number of bodies for them to unleash a rather eclectic set. One laced with Spanish, rapping, and a serious amount of guitar effects. The new line-up is proving to be a formidable force as the craftsmanship within the songwriting is now backed by certain primate power. A new sense of apprehension crawls up on me, though, as I realise that the new bodies in the crowd are here to soak up the alt-rock of Walken. Will the crowd stick around for The Love Junkies or will i be returned to the engulfing void of an empty lodge with luau house music?

Walken come to a close and I brace myself for that awkward departure. Some slink to the back, others disappear for some fresh air but the lodge is buoyed by a slew of new bodies. Patrons stake claims on floor space in anticipation of the main act. The Love Junkies take the stage and there is now a solid crowd, a solid footing. Any missteps and anxieties are quickly dispelled as the Perth lads rip it open. Not wasting any time getting to their latest single, I Had A Party Once, which affirms that which I’ve often thought, that much like The Pixies, they have this distinct skill at taking classic rock ’n’ roll motifs and grunging them up in the most attractively alternative ways. They execute their set with slick attention offering equal opportunity to sing along and whip your hair about. A characteristic which is confirmed by the varied demographics in the crowd and their enthusiasm to participate. As they announce their last song with gratitude and the crowd returns it with pleasure. I see that the junkies have confirmed my ascension and exit from my cognitive disconnects. I walk confidently into the night.

- Nick Rodwell