The X&Y bar on Ann Street Fortitude Valley is the axis where brilliance meets perfection in sound and on Saturday 9 February 2013 both those factors yielded results that rated off the chart. On offer tonight are the sonic delights of the Midnight Revelators, the defiant thrum that is Geomantra and the beseeching yearn of headliners Lunar Seasons.

The Revelators have survived a few reincarnations in recent times but despite the line up changes they continue to deliver sterling performances largely due to the creative genius and vision of singer/song writer Peter Green. The Midnight Revelators have in the past been a five piece when they were known as the Midnight Prophets. These days though they tend to be a threesome. Tonight however the Revelators bust out a fabulous set as a duo, with Green on guitar and Thomas Oliver (AKA creator of “Something from the Scene”) on drums.

The sound of the Revelators is described by Green as Noir Roots. Be that as it may, the aspect of the Revelators that appeals most to me is the enthusiastic blend of rhythms and unorthodox stylings that combine in such a way as to leave the listener in no doubt that this band is unique. Get out to see them next time they play.

Geomantra in its current form has been on the Brisbane music scene since late 2011. They have been likened to Soundgarden and Tool, but the moody, melodies churned out by this three piece firmly plants them in a class of their own. What sets them apart in my opinion is not the excellent lyrics and addictive hooks. Not the solid, gutsy Bass lines generated by Bassist Glen Barrett. It’s not even the relentless and flawless beats of drummer David Laird. Even though all those characteristics are award worthy, the quality that sets Geomantra apart for me are the vocal talents of singer and guitarist Gary Summers.

Summers has one of those voices that slices the atmosphere cleanly, clearly and is pitch perfect. If his voice was a knife you would want to be cut and cleaved by that voice over and over and it wouldn’t hurt a bit. Geomantra is brooding, gritty, heavy rock. It’s the kind of music that gets the tough going.

They are heading to the studio again soon to record a second EP which will be eagerly anticipated. Whetting our appetite tonight by performing their new song Pandemic. I highly recommend adding Geomantra to your “must see” list for 2013. Listen to their music at reverbnation.com.

Headlining tonight is the irrepressible Lunar Seasons. These guys pack a massive sonic blast into such a tiny space. While listening I began to wonder what the garage where these guys practice must look like so I tracked it down and included a photo of it. Check it out.

The band name Lunar Seasons conjures up for me scenes of the desolate, cold, wasteland of the moon which is an image that complements the anguished, sorrowful tones of lead singer Adam Anthony. Without knowing the lyrics, the songs sound like they are asking the central question “Why is life so cruel and unkind?” The ability to construct the vocal and musical soundscapes of tracks like ‘All of These‘, demonstrates an understanding of the experiences that wrench the core of sentient beings.

This is a band that is greater than the sum of it’s parts. Apart from Anthony’s impeccable performance, every member of this brilliant foursome are individually epic. Scott Booton on drums summons the natives with tribal beats and rhythms. Greg Dickson on Bass does exactly what a good bassist should do which is provide the thick, rich, heavy backdrop to the overall sound and Dickson does this with flair to burn. Frank Abernathy on guitar is a joy to watch as he skillfully fingers the fret board with speed and accuracy, producing intricate lines.

There is an EP available that is totally worth the download however I will say that the recording does not do this band justice. Experiencing Lunar Seasons live will be time you will never regret spending. It is obvious that these guys take great care to craft their sound as opposed to just playing music. Catch them playing soon in a crater near by - you’d be a lunatic to miss them.