The Small Ballroom went off on Saturday night with four bands and four sets of high-energy rock. I was lucky enough to be invited along to cover the night and had a ball.
Central Coast band Smokin’ Mirrors kicked the night off with a killer set. Smokin’ Mirrors are the gorgeous Emmy Mack, vocals, Alex Richmond on Guitar, Sam Goldie on Drums and the flying Bassist, Matt Coleman. Believe me, these young guns are smokin’ hot and by the end of their set I was left wondering if the night could get any better, well…… it did.
The second set saw Sydney three-piece band Brace For Whiplash hit the stage, flying with some classic rock/punk tunes with pocket rocket Suzanne Serelle, Bass/vocals, Joao Bento, Guitar/vocals, Paul Job, Drums and local guest Guitarist Jez Ashman jumping in for a bit of Zeppelin.
Next up, one of my favourites, locals The Yellow Feather Dogg, with a brilliant set of their original material, Rockin’ Roll Poet Brad Anderson up front on Vocals, Jason Eyre’s sweet guitar and a fantastic rhythm section with Mick Segers on Bass and Dave Butler on Drums.
Zombonimo finished the night off with a powerful set, this is the first time I’ve heard or seen these guys and wow, massive sound, aggressive on stage and energy to burn, just the real rock deal. Zombonimo are Kim Abbott-Vocal/Guitar, Tony Rees-Guitar and a thumping rhythm section of Dan Corbett on Bass and Chad McCamely Drums.
I can’t finish off without putting a big up out there to Karl Pope, the sound and lighting on the night was spot on. All round top night at a fantastic little live venue, live music is alive and well in Newcastle, get out there and support it.
Story and Photos by Craig Wilson, Swamp House Photography.
