eleventyone

In the raw untamed energy of unadulterated live music beats the heart of Australian alternative rock. Tonight at the Corner Hotel in Richmond a handful of bands strummed guitars and beat drums for the Aussie BBQ gig, as if it were the last bastion of live music in Melbourne.

Oh Mercy at the Corner Hotel

Victorian liquor licensing rules recently shut the doors of The Tote in Collingwood, as new rules for live music venues require extra bouncers on hand, which the owners can’t afford. Today over 10,000 SLAM protesters converged on the state library against the new regulations that are poised to destroy Melbourne’s unique live music culture.

Live music supporters were of course bound to end up at the Corner, even on a Tuesday night. The line-up included: Wagons, Crayon Fields, Oh Mercy, Boat People, Paul Dempsey, Summer Cats and Pets With Pets. Melbourne is the first stop for the Aussie BBQ, a gig sponsored by Elwood Clothing and touring internationally.

For me the star of tonight’s show was the mesmerising performance of Oh Mercy that glowed with striking melody and charming self-assurance. The bands proved their unfiltered indie tunes were truly worthy in this den of rough chorus. This gathering of bands epitomised the scene, strumming a powerful cord against the bureaucratic incompetence that would take it away from the bleeding ears of joy.