As a musician who plays Phoenix a lot, I've gotta say, the community built around this venue is probably one of the best things about live music in this town. Any night that features one or more OzProg artists is precisely the reason why Brisbane is quickly garnering the title of "prog capital of Australia".

Last night was no exception to the rule, with a healthy crowd turning out to see a unique 4 band lineup, including two OzProg bands, SkyPi and The Kidney Thieves.  

Opening up the night were Hyperaxis, whom I believe were playing their first show. They had an interesting sound, and a strong crowd watching on. They had an ethereal and atmospheric vibe, despite their obvious inexperience, which is no mean feat. I can see these guys gigging with Brisbane bands like Hazards of Swimming Naked and never etc before too long. Their guitar work was well executed and I'd definitely pay to see them again.

OzProg favourite sons SkyPi were up next and brought their usual majestic feeling prog metal to the largest crowd of the night. This band is definitely one of Brisbane's hidden gems. Their predominantly instrumental set, including their epic piece, "The Silent Twilight" seemed to be (somehow) even tighter than previous performances I've seen. Kudos in particular going to drummer Brenton who put in a breathtaking performance. See. This. Band.

While a lot of the prog crowd went outside for a cigarette and a cuddle after SkyPi, anyone remaining was treated to Ponyloaf, a band whose name alone is stupid enough to thoroughly win my respect. This band was tight. If you happen to be in a band, and you happen to think your performance is clean, tight and professional, you'll probably still be crying after you see Ponyloaf. There were so many synths on stage Rick Wakeman would have blushed. Their music is a blend of electronic pop and rock, and the sequenced drum beats, complimented by a real drummer went down a treat. They weren't what I was expecting, but were enjoyable all the same.

Finishing up the night was the ever lovable funk rock cut-ups The Kidney Thieves, whom I think warrant the title of "Brisbane's Danciest Band". With the addition of Travis Jenkins (SkyPi's main man) on guitar TKT have leveled up and I feel are about to do something very important on the Australian scene. This gig was a fitting final gig for their drummer 'The Dancing Mule' with a huge crowd hanging around to send him off with the band's encore, "Electric Jam on Boogie" and its infectiously simple outro riff. This band is very accessible, versatile and technically able, and deserve the solid following they've already built in Brisbane.

The big shows at Phoenix always seem to be the local acts, which is sheer testament to the fact that the environment is built on community rather than the community's taste in music, which I think says a lot for the patronage. Bring on the new genres!

www.myspace.com/clubphoenixbrisbane
www.myspace.com/skypimusic
www.myspace.com/ponyloaf
www.myspace.com/thekidneythieves