First up tonight is local band Ashes Of Iron. They play stoner, grunge metal with an Audioslave kind of vibe to them. Their frontman is entertaining to watch, seemingly unphased by the small stage and managing to switch from a psychedelic style, to heavy blues to a classic rock scream that most established singers would be proud of. Sadly, the crowd for the night hadn’t appeared in time for their set, and while they seemed to make fans of the people there, they deserved a much bigger audience.

Next up is Bob Wayne and the Outlaw Carnies. I’d heard good things about this band and they didn’t disappoint. Playing country rock n roll, Bob Wayne takes to the stage to tell tales of cheating women, pick up trucks and how best to party when he’s gone. I heard someone in the crowd compare them to Tenacious D due to the story telling element of their show, as well as suggesting they were an interesting gimmick, or “the bluegrass answer to Steel Panther”. While I can see their point, there is a definite sense of humour to the band, it’s unfair to write them off as a novelty act. The musicians are definitely talented, and their lyrics are clever and witty. 

Last up is Nashville Pussy, playing a much more straight forward brand of rock n roll. Proudly announcing that they feature “One of rock n roll’s top five women, as voted for by America’s That Metal Show”, Ruyter Suys on guitar, they storm straight into a set featuring a good selection of their songs, old and new. From debut album’s I’m The Man through to most recent I’m So High, they play songs about sex, drugs and rock n roll, sounding like if AC/DC had been raised drinking whiskey in the southern United States.

They’re definitely a no frills band. They’re there to play, get everyone dancing, drinking and having a good time, and that’s just what they do. Only stopping because the venue curfew kicks in, they announce that they’ll be at the bar to keep the party going and I’m pretty sure everyone’ll be joining them.