Live Review: Rag N' Bone, Foam, Nerve Quakes, Mung Dahl

2016 has been an incredible year for Rag N' Bone; four WAM Award nominations, winner of the WAM song of the year for Rock, an international tour stopping in Singapore and Shanghai, and an EP launched back in August. Most bands would rest on their laurels but, luckily for us, the four-piece decided to drop one last single at Badlands on Friday evening.

Cheap drinks behind the bar were unfortunately not enough to draw an early crowd; so Mung Dahl played to a small group of early punters. They offered a stripped-back set, consisting mostly of garage jams. Those watching seemed to dig it with a few couples swaying in time.

Nerve Quakes were up next. These guys have really started getting some movement on the local scene; you can't go a week without finding a show somewhere in Perth that these guys are playing on. As always, they delivered and hopefully it won't be too long until they headline a launch party of their own.

My what a difference a year makes. The Foam sound has taken a dramatic turn since they opened for Bored Lion. Previously they were a great grunge band, but their sound was way too heavily referencing Nirvana. What was on offer this evening was a much more mature band with a sound that was definitely coming more into their own. Still this is a band that has heavy '90s nostalgia but going in a much heavier direction. Not quite metal, but brushing up against those sounds. Definitely a more interesting act to see. These guys packed out the Badlands dancefloor, obviously they have quite a few local fans.

Rag N' Bone are easily one of the best bands playing in Perth. It almost seems we are developing our own little post-punk mini-scene with acts like Nerve Quakes, Erasers and Rag N' Bone all offering a take on the '80s sound that brings their own spin. Lead singer Kiera Owen shares more than a passing resemblance to Sinead O'Connor with her blonde pixie cut and a voice that is nearly as powerful.

These guys feel like they are moments away from hitting it big. With their recent signing, a management deal with Sweet Mate Music; it only seems a matter of time before they're on international festival circuits. Their stage presence is incredible, with a beautiful aggressive sound.