Live Review: The Cairos, Nova Heart, LSD Ratkings - Alhambra Lounge

We walk into the venue just as LSD Ratkings are wringing out the last few minutes from their set; the result of a bum steer on set times.

It would've been nice to have got a few more tunes from these guys – their lo-fi garage sleaze seems like a good soundtrack to put some early beers away too – but no doubt the two dozen people in the room enjoyed themselves.

Following up is a bastardised version of Nova Heart, featuring The Cairos drummer Jacob Trotter on the kit, former Vines bass player Brad Heald in matching whites to the left and a guitarist who looks like he's just stepped off a yacht. After a swampy instrumental build up, the lifeblood of the Chinese act, Helen Feng, appears, mentioning something vague about being too crazy for the rest of her regular bandmates, and then all but confirms the suggestion for the next 40 minutes. You can't take your eyes off her – she channels the sass of Debbie Harry in her prime, while her vocal delivery – which goes from these glistening melodies to spitfire ranting commentary – recalls Chicks On Speed.

The nu disco tinged tracks off latest Beautiful Boys EP work best tonight, with Heald's bass lines ruling on My Song 9 and Good Ideas, but Feng is the star here, even if sometimes it's hard to tell whether she's taking the piss or not, especially when she's mummified herself to the mic stand with half a roll of fluro orange electrical tape.

This homecoming launch show for The Cairos' debut Dream Of Reason makes itself memorable right away, with a clip for next single Row Of Homes being shot as the band open proceedings – all smoke and strobes, which, as the signs around the venue warn us, are “fucking awesome”.

The hard guitar rips of Two Weeks Of Eternity then kick things up another gear, and by the time old favourite Shame is given a Cure-tinged revamped, the quartet are more than rolling. Reuben Schafer is eyes closed, lost in the bass chug of Good Days – another tune that shows the significant sonic step-up of The Cairos' new work – but he's quickly paying full attention, like his bandmates, when frontman Alistar Richardson invites good friend (and former Powderfinger guitarist) Ian Haug on stage for Imaginations. It's a slower number, but Haugy has no problem negotiating a wailing solo as The Cairos' frontline looks on in awe, while the intimate, friendly vibe carries over in Desire, with Richardson's sister Laura helping out on harmonies.

The set hits a bit of a lull soon after, with the solo introductory keys on Insane having a hard time reaching out over the chatter from the bar, while Fear Of Madness simply doesn't translate that well into a live setting. But this night was never going to end on anything but a high note, and sure enough things pick up steam fast.

We All Buy Stars sounds massive bouncing around in the contained brick room, while “More Cowbell” calls introduce the seminal rock parody track, Blue Öyster Cult's Don't Fear The Reaper, complete with additional Ian Haug, which is always welcome. Obsession then marks the evening's conclusion, with the sight of bearded guitarist Alfio Alivuzza smiling broadly, soloing out over the crowd from the front of the stage, capturing the positive energy that has filled the room over the course of the set.