Live Review: The Jungle Giants, The Art Of Sleeping, Hockey Dad

After a string of sold-out shows around the country in celebration of the release of their single Every Kind Of Way, as well as the release of another hot single Kooky Eyes, Brisbane quartet The Jungle Giants are jet-setting yet again to show off their much-anticipated sophomore album Speakerzoid. This national tour see's them accompanied by other Brisbane beauties Art Of Sleeping and Wollongong's Hockey Dad. Brisbane is the second-last show before The Jungle Giants head off on their North American tour this month.

First up and opening proceedings are Hockey Dad, a surf-rock two-piece made up by Zach Stephenson on guitar/vocals and Billy Fleming on drums. After an impressive set at this year's BIGSOUND showcase and with upcoming shows at this year's CMJ showcase in NYC, Hockey Dad have set themselves aside from other local guitar-drum duos and are no doubt destined for greater achievements. The guys play a relatively short set and, although Stephenson is losing his voice, their tunes still pack a punch. A fan even helps Stephenson out on the set closer Seaweed, giving the show that classic house-party vibe that the surf-rock genre embodies.

Art Of Sleeping unsurprisingly start playing to an almost-packed-out room. After a successful year releasing a string of lovable singles, a sold-out Crazy tour and the recent release of their debut album Shake Shiver, the quintet have little to prove to their local music scene tonight. They back up the on-point sounds of their album, with singer Caleb Hodges nailing every note and the band replicate that perfect, spacious, rocky atmosphere Art Of Sleeping have made their own. They even throw in a cover of Frank Ocean's Lost, putting their own spin on the sexy track.

Last but obviously not least are fellow Brisbane favourites and headliners The Jungle Giants. With a stage covered in disco balls, it is obvious that tonight's set is going to be full of danceable tracks and happy vibes. The band open up with the popular Skin To Bone, which has almost everyone in the room bouncing. The Jungle Giants play a variety of old favourites, such as Domesticated Man, She's A Riot and Anywhere Else, balancing it out with some new tracks. The Jungle Giants' fresh Speakerzoid sound exemplifies the band's progression from teen, indie-pop boppers into a mature and more simplistic sound. This is most notably demonstrated by Every Kind Of Way which is oddly reminiscent of Cake's early-noughties track Short Skirt/Long Jacket, complete with cowbell. All up, The Jungle Giants play a fun and energetic set and continue to wow fans with their catchy and charming tracks.