Live Review: The Love Junkies, Ralway Bell, Belle Harvey

The warm confines of The Buffalo Club was the perfect place to be on a cold, wintery night in the port city for week two of this year's Hidden Treasures Music Series. Giving punters a rare look into some of Fremantle's lesser known older venues, The Hidden Treasures Series has developed a reputation over the years for providing eclectic line-ups and this evening was no exception.

Kicking off proceedings to an already near full house was local alt-country songstress Belle Harvey. An engaging performer, Harvey delivered an impressive set showcasing her amazing vocals and honest, heartfelt songwriting with Drive - a single from her eagerly awaited forthcoming debut album Something For Myself - being a highlight of a great set.

Continuing on with the alt-country vibe of the evening, Ralway Bell were the next act to hit the stage. Fresh from taking out this year's WAM award for Country Song Of The Year, the band delivered another standout set with frontman Ben Wilson's insightful songwriting matched perfectly with the rich guitar of James Allsopp and the pedal steel of Jeremy Threlfall weaving beautifully through the mix. Another band with a new album on the way, Ralway Bell will be launching their new single, Caught In The Crossfire, on 28 Jul at Rodney's Bait And Tackle.  Based on their previous release, the EP I Am A Superhero, their new album promises to be one not to be missed.

Then it was time for something completely different as The Love Junkies took to the stage and delivered a raucous, high energy performance that got the packed crowd well and truly pumping. Kicking off with the title track from their latest EP, Cough And Splutter, the four-piece powered through a set that seemed to transform The Buffalo Club into a steaming, moshing cauldron. While featuring songs from the new EP, The Love Junkies' set also included obvious crowd favourites I Had A Party, and Mausoleum from their previous releases. With their fast paced, intense set seemingly over before it had begun, The Love Junkies finished up with Oxymoron before leaving the stage to thunderous applause from an appreciative, sweaty audience.