Words by Terresa Allen

Things were alive and kicking at Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Southport on the Gold Coast last night; with this awesome little boutique establishment playing host to a trio of home grown rock bands. The Desert Sea on their ‘Awake Me’ EP tour, were supported by Hot Reno and Baltimore Gun Club, who together provided punters with a great night of entertainment at this intimate venue, perfectly kitted out for up close and personal lovers of live music.

Baltimore Gun Club – captured by Peter Wheeler Photography

The one and only Baltimore Gun Club were first to hit the stage, laying down a fast paced, heavy groove. Show casing some new tunes alongside a few old favourites like Apollo, Goumar and HookerBlvd from their ‘Innerspace’ Album. These lads certainly know how to make some beautiful noise and enjoy themselves whilst doing it.

The power and intensity of Psymon’s vocals were equally matched by Hyrma’s energy on bass and noteworthy harmonica skills.  Seated behind them and a driving force on the skins was young Ronnie, arguably currently the hottest drummer on the East Coast, if not the country; a sentiment echoed by many throughout the night. Stay tuned for some new stuff from these guys in April and look out for them on the Rockin’ 4 The Homeless 2019 bill.

Alternative Gold Coast rockers Hot Reno took to the stage next filling the space with youthful gusto, whilst serving up some solid hard hitting raw rock ’n’ roll with vocals to match. These guys have been hard at it recently, playing gigs around the South East in the lead up to their soon to be released EP ‘Stab in the Dark’. With punk rock and alternative influences, they have put together some fine original material, including their new EP title track Stab in the Dark and personal favourite Suit Yourself. Harley, Jack, and Ben will be kicking it again tonight at the Greaser Bar – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

Headliners of the night The Desert Sea are a Sydney based three-piecerock outfit drowning in an ocean of charisma and talent. Currently touring the East Coast on their “Awake Me” EP tour, these guys made the stage their own last night at Vinnie’s, with a memorable live Gold Coast performance.

Ashton on guitar and vocals has all you’ll ever need in a rock ’n’ rollfront man – stage presence, guitar skills and a well honed, modulated voice, perfectly suited to carrying the band through the edgy blues influenced rock of their earlier material to the emotive lyrics and heavier riff fuelled grunge rock originals they are currently presenting.  Backed in looks and talent by bassist Andy West, the trio’s new singles Set me on Fire and Awake Me off their new EP of the same name, worked a charm last night alongside tried and tested tunes like All Mine and Elevator in their short but punchy set.

The easy banter, hair jokes and self depreciating style of these young guys in down time, coupled with their skill, passion, growing confidence and smoking sound is a dead set winner. They are it would seem, the complete package, and with Ronnie of Baltimore Gun Club sitting in for their regular drummer last night these guys set about the business of entertaining a steadfast and growing south east fan base, whilst cementing themselves as a prime-time live rock act.

Be sure to do yourself a favour and catch them tonight at the Greaser Bar in the Valley if you’re in town, and if not definitely update your calendars to catch them on one of their “Awake Me” East Coast Tour dates, running from March through May, you won’t be disappointed.

Ashton from The Desert Sea – captured by Peter Wheeler Photography Andy from The Desert Sea – captured by Peter Wheeler Photography