Ivy League Records, Ten Years in the Trenches- Live!

Ivy League have a plethora of elite indie artists signed to their label; on November 2 some of their killer live bands come together for an all ages affair. The night was set up similar to showcase events, with opening bands playing short sets before the curtain closed for about 20 minutes for the next band to set up. Every time the curtain closed the main floor emptied. The 5 minutes leading into the next set was met with squeals as the crowd converged back towards the stage area when they heard a guitar riff or a check 1, 2 coming from a band member behind the curtains.
This night at the Metro kicks off with Hoolahan followed by a great set by The Silents. They came across as a melodic garage rock band with a Vines-esque quality about them.
According to line up posted, The City Lights were due on after The Silents. To my pleasant surprise The Mess Hall took the stage as a three piece. Dynamic duo Jed and Cec already possess an explosive sound, as a three piece that just amplified ten fold. Their third member took up additional guitar and percussion duties. The showcase nature of the event allowed The Mess Hall to play their heavier material before ending with the upbeat Disco 1.
Red Riders kept the party going. With two lead singers, Alex and Adrian are bringing different dimensions that translate well live and recorded. They have a brit-rock charm about them. Slide in next to me was a crowd favourite.
Youth Group emerged with half their members still sporting heavy beards. They played a fantastic set and thankfully did not need to play Forever Young to win over this crowd. I like their version of the song, but their original songs have enough merit to shine on their own. Their set included ‘Catching and Killing’, ‘Sorry’ and ‘Shadowland’, Youth Group are quite captivating live and were allocated a longer set time which allowed their sharply dressed friend James to join them onstage for two songs. Youth Group took the opportunity to let loose and rock out.
By the time The Vines came on The Metro lounge bar was no longer bustling with punters, they all moved into the theatre to witness The Vines at full strength. A high energetic frenzy ensued; it was great to see Craig back in action. This is what rock is all about. They ended the set on a high and obligingly came back for an encore which included ‘Sorry Miss Jackson’.
Like most gigs at The Metro, the crowd filed out pretty quickly. The rain that was still pelting down outside did little to dampen their spirits. This was one awesome birthday party, celebrating a decade of Australian Indie label goodness. Ivy League I salute you.

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