No escaping DEP's talent

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In Name And Blood came on at around 9:30 on the secondary stage to a great reception. Showcasing songs from their recent full-length self-titled release, and sporting a new bassist, they play a solid mix of metal and hardcore that crowds really get into (even overage ones). At one point in the set the singer dropped the microphone and walked through the crowd using only his naked voice (it was loud enough to not need amplification) to spit the bridge of a song. This received much applause and cheering upon his return to the stage. A tight unit that the Melbourne scene will hopefully see more of soon.

Next up was The Stockholm Syndrome. In the half-hour between their set and INAB's a steady flow of noise that features in part on their debut EP ("In The End It's Over") came from the speakers, hailing their arrival long before it happened. Let me tell you all, this band has major promise. Deathly serious about what they do, they provide an engaging experience for any who are willing to witness their aggressive but sensitive output, complete with jarring electronic samples. The effect may be lost on some but it certainly found a home in my ears.

After a 45-minute break, everyone surged forward to get the best possible position, and prepared themselves for what was to come. Coming on stage to a wild cheer the New Jersey 5-peice wasted no time, kicking straight into the title track from their landmark 1999 release, Calculating Infinity. Instantly you could tell this was a group who were experienced; their tightness and aggression was so honed that even if you didn't appreciate their music, you had to appreciate the musicians who made it. Comparable to King Crimson or Yes at 700bpm, their syncopation-heavy, polyrhythmic metallic hardcore hybrid is copied by many acts these days, few of whom have the creativity, dexterity or raw energy that Dillinger possess. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Liam Wilson and drummer Chris Pennie (an absolutely incredible sticksman) was a big factor in the cohesion of the night's performance. The crowd went ballistic as the band charged headfirst into Panasonic Youth, the opener on their latest album, Miss Machine.

Guitar virtuoso Benjamin Weinman is well known for his onstage presence and he made no exception here, throwing himself into the crowd at one point while continuing to give a steady output of complicated riffage, supported by equally talented guitarist Brian Benoit. Some bass problems disrupted the set, but were made light of by the band's singer Greg. A man with powerful on-stage movements of his own, he put out a request for jokes during one of these breaks (sadly, to little response). They played a great selection of old and new including favourites like The Mullet Burden (if there was ever a song to get a crowd excited...), 43% Burnt, Sugar-Coated Sour, Destro's Secret, Sunshine The Werewolf, Setting Fire To Sleeping Giants, Baby's First Coffin and The Perfect Design. The set was mostly taken up by newer songs but they received as good a response as the older material.

Finishing early with no encore (yet with ample time for one), some were left wanting more but all were left impressed and charged. Some who attended their tour last year felt that this year's performance was inferior but to me it was one of the finest displays of live musicianship I've witnessed.

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Download but don't inhale

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Taking aim at shonky agents

Frustrated with lack of action against shonky agents, the Sydney Branch of the Musos' Union applied to the NSW Attorney General for the right to prosecute under the state's Entertainment Industry Act. They got the right and are now on case number 2 after a successful outcome in number 1. Could be a useful lifeline for Sydney musos.

Orcastration averted

Looks like the Tassie Symphony has a reprieve. Threats under the recent Strong report to reduce it to an unviable "Chambe" Orchestra (that's not quite a Chamber Orchestra) have been neutered by strong lobbying led by the Musos' Union. Tassie outrage at the proposal was so great the pollies had to cave. We hear an extra $2 Million has been found to keep the icon orchestra afloat.

Relieved after hearing the operation has been cancelled, some TSO members still hold defensive positions...

Flash! - Musos to get money

Rumour to hand: there is to be a new music show on a national network. So? The big news is that the producers are working on a completely new contract system which is aimed at the musos receiving a share of the profits. Refreshing concept since most TV pays musos nothing! You'll hear more when we do.

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