Arriving a little later than I had anticipated, I happened to only catch the tail-end of Tranzluzid's set tonight at The Rolling Rock. Mic from MIA Entertainment has been putting on this Live@The Rolling Rock shows fortnightly over the last couple of months, and there has been a bit of support, but not nearly as much as what is needed to keep this as a regular event.

Thankfully, Tranzluzid's solid performance has bought a crowd in and warmed them up. On my way in to the club, frontwoman, Rose's vocals are ever so present and distinct, as they blast and coo there way over the chunky grooves. The better PA that Mic has arranged this time had made a huge difference, with the band definitely sounding fuller.

Panda Panda Panda were scheduled to play tonight, but due to a sickness in the band, have had to pull out. Their replacement - a young band from Yandina called Myrtle Place. I'm alerted to the fact that this will be their first "club" performance, having only played parties before. Before they even start to play, it's pretty obvious from what they're wearing what they will sound like, and I have to say I am spot on. Old. Skool. Punk.

Short, fast songs full of speedy bar chords, fast drums and shouty vocals - what one would expect and want from a punk band.

However, it could be the nerves, or it could be due to being out of their comfort zones, but I was expecting a little more energy and attitude from a "fuck you" type punk band. Despite this, they played reasonably tight for a band that's been together for 3 months, and the punters dug them.

The main reason for reviewing tonight though, is Fire Driver.

I've been looking forward to seeing this band live ever since I reviewed their CD, 'Dead End River'. I'm expecting the chunky punk stylings that I heard on the CD, and that's what I got. Admittedly, guitarist/vocalist Clint is suffering from a nasty summer flu (sounds like the one I'm trying to shake off), but they get through the set with barely a hassle at all.

These guys know how to craft catchy hooks mixed up with chunky, rhythmic punk, very reminiscent of Mark of Cain and Helmet. Tonight, they road test a new song straight off the ranks, which goes down well.

One thing that really stands out in this band is bassist Whurl's fat, twangy sound, which really suits this style of music.

Mixing up some older songs with songs from the CD, the crowd (though not huge) is digging what they are doing, especially when they kick into song, 'On the Border', which has a catchy as f*ck melody, with just a hint of old Green Day in there.

A bunch of nice guys that play chunky punk, and everyone should drag their arses to see their next gig (keep an eye on The Point's gig guide for details).

Rooster.