"First impression. Multi dimensional transportation. So mesmerising I had to remind myself to blink. So intense my face responded with involuntary eye squinting, jaw dropping and head nodding. Mind blowing, ears throbbing. Man or machine? This sound should not be humanly possible but it is and it comes from Rob Stanley." - Renae

This has been a long time coming. Rob's been a part of The Point since nearly it was started back in May last year. It was my honour to be a witness of his unleashing of his labour of love, his debut album, 'The Doorway in the Darkness'.

There has been quite a bit of buzz surrounding this evening. Being here from the start, I hang out the front and keep an eye of the number of people entering the venue. There's a pretty consistant stream of punters come out early.

First band up is Templemount. these guys have been around for a little while now, but have yet had the opportunity to see them live. Man, these guys have an awesome progressive/stoner rock vibe happening with a heavy groove mixed in. Kind of like witnessing the bastard child of a result of a threesome between Soundgarden, Kyuss and Black Sabbath.
Solid, chunky rhythm section, dual guitar attack (showing of Fender Strat goodness) and one of the most fucking unique vocalists around. This guy has an epic voice. Not technically fantastic, but the way his higher twang vocals cut through the band and grab everyones attention is just awesome.

Brisbane's Pandema hit the stage next with a very Muse meets A Perfect Circle intro, which would pretty much describe their sound. Deep progressive rock with piano tinkling and hints of falsetto vocals. Hitting epic moments, and some clever musicianship displayed, it was their mission to take the audience on a journey. Whether or not most went with them on the same ride is debatable, but they did get a fantastic audience response.

Now for a moment, at least a year in the making. I like to give Rob the title of 'most unassuming guitar hero around'.
You just don't expect this mild-mannered all-round top bloke to just all of a sudden pick up the guitar and melt your face with blistering solos.
I've reviewed quite a few if Rob's solo performances, but damn you can feel the passion he's putting into his music tonight. He always shreds, but the combination of his album launch, a good turn out, a new effects rack so he can control his backing tracks from the stage, and the amount of support he's receiving from loved ones, friends and fans, he is going above and beyond tonight. It's downright aspiring to watch this man play. Well done mate, top effort.

Messiam's debut starts well. What a way to get into the scene.
Technical grooves over metal tones. A few more gigs and these guys should be shredding with the best of them in Bris Vegas. There were a few nerves noticeable with these guys earlier in the night, but no sign of them now, with a building moshpit to welcome to the fray and pop their gig cherry.

Also, well done to MIA Entertainment for putting together another kick arse show

 

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