Gozzy Rock 2011 has arrived.
This event resembles a small X-factor style competition, taking place in Gosnells, Western Australia. I’ve been attending it for several years; at times there’s a lot of disappointment, but now and then there’s a glimmer of hope… and on rare occasions, a tiny spark that could ignite an amazing fire, one which everyone can feel on a chilly winter’s night.
Tonight, a band named Pound will be performing in Thornlie. They advanced past the first round with their demo and, to be honest, they’re not unattractive… though I wouldn’t say they’re exceptionally good looking either.
However, that aspect doesn’t really hold significance. In our current world, which often prioritizes appearances, Pound manages to stand out… in a positive manner.
Last week, I had the chance to meet with the band, and I’ve encountered some of them previously. Rich (vocals, guitar) once played in a band called Liquor, and I remember seeing Liquor mingling with Blur years ago—what they were doing with them remains a mystery I’m not too eager to solve.
Mark (guitar) and John (drums) are also familiar faces, as they’ve played in cover bands since their early years. They are incredibly talented; honestly, they’re an impressive duo and seemingly embrace the quirk of wearing their underwear over their trousers.
I’d never met Dan (bass) before, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine meeting another person quite like him again. I wanted to delve into their recent activities, and Dan provided me with a detailed account of his latest escapades… the mischievous fellow. I can assure you that it’s a far more engaging tale than anything you’d find in a Mills & Boon novel.
Pound creates genuine music, which is somewhat… challenging to articulate. Being original has become increasingly tough in today’s music landscape, yet upon listening, you might catch echoes of Queens Of The Stone Age, The Pixies, and maybe even a hint of The Beatles, alongside the chaotic vibe of The Libertines.
They’ll perform four songs tonight, though I only heard two during rehearsals: Animal and Bleed.
Animal is an intensely raw track; it feels as though you’ve been stabbed, with the knife continuing to twist from within. On the other hand, Bleed conveys deep emotion; I believe the exact lyrics aren’t critical because its authenticity shines through.
Like everyone, they have their influences, which ultimately shape the essence of… Pound.
They’re set to open the night at 6:00 PM, competing against likely talented, though potentially forgettable bands.
I hope they make it to the final, as I believe Australia deserves to see their performance… yet if they don’t progress, I suspect they won’t be too concerned about it.
by Wallace McTavish
