CALLING MAYDAY

Calling Mayday hit the skinny stage at the Vanguard with a big fat sound and plenty of confidence. With a debut EP Time will Tell and an upcoming Melbourne tour, Calling Mayday are on the radar.

It’s not hard to see the influence of The Ramones and The Living End but think a grungier version of Paramore and you are closer to the money. It’s a wall of power chords and punchy guitar riffs. Em’s flattened vowels on lead vocals attract plenty of attention but it’s the almost primal drum fills and bass that power the band along. They’ve got some hooky songs too – I Fell Down and Miss Insomniac are standouts.

High-energy, alternative rock and not a middle-eight in sight. (GW)

May 17, The Townie, Town Hall Hotel, 326 King St, Newtown, free, 02 9557 1206