The Night Cat is already such a vibe as a venue – the funky décor of the vintage lamps gives an ambient red glow across the space and really creates an intimate environment. It’s already well known for its electric atmosphere and crazy moshes so I knew I was in for a ride when I saw the Belair Lip Bombs were going to play there before they set off to Europe.

Just before midday on my favourite day of the year (Laneway day), I find myself in an Uber to Flemington Racecourse. It’s my first Laneway in Melbourne, though I haven’t missed the festival since 2018. Depending on who you ask, I was too early for anyone worth seeing, such as headliners Dominic Fike or Stormzy. But, as I prepared for my fifth Laneway, I knew I was in for a marathon day of the best up-and-coming local acts sharing the stage with some of the world’s finest talent. 

Perhaps it was the two pints sitting pretty in my stomach, or end-of-week lethargy, or the deep thoughts that often follow exposure to late afternoon Autumn sunshine, but I found myself to be a very happy Vegemite following this punchy Punk pairing at The Gem. A festival-less weekend never looked so good.

Last Saturday night, the heavens scheduled a quick reprieve from pouring down on Melbourne and I found myself hungry, heartbroken and with $38 to my name, watching the Slingers perform at the Brunswick Ball Room. With each soaring guitar slide and lyric delivered with utmost gusto, I gently swayed and locked arms with my pal, feeling a small part of my soul heal again.

It was the first Friday night of September and footy finals fever was in the air, yet my mind remained on other things. I was seeing a band who would prove to be worthy adolescent reincarnations of the messiah, who were also partial to some flirting in denim. Enter, Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers.