RYAN BENO . Photo – Jodie Downie

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The dreamy flames produced by local Perth band, Ryan Beno, engulf me. Despite their seemingly timid stage presence, they are smiling widely and engage with the audience after each song is finished. ‘Black Dragon’ is a beautifully entrancing gem that according to their guitarist is, “not about vaping…though maybe it might be.” Despite no vocals, the instrumentals are strong enough to create visual imagery and are successful in sweeping the audience to and fro in a sudden dream-like state.

Band members Aaron, Blaine, Drew and Harley look so much like Weezer, yet sound close enough to My Bloody Valentine. They create such a subtle, yet stunning experience that is worthy of a larger fanbase.

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MT. MOUNTAIN . Photo – Jodie Downie

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Bringing to the stage another Perth band, there are a few excited murmurs upon seeing Mt. Mountain. They go on to suggest that not all lead singers roam the centre of the stage, rather their own is standing behind a keyboard. They introduce their newest track, ‘Cathedral’ which sparks similarities to Placebo and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. It invites raw electricity, energy and smooth, steady beats that create a beautiful flow and draw the crowd closer. It is obvious that the buzzing fans are feeding on each and every track, as they contain enough substance to sustain.

They finalise their set for the night sounding just a tad like Pink Floyd and leave everyone hungry for more as the loud wailing of guitars and crashing of cymbals collide.

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STONEFIELD . Photo – Jodie Downie

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Celebrating the release of their new album ‘Far From Earth’, Stonefield have embarked on nine tour legs across Australia. It is now their turn to arrive on stage and appease the audience once more. Dressed in bell-bottom jeans and luscious long hair that drifts with their ethereal presence, sisters Amy, Hannah, Sarah and Holly are guided to their instruments by an enthusiastic applause.

Stonefield are perhaps the most prominent all-female band in Australian rock music today. They have obtained awards such as the APRA Best Rock Work (2014) and the Best Regional Act (Music Victoria Awards) but not only that, they dart in and out of multiple genres such as Progressive Rock and Psychedelic, while simultaneously combining them.

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STONEFIELD . Photo – Jodie Downie

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Adding to an even more powerful onstage presence, they belt out ‘Far From Earth’, a song from the new album of the same name. Tiny goosebumps prickle my skin and the small hairs on my neck stand on end, as I am well and truly blown away with the rush of power and energy that flows from my ears and into my veins. Even as the girls themselves state, this is no album for humans. It is a collection of eerie sounds and 70s vibes with a touch of old age, space age.

I am astounded by the coordination Amy Findlay has as she juggles equally challenging roles of lead singer and drummer. She expresses no difficulty and should be the prime example that women can multitask, especially as a badass woman in rock music.

Drawing typically on 1970s influences, typically Fleetwood Mac, there’s also a surge of subtle 90s grunge contained in the mix. This band may not have been around during the time, but they are something special and worthy enough to hold on to for a glimpse of an era of music we rarely see continuing on today.

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STONEFIELD . Photo – Jodie Downie

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I am thrilled when they play one of my favourite songs, ‘Midnight’ closer to the end. I feel as though I am being summoned onto a cloud and gliding in time with the beats. Amy sings in such a heavenly voice and it sends a tidal wave of warmness over the entirety of my body.

It is with a heavy heart that the show is over. With every band I see, there is always something to take home with me, whether it be a setlist, a wristband or a guitar pick. This time however, I go home with an experience. A beautiful, out of body and meditative state that is sure to sit with me for a long time.

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STONEFIELD . Photo – Jodie Downie

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AMNPLIFY – DB