It has been many years since I have heard from Clap Clap Riot. Probably a consequence of listening solely to The Rock FM when it comes to the radio, but with a new release, it seemed like I was overdue checking them out. Their performance would be a late one, starting at 11:00pm after the two opening bands, Being. and Balu Brigada. Both unique bands in their own right, their sounds were drastically different, with Being. providing a more delicate and mellow, yet somehow upbeat tunes (the bassist's performance certainly livened up the sombre tones on stage). Balu Brigada on the other hand were much riskier in their musical style; with heavy use of the keys to combine alternative indie with hip-hop, coming across as having some serious Jamiroquai influences, as well as psychedelic rock band Tame Impala.

By the time the support acts had finished, the crowd was beginning to pack the venue out, and some patrons were getting rather noisy and inebriated, in what was a largely female dominated audience. As the five piece came out on stage, you could be forgiven for thinking a young Neil Finn was among them as guitarist and vocalist Stephen Heard takes his spot in the centre of the stage. The REC venue is fitted with a rather small stage, and this did provide little space for movement for the five members as the started performing Don't Want Your Baby but the restrictive space didn't stop guitarist Dave Rowlands, as he stepped up to the edge of the stage to provide a spectacle as he confidently dominated his instrument despite often having his vision obscured by his own hair.

Clap Clap Riot are probably some of the happiest rockers that I have seen in my time. Two guitars and a bass creating such upbeat music that so perfectly suits Heard's higher vocal range, and drives the crowd wild. Almost Ballad-like in style, they certainly fit further towards the Pop side of Pop-Rock, but it works well, and they have a great sound. 

The crowd were very attentive to the band, and would frequently out-sing Heard as they performed such tracks as I'm Sorry, Everyone's Asleep, and Sweet Patricia. Clap Clap Riot performed their songs without the need for any fills, managing to fit in 17 tracks into their set. Stand out performance of the night went to a cover song that they performed during their encore performance. Dedicated to a close friend of the band who recently passed away, they performed a strikingly proficient cover of The Cars Just What I Needed, which garnered much praise from the audience, followed by Thief, upon which they allowed members of the crowd to join them on the already jam-packed stage.

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