Saturday 6pm
	Despite the fact that they don't even have an album out yet, there's plenty of recognition for the Vines. Frontman Craig Nichols and his band have been burdened with the 'new Nirvana' millstone, but it does not appear to be distracting them from the task in hand. The grunge influences are unmistakable, though a more natural comparison based on this performance would be Radiohead. Bursts of unlistenable guitar frequently juxtapose melodic interludes. The way Nichols himself wails and contorts his body is pure Tom Yorke. At times we we are convinced that he has forgotten about playing the songs altogether. He twirls his guitar around his head taking his mic' stand with it. At another point he allows the feedback to reach a cacophony as he patiently searches for and then lights a cigarette. It's a clever trick. Quick as a flash he's stamping on an effects pedal and back into lilting guitar without missing a beat.
Despite their 'minute-and-a-half' reputation the Vines are no school band. Tight tempo changes draw the crowd's approval. Solid backing vocals allow Nichols the freedom to depart into anguished cries. Singles like 'Get Free' and the title track from the forthcoming 'Highly Evolved' album are already well known and receive a raucous reception. As does their hauntingly paired-down reworking of OutKasts 'Miss Jackson' which they air early as if making a statement of faith in their own material. They're off well before any of us are ready for them to go. The PA greets the sets end with Men At Work's 'Land Downunder' to remind us just how far Australian music has come
Words: Jamie Walters Photograph: John McNally, Big Pictures.