These guys need some lessons in how to rock, and given that they were playing support for some of the biggest and best rock pigs in Australia, it's surprising that they didn't endeavour to take heed of the lessons as taught by Shihad. Don't hold your breath for them to get anywhere near the energy that Shihad are able to produce.

Motor Ace seem less concerned perhaps about audience reaction and more about having fun and playing a good show, thus delivering a more relaxed and more enjoyable set than the previous night's show @ the Arena. Following the lead of their front man, Damian Costin (drums), Dave Ong (guitar) and Matt Balfe (bass) belt out an improvised interlude in "Chromakey" while Robertson noodles away with his guitar and amp. They send the song into overdrive and extend it way beyond it's three and a half minute pop song standard, before bringing it all back together into the killer chorus that is fast becoming a Motor Ace trademark. These guys are worth watching if only for the facial expressions of guitarist, Dave Ong. The man with the rubber face twists and contorts his mouth as he plays, and slides all over the stage, while Matt Balfe grooves away behind his bass, giving Robertson's addictive riffs and melodies a bit more beef. ONg even played the lead break for "American Shoes" using a cigarette lighter as a slide! Motor Ace are the kind of band that can zap you to attention and hold you there without really trying. They're easy and enjoyable to watch.

Fuelled by alcohol and the fact that big gigs like this one don't take place too often in Nambour, the crowd welcomed Shihad like heroes with the traditional rock/devil's horns salute. Their reward was a show of momentous rock proportions, with Shihad taking first prize in the competition for loudest band. Miracles do happen and tonight's show is proof!! The skinniest man in rock, who also happens to be one of the biggest exhibitionists, actually kept his shirt on during the show. Toogood compares himself to the Incredible Hulk due to the hue of green lighting saturating the stage and his scrawny body. Making light work of one hardcore set, Shihad can do no wrong. Despite playing the exact same set as they did @ the Arena, it all sounds just as hard and not at all stale. With only half a dozen dates left on their national tour, Shihad have easily maintained their reputation as one of the hardest rocking bands on the Australian live circuit. Rock is not dead. It is alive and well, and embodied in Jon Toogood. ~Lou Lou~ Lou Lou's Band Photos