Byron Bay Gig Guide - Music, Entertainment and Events in Byron

Hydrofunk launched their online store at the Northern on Jan 22. Our guest reviewer is Bay FM's Olylama.

This Hydrofunk label is pretty cool. I got the sticker from the merch desk and checked out their Myspace site. I love Myspace music, it is like a bands CV. I dug the tracks on there. You can even check out their video clips.

Omni Anti
Oops I missed this first act. They would have been cool I’m sure (Dude... they were awesome. I can't believe you missed them. Slick MCing accompanied by a classically trained female vocalist who can really wail. They have a violinist and flautist - not your average hip hop. Very funky and very LOUD. Ed).

Red Bantoo 
Another groovy band set up their instruments - in this case a keyboard, sax and a little electronic box of beats and bops (It's called a MPC Oly! Ed). They were only 4 piece outfit on this night, but if I closed my eyes it sounded like a 12 piece. I’m making a new genre here but I would say it was Soulie jazzie hip hoppie. A bit of style was happening with the three guys wearing white shirts with small black ties and the girl in a classic little black number. The crowd liked what they heard. Red Bantoo are similar to Nightmares on Wax. Well entertaining.

Resin Dogs 
The Resin Dogs are Hydrofunk's flagship band. We witnessed a pared down version of the Dogs with some band members away on their side projects. Dave Atkins (Percussion) is drumming for Wolfmother in London at the moment. With the various guesting MCs the Dog's shows can differ slightly but the Formula remains the same: The Resin Dogs are on = its time to party. The MC encouraged the crowd to shake it and they did.

I respect the independence this crew have kept with their core label Hydrofunk. Hydrofunk have signed some amazing talent. Check out their online store.

View photos from the night here.

Editor: Kate Newton