The end of another year was musically commemorated at Ward Lane thanks to the Fabulous Five, but the high points of the night were not limited to the stage.

The long night was started off with Inturnal cart wheeling onto the stage (there were actual cartwheels) and looking very serious. And they were. They meant business, but most punters attention had drifted to the dance floor. There, like John Travolta in jeans and suspenders, the crowd was wowed by an impressive display of what could only be described as progressive disco mime fusion. To their credit, Inturnal played on solidly despite the horrendously distracting display in front of them.

Auckland three-piece Zerotone feature next on the card, playing what could best be described as American radio rock, a la Nickleback, with an interesting take on Talking Head's 'Psycho Killer'. Unfortunately, Zerotone's music lacked the rhythm necessary for dancing, and, thankfully, the dance floor remained vacant.

By all reckoning, Rumpus Room should be a big, successful band. They have NZ's foremost music video maker on drums, and renowned sound guy to the Datsuns up front on bass. I suppose they're too busy being big and successfully doing their own things. Anyway, the crowd had grown, there were Datsuns on the sound desk, everything was set, and Rumpus Room delivered a stand out set, leaving everyone happy. Although that could be credited to gentle head nodding and foot tapping replacing random gesticulation on the dance floor. Apparently it's been a while since they've played on account of the members busy schedules. Hopefully they can find the time and become the big successful band they should be.

The unenviable task of following Rumpus Room fell to Nimbus. With the night dragging on, Nimbus played a shortened set that felt somewhat uncomfortable. Their mainly instrumental set has been described as 'instrumental noise rock with an 80's lean' mixed mainly old and a wee bit of new material. This was also the first time in a while Nimbus have played around these parts, but look to see more of them with an album all recorded and stuff out in the new year (including some vids once I get around to it).

Daisy Chain Halo was the fabulous fifth band of the night, who once again put on an immaculate performance. The night was getting on, and I was ready to go home, but without even realizing, I'd stayed through their entire set without complaint. Luke's half naked drumming, Corinna's exquisite bass lines and Carl's guitar and amazing vocals complemented each other as nicely as it always does. A few new songs mixed into the set sounded fantastic as well. Daisy Chain also have an album all recorded and ready to go soon, and its fair to say it can only be great.

And so 2003 comes towards its inevitable end. A long but worthwhile night, maybe only four bands next time, and no dancing. Well, normal dancing's alright, but none of the weird shit. That's just wrong. Maybe he'll get some co-ordination for Christmas, and some rhythm. And a belt to replace his suspenders.