Since forming on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 2003, The Scare have partied hard and toured even harder. They’ve flown around the world by the seat of their pants, survived in the freezing back alleys of Birmingham, England, sleeping on couches or on floors or in gutters. They returned to Australia and released their full-length debut, Chivalry in 2007, only to have it fall largely upon deaf ears, thrusting the group into a period of intense self-scrutiny.

Then came the Daniel Johns produced Oozevoodoo. Having formed a special bond after meeting at a mutual friend’s studio, Johns invited the group to spend some time at his Newcastle home, which is where the initial seeds for oozevoodoo were sewn. As Johns recalls: “They came up here and within a day of being here we wrote ‘I’m Desperate’. In my house, smashing away incredibly loudly, annoying my neighbours”. A quantum leap from Chivalry, it is neither a carbon copy of anyone else, nor a mere pastiche of The Scare’s influences. Featuring a heavier attack, simpler rhythms and more ambitious vocal melodies that circumvent the traditional, the lyrics to each song act like mini scenes in a wider epic.

Successful tours followed, including a slot on the recent Big Day Out touring circus, with the bands’ profile and fan base continuing to grow. Now the Scare return to Newcastle for the very first show of the University year – The Enrolment Party.

Joining the Scare on this will be local bands Here Come The Birds and The Great Escape.

After forming in 2005, Here Come The Birds quickly launched their first single ‘Bravery & Defeat’. Instant JJJ success and a slot on Splendour in the Grass alongside Vampire Weekend & Devo lead to a tour with Van She and Operator Please. The band were winners of the Rock category in the 2008 ABC Newcastle Music Awards with their song Sharp White Teeth.

• What: The Scare + Here Come the Birds + The Great Escape
• When: Thursday 25th February
• Where: The Bar on the Hill, Newcastle University

Tickets are available from The Rock Shop, Billy Hydes, Oztix, Ushops on Campus & www.bigtix.com.au.