Headline act The Exploders where supported by local duo Dave and Allen and Hamilton’s Alien Vomit at Lake Bolac’s first FReeZA gig for the year on Saturday 22 October.

Around 150 local young people attended the gig, which was held at the Lake Bolac Memorial Hall. These attendance numbers were testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the organising committee led by student Missy Park.

The night was kicked off by Hamilton 3 piece Alien Vomit who played their first FReeZA gig for us earlier in the year at Ararat’s Battle of the Bands.

Up next were brothers Dave and Allen who are a local duo from Lake Bolac whose cover songs were a big hit with the young crowd. The crowd showed off their dancing moves and even joined in on stage with the duo.

The Exploders were a huge drawcard for the gig as the week they played they featured on Triple J’s net 50. The group, who are made up of drummer Matt Britton, bass guitarist Paul Doery and on guitar and vocals TJ Allendar, are undoubtedly Lake Bolac’s finest musical export. These guys played the last set of the night and being locals they knew exactly what the crowd wanted to hear and that’s what they gave them. With hints of Sunnyboys, Creedence Clearwater and The Kinks, their obvious love for primitive rock was worn proudly on their sleeve.

The Exploders have just released their debut self-titled album which has 11 tracks of pure rock, bursting with energy, catchy riffs, hooks and grooves. Featuring their debut single ‘My Country Brain’ to the charming ‘Cowboy Jim’ and cheeky ‘Big Hair Revolution’, The Exploders are set to do just that.

FReeZA is an initiative of the Victorian Government which provides funding for LenZone! to hold drug and alcohol free entertainment and events for young people. A team of five LenZone! work-placement students work with FReeZA Committees in Ararat, Stawell and Lake Bolac to stage the events.