Courtesy of the I-94 Bar, a light will shine on Sydney’s youngest, emerging rock and roll cohort on Friday, July 29 with a four-band bill at Marrickville Bowling Club going under the banner “The Kids Are Gonna Start It Up”.

The gig’s title comes from a lyric from Radio Birdman’s anthem “New Race” but nobody’s going to be looking backwards when the line-up of Pockewatch, At Arm’s Length, Nervous Wrecks and Polly appears.

Hailing from or connected to Sydney’s inner-western suburbs, it’s a diverse yet rocking bill with experience that belies each band’s COVID-disrupted lifespan.

Pocketwatch is an all teen trio (ages 17, 15 and 15) that has landed high-profile supports to the likes of X, Jupiter 5 and Sonic Garage. Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Vines, Nirvana and Matthew Sweet, this will be their first headlining show.

Nervous Wrex is inspired by the likes of Joy Division, Le Tigre, Sonic Youth and the Moldy Peaches. After taking a brief hiatus to complete high school, the band is back and ready to have fun.

At Arms Length is a post-hardcore band from Sydney that draws its influences from bands such as Fugazi, Black Flag, Soundgarden and the Stooges. They won Kelly’s on King’s Battle of The Bands in March 2021.

Hardcore indie pop trio Polly combines the influences of folk, electronica shoegaze and punk with the brashness and teen enthusiam.

The gig is open to under 18s but they must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are just $13.30 in advance or $15 on the night with the first band at 8pm.

Buy tix here or find out about all the bands here.