Pix by Helheim Photographic
Review by Chris ‘THE D’ Dennis
Its’ a Saturday night in the Valley of Brisbane and the night is pumping with music. Ed Sheeran is serenading a sold-out crowd at the Suncorp Stadium, some doof is vibing in the Empire Hotel, and a crowd is lining up in Brunswick Street around the block to go see a band called Something Someth… I don’t know, who cares.
My night is heading to the Wooly Mammoth for a night of Glam Rock. That’s right, I’m talking leather jackets, spandex, jumpsuits, glitter, flares, silk shirts. You get the gist.
Walking through the thick clouds of candy apple vape to get to the venue I question “is Glam Rock still alive?” Only time will tell.
First band up for the night is Winchester Revival, a local Brisbane rock group I’ve never heard to be honest.
Claiming to bring back the glory days of Rock ’n’ Roll, these guys had my attention with their power catching riffs and 70s and 80s luscious locks. Digging a little deeper to know more about this band, Winchester Revival have toured interstate, topped charts, filmed music videos and documented their ride in podcasts as well as through their music. It’s bloody great to see some decent local band opening a spot for the night.
Well done lads! You will be seeing me head-banging in your crowd again for sure.
Opening their set with the title track from their recent album All Dolled Up, this hard-hitting banger seems to be a crowd favourite with horns in the air, singing to the words. I knew this whole set would be Rock ’n’ Roll ride!
Following straight into another killer track Johnny, drummer Bryce is such a captivating drummer with so much energy, spinning his sticks and moving the kit around like it’s his bitch. Sisters Doll know how to connect with their audience, as singer/guitarist Brennan belts out a tune, encouraging the crowd to raise their fists and sing along.
Let’s not forget some epic solos from Brennan, who shredded in Prisoner, plus some wickedly awesome bass lines from the youngest of the brothers Austin. These brothers definitely deserve to be where they are in the music industry, and I hope they go further.
2011 was their last tour when we saw the boys play our shores, so I have a feeling we are in for a show.
In full force with the opening track off the Automaton record, Together Whatever, singer Gabriel Keyes just howls with those high notes, letting the Valley know Crashdïet are here for the night.
The 14-song setlist, playing from the band’s discography, included tracks such as Down with the Dust, Reptile, It’s a Miracle, and, of course, the one we all love Generation Wild in which the crowd just lost their shit. Such an epic rock anthem.
Vocalist Gabriel expressed his love and respect to the audience multiple times throughout the night, stating that “we come a long way from Sweden to Australia and to see all your faces here and to play music for you all is a miracle”.
The Swedish hard rockers’ catchphrase “go big or go home” is evident from their music, stage presence, and all-around love for Glam Rock. Looking around the Wooly Mammoth with a room full of bandanas, long hair, battle vests, leather jackets and smiling faces, I can truly say Glam Rock is still alive baby!
