The Dead Love + Rick Dangerous and the Silkie Bantams + The Way We Were
The Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
16 September, 2016
Reviewed by: Monica Strut
Since their inception 5 years ago, Sydney grunge band The Dead Love have been constantly touring both locally and abroad and have just released their sophomore album, So Whatever. I checked out the three-piece at The Bald Faced Stag on the eve of their album launch.
Punk rock outfit, The Way We Were, kicked things off with a solid set. The Brisbane boys reminded me a little of early AFI and I especially enjoyed the bassist’s kilt and the vocalist’s Davey Havock-style screams.
Right before Rick Dangerous and the Silkie Bantams commenced destroying the stage with their rock n’ roll-meets-creepy-science-teacher vibes, I Put A Spell On You blasted through the speakers. The room started to fill out a little more and having seen these guys play previously, I wondered if the crowd knew what they were in for.
The first song kicked off with a four-to-the-floor beat that got everybody moving, especially the vocalist whose enthusiastic pelvic thrusts were truly something to be admired. “I’m here to hypnotise and mesmerise,” he preached sipping tea and fondling a gold microphone.
If you haven’t caught Rick Dangerous’ before, they are one of those bands that not only have fair dinkum rock tunes you can’t help but move to, but also a killer stage presence. If you’re a fan of bands such as Gay Paris and Totally Unicorn, I highly recommend checking them out for a good time.
Fresh from a stint in Canada, The Dead Love hit the stage to a packed room. From the get-go, it was evident these dudes were seasoned performers and musicians. I feel there is always a noticeable difference between bands that have toured overseas and bands that haven’t and The Dead Love executed a flawless set that was raw, energetic and captivating.
Everyone in the crowd was moving in some capacity throughout the show. Frown was a standout tune, as was Untitled by Association. Both songs had great dynamics and brought about feelings of nostalgia with strong early-Silverchair vibes.
For a three-piece, the sound was huge and the guys worked well as a unit to produce a set that was extremely cohesive and high-energy. I also feel that their luscious hair may hold secret powers. Summer, also from their new album, was a sweet reprieve that gave the audience a chance to catch their breath. Zombie Ghost Town from their first album brought things to life again and was a stand out in the set.
The 90s are happening in a big way right now and it seems The Dead Love, who have really found their sound on this second album, are present at the right time. They are bringing 90s grunge to audiences in a modern way and are absolutely an act to keep an eye on.
