Monkey Bar & Amplifier Bar, Saturday June 5th, 2004
Bloody hell’s bells, what a huge show this turned out to be. With a lineup so massive that it required two separate venues, and around 1,000 people through the door, the Saturday Spectacular could possibly be WAM’s biggest success to date.
To
be perfectly honest the vibe of the show was amazing, and
there was a certain energy in the air that could be felt not
only by the many punters in attendance, but also the bands
on display, and each of the chosen acts performed as though
the show were their own.
From the early moments of The Homicides’
uncharacteristically sober set – the sobriety bringing with
it an elevated level of tightness than usual – there was a
definite theme of showmanship running throughout the night,
and even though the mixed lineup often had softer bands
following harder bands, the momentum of the evening stayed
headfast.
Grand Central for instance, who are known more as a softer
pop band, rose to the occasion in brilliant form, allowing a
lot more muscle to be flexed in their sound, which seems to
be ever-progressing.
And similarly Spencer Tracy, with a refined lineup, altered
their more recognisable sound to encompass more depth and a
greater variety of ideas. While out of the pop
representation of the night’s bill Grand Central left most
bands in their dust, Spencer Tracy are without doubt
affirmation that Perth pop is a national heavyweight.
Tragic Delicate were certainly an eye-opening act in their
ability to create their own bubble within the
adrenalin-charged vibe of the night, though their more
‘dark’ moods fit snugly into the midst of the party, and
(again) brought a new and interesting dimension to the show.
Earlier in the night the Yowarliny Singers did a similar
thing by surprising everyone with their funky, almost reggae
overtones, and even the more relaxed bands, such as Pete
Stone And The Assistance, were brimming with good humour and
fun, which translated into power and energy in their music.
Pete’s standing as a seasoned performer proved there is a
definite edge that comes with experience, and from that
comes its
own energy.
Energy also came in the form of volume, especially from the
Ku-Ling Brothers, who rival the M-16s as being the loudest
act in Perth. Even from the beer garden the infectious
bottom end of the Ku-Ling Brothers’ set sent a shockwave
through the rib cage. It’s amazing how ‘dance’ music can
appeal to those (such as this reviewer) have normally have
little interest in it simply by locking in to the general
feeling and upping the ante of an already pumping night.
This reviewer considers himself converted… though will
definitely take ear plugs next time.
The Fergusons appeared to be a little less on the ear
drum-splitting side, and also marked a return to the sheer
fun stakes with their now stripped-back lineup still as
strong and bubbly as it has been in the past. Without former
singer Mike there is a tiny bit of a gap, but only in terms
of familiarity, as the band have every bit as much the skill
and chemistry to pick up.
As for taking the night out, Gyroscope were the perfect
candidates to not only maintain the standard of the night,
but also give it a little kick up the arse to send it well
into Sunday morning. The very visual live show has been
toned down a smear since the band’s live recording last
year, and has thus tightened up their individual playing,
which now makes them more powerful than ever. Ever gracious
and humble, Gyroscope are about to be given a massive push
into the clutches of stardom, and whether or not the
clutches take hold, it is without question that the Gyro’s
won’t be turning into egomaniacs any time soon. A band of
gentlemen if ever there were one. Fingers crossed this next
stage of their career is one higher… they deserve that and
more.
So yes, if it weren’t already apparent from the over-use of
the words ‘vibe’, ‘energy’ and the like, the WAMi Saturday
Spectacular was one of the single best Perth showcases in a
good few years, so all that remains unsaid is well done
WAM on not only a brilliant show, but a brilliant weekend.
Give yourselves a standing ovation.
MIKE WAFER