The new single “Allegiance” from W.A. rockers Valdaway was launched Saturday night at Amplifier Bar with a party vibe in mind and a mixed bag of bands that represented part of the current music scene in Perth. With Valdaway’s latest album “Boom Shake Heartbreak” out there, the band’s live sound was heavier than what can be heard on the studio versions as I found out at the show.
Kicking off the night were a fantastic 3 piece called Heavy Love who absolutely rocked the house with their bluesy rock sound. While influences of Led Zeppelin and 70’s classic rock were prevalent in their style, it also had a strong laid back almost southern rock vibe to it with an Aussie flavour added. The band were tight and in the pocket and to top things off, the set was cut short before the last song due to the guitarist’s amplifier almost catching on fire! That’s a sign that you truly had it up to 11 if ever there was one!
Indigo were up next and the tone of the show was taken a step back for a more melodic approach. The beat was solid and the sound was crystal clear, it was a bit of a contrast from Heavy Love but the crowd enjoyed it nonetheless who by this stage were slowyly filtering in for the remaining 2 bands for the night.
Heading in a different direction again, Like A Thief were more electronic sounding and more dancey kind of stuff than the previous 2 bands. The bass guitar was the driving force behind the bands sound with synthesizers and keyboards overlaying on top. Little guitar was used although it was more for effects than anything which meant the beat was the focus of the music. The style is not necessarily to my taste but the band still gave off a kind of rock kind of vibe, even with the rave at the end complete with glow sticks and dancing.
Valdaway stepped up not long after and pretty much rocked it from start to finish. The sound was distinctively heavier than what can be heard on their album and the performance was highly energetic. By this time the crowd was padded out more and already into the swing of things. It was good to see more guitar driven music as the band proceeded to belt out tracks from their latest album “Boom Shake Heartbreak” which if had to be described, is somewhat alternative rock with hints of spacey psychedelic nuances through-out. Jam parts here and there showed some possible improvisation on stage which is always great to see but again, the energy of the band is what really stood out. And they were easily the loudest band of the night which is to be expected from a headliner of course! Check out the interview with guitarist Casey Grogan which took place a week before the show HERE.
PHOTO GALLERY
