Absolutely amazing evening in Bunbury. Walking from the shopping center car park to the venue is always a little bizarre, hardly anyone walking the streets and dismal traffic, I suppose I do live in a country town right? Entering the Prince is like chalk and cheese, this place is always lively, no matter what time of night or day. And tonight the Prince will immerse itself into a smorgasbord of prog rock.
Arriving a tad early we decide to have a quick yarn with the bands tonight. Having never seen St James Sirens and Opia before, I quickly decipher that both these Perth based outfits are ready to show Bunbury what they are all about.
First up, St James Sirens. Straight away I’m intrigued by their blend of ambient rock, metal inspired groove. I had asked the boys before hand what genre to they fall into, and they couldn’t give me a straight answer, so maybe ambient rock, metal inspired groove it is. One particular aspect I noticed is that every band member had their own vocal line which added to the great dynamics and musicianship which you don’t see in many bands nowadays. The ambient passages added to the multi-dimensional shaping of each song before getting slammed to the back wall of the Prince with heavy riffage groove. I love my melody and groove and I could tell these guys had everyone’s attention. Great work guys, stand out track – Manipulence.
Next to the table, Opia. Thundering bass lines shaking the foundations of the Prince was in order for these guys tonight. That kick drum and bass playing I noticed pounding my chest felt amazing, a few of my mates saying they had a similar experience after watching these guys. Watching these guys I became mesmerized by their sheer approach to layering of all types vast musical ground, almost slight electronic vibes, with unpredictable catchiness. The way these guys can build grooves with underlying melody is unmatched, whether it be from Michael Bok’s vocal hooks or the flourishing guitar riffs. The crowd starts building ever so slightly. People walking past the stage to go outside for a cigarette stop dead in their tracks almost hypnotized by sound blasting their earholes. What an amazing experience to watch these guys and upon seeing Opia and their stance in this genre, they are definitely taking prog rock to the next level. Stand out track – Still Standing.
I’m very surprised with the turn out tonight. Usually this place is absolutely sardines, but none the less, prog rock giants Dead Letter Circus take to the stage. Now I have seen these guys maybe six times now and they always, always put on a fantastic show and for me and a lot of other people, a musical journey. First song taken off their new self titled album, The Armour You Own. Instantly engaging the crowd with Stuey’s bass intro, the boys kick it into gear. The Dead Letter Circus signature sound is powering through the PA speakers at full throttle, Kim Benzie’s soaring vocals through different emotional levels are evident in this track. This new album is an absolute credit to Benzie with his vocal hooks and melodies throughout each track.
In Plain Sight taken off Aesthesis is next, the crowd joining Benzie for the intro. I love this track especially Vinnie and Luke’s rich, lush dual guitar tones during the verse, defiantly makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. While You Wait is a great crowd pleaser warming up the Prince to boiling point. Another new track, Change takes flight, Benzie mentions this is the first time they have played this live, and flawlessly they deliver. Powering through some of the classics such as Lodestar, Tremors and Cage moving the already lively crowd off their feet. Vinnie asked me what my favourite track off the new album was and I mentioned We Own The Light and wow! What an absolutely stunning live track. Ambient somber intro, closing my eyes anticipating the chorus, I think to myself that these guys are one of few that can give someone emotional chills.
Stepping it up a notch is One Step, with the whole of the Prince singing along, always a crowd favourite. These boys keep busting out some of their heavier tunes with The Mile and Next In Line. Finishing with the second single off the new self-titled The Real You. I find this track a massive concentration of the Dead Letter Circus signature sound in one track and to witness live, I was just in awe. Watching live bands, sometimes you find yourself singling out each individual members and study or admire their style and skills. Watch these guys and watching them individually on a few occasions now, I always admire obviously their skills and style but the way they can shape and layer emotion through the twists and turns of each track. Awesome night guys, cheers!! Standout tracks – We Own The Light, Home.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Glen Raisin
Dead Letter Circus
Opia & St James Sirens
DEAD LETTER CIRCUS ALBUM TOUR
December 6 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta NSW
December 7 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore QLD
December 8 – The Valley Drive In, Brisbane QLD
December 13 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW
December 14 – The Metro, Sydney NSW
December 15 – Uni Bar, Wollongong NSW
December 16 – ANU, Canberra ACT
December 19 – Taphouse, Bendigo VIC
December 20 – Barwon Club Hotel, South Geelong VIC
December 21 – 170 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC
December 22 – Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide SA
Tickets on sale now at www.deadlettercircus.com
