It’s not often I’ll decide to jump on a plane & travel 3300kms to see a band but when you feel they have that special something then it’s worth taking a punt & a weekend trip away is required. I last saw Echo Del Tusker when the supported Rose Tattoo back in November, when they made a brief two-show visit to WA so I was intrigued to see how the band had progressed in the last 5 months… and I was not in the slightest bit disappointed. Frankie’s Pizza has become such an iconic venue amongst rock fans and it is somewhere you just have to visit when you’re in Sydney. The main room is dimly lit throughout, with walls littered with posters and aligned with pinball machines & table booths; the smell of fresh pizza fills the air and all with the added bonus of great live music just highlights the experience.
With four bands playing tonight; Stoker, Whoopie Cat, Echo Del Tusker & The Desert Sea and free entry to the venue, it meant that Frankie’s was abuzz with activity. Tonight was Echo Del Tusker’s final night of a three-show NSW tour in support of their debut EP ‘Words to Live By’ and they certainly pulled out all the stops. When I saw them in November the band were tight – tonight they took it to yet another level, as they encapsulated the crowd with a seven-song set comprising of four tracks from the EP, two new songs and a wonderful cover to close with.
Opening with their first single ‘Can’t Keep Your Man’, lead singer Estelle Artois hit her vocals targets with power and precision, all the while supported by the exceptional Brendan Forward on guitar & backing vocals. ‘Endless’ was followed by an unreleased track, ‘To Dare is To Do’ and it was this energetic start that began to build real momentum in the room, as people started move front of stage to enjoy the vibe the band were setting. ‘The World is Yours’ led us into another new song in the form of ‘Gold in the Silver’ and it’s here the band show their strength in depth with their songwriting, as they continue to produce fantastic material with catchy riffs & vibes. Mick Quee (bass) & newest member Jarrod Medwin (drums) set the pace & the beat with meticulous venom as we were led into the penultimate track ‘Fix Your Face’, which by now had large sections of the crowd in full dancing mode. The band closed with an exceptional rendition of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Heartbreaker’, which finally brought the house down on a spectacular set, as well as the final curtain. And judging but the comments & feedback at the bands merch table afterwards, they certainly left a lasting impression on Sydney’s rock fans.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Keep an eye out for Echo Del Tusker… there is something a little bit special happening here!
Set List
Can’t Keep Your Man
Endless
To Dare Is To Do
The World is Yours
Gold in The Silver
Fix Your Face
Heartbreaker
