Every now and again a line-up of bands catches your eye, a line-up filled with such quality that you know you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t make it there, as you’ll be hearing tales for month to come. Saturday night at The Boston was one such night as one of Perth’s newest bands took to the stage to launch their debut single ‘Let Go’.
With such a strong bill it was no surprise that the room filled nicely early on as Electric State struck the first chords to a night of rock heaven. The energetic Rob Viney treated the venue as if he was in the first round of Australian Ninja Warrior as he leapt from tables to barrels and walked along timber beans all in the name of entertainment. Electric State’s songs just beg for audience participation and this was evident from to off with songs like ‘We’re Just Blood’ & ‘Light it Up’ as the band powered through their set leaving the crowd breathless, wide-eyed & hungry for more.
And more they got as The Silent Deeds took over the rock-relay baton with a blistering set which included some welcomed new material. The last time I saw The Deeds at the start of the year I was left a little disappointed as they were a little flat for some reason (delayed New Year’s hangover?) but tonight they were back to the level that first captured my attention almost ten months ago – tight, focused & having a ball. ‘Ghost’ & ‘Silent Night’ are both solid inclusions into the band’s armoury and with rumours this three-piece have been locked down in the studio I wait with baited breath to see what the rest of 2020 brings for these guys. The night was made even more special as it was lead vocalist & guitarist Corey Ranger’s birthday.
When I first saw Ashes of Autumn earlier this year, when they played their debut show at Amplifier Bar, I certainly didn’t hold back about how they had immediately left a lasting impression on me. So to be there to witness the next step in this band’s journey, the launch of their debut single, was pretty special for me.
The band oozed stage presence from the off throughout their set once again, with vocalist Melaine Flynn leading the way with some incredible powerhouse vocals once more. ‘Burn’ is an arena sized rocker if ever I’ve heard one and this just sets the tone for this five-piece’s setlist. Guitarists Mat Kenworthy & Bryn Haythournthwaite throw some serious work into their instruments with drummer Ferret and the agile & super fit bass-beauty that is Elle Jay keeping the rythmn section tight, this band not only sound the real deal but keep you enthralled with their performance too.
‘Get Down’ & ‘Set Fire’ are seriously good and tonight the band added a new track in the form of ‘Hard Blues’ showing that they are not resting on their laurels as they continue to work & write. At this rate I can see an EP or album launch happening pretty soon for these guys & girls, such it the strength of their material. The set finished with the reason why we were all here in the first place, the debut single ‘Let Go’ which will now give Ashes of Autumn the chance to spread their music to the world across digital platforms
Set: Burn, Smoke & Mirrors, Need to Know, Hard Blues, Get Down, Set Fire, Refuse to Break, Lovesick Satellite, The Time, Let Go
For me, only a handful of bands in Perth could possibly get near to matching or topping that and one of those is the infectious This is Spudgun, who took to the stage to unleash their power driven rock & metal on the room. Fireworks a-blazing, beer funnels a-flowing Spudgun bring organised mayhem to any proceedings with their metal riffs and flaying hair. I thought they were a little harshly done-by in a recent review I read, as what I see and hear is a band out to enjoy what they are producing and judging by the crowds reactions they certainly tick their rock n’ roll boxes. But reviews are about opinions and if everyone’s were the same we’d be living in a pretty boring world.
At times it’s like watching & listening to an early & raw incarnation of Metallica with Clint Hodges growling his way through vocals all the while head banging in between verses… quite a feat. Backed by Nathan Valverde (drums) & Ethan Broadbent (bass) as well as the towering Scotty Max (guitar) Spudgun are an out & out party band who just want you to have the best of times and tonight they ensured we all did just that. Sadly, they either over ran or blew they PA tonight as their set finished prematurely, not that anyone cared too much such was the quality of music laid on through out the evening but I blame The Silent Deeds’ Corey Ranger as he was force fed birthday drinks through the Spudfunnell.
While the world hides in fear from death, illness & a sheer lack of toilet paper, Perth’s rock scene keeps reminding us we can still enjoy great nights out in gatherings that number less than 500. Tonight was a great night with a room full of awesome people.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Electric Shot Media
Ashes Of Autumn
This Is Spudgun, The Silent Deeds, Electric State
