Saturday night in Perth for me always brings excitement especially when I am reviewing an artist or a band. You get the call, the approval email from the promoter, anticipation grows as you figure out what time and where the destination of your lyrical journey is. With my camera in hand and with a pocket full of expectation you rock up at the door ready to enter – slate wiped clean from the previous gig ready for another impression to take place.
First time reviewing in the Stirling Arms, it is a generous venue that has had its fair share of international and Australian artist. The room is a great size, stage decent enough for the artist(s) to enjoy their freedom without the fear of confinement – It will suit “Art of Dysfunction” as their youthful playfulness is unparallel in the Perth music scene, I liken it to remembering what it was like experiencing ice-cream for the first time it will be a delightful sugar rush that you do not want to end. I am in for a treat!
It is a loaded gig list, opening tonight is “Legs Electric” – to give you an idea of the calibre of this collective group of champions, they are opening for “KISS” at RAC arena in September. Enough said really! They are a fast pace and edgy group, true to their roots of rock n roll they are loaded with sass. You need to check them out on their next gig, they are “ELECTRIC”; my favourites from their set would have to be “Strange Addiction” and “Tuesday Girl” both catchy numbers.
It’s a quick change over and straight into the next support “Datura4”. This group has a huge following here in Perth, their sultry rock infusion of rhythm and blues is a crowd pleaser. It is a slight tempo change from the previous “ELECTRIC” performers but a welcomed one. I feel like I have sunk to another depth in the music gathering a different appreciation, my favourites from their set would have to be “Looper” and “Black Dog” both very powerful in their delivery.
Ready for the final act….. what the punters have been waiting for!
The lights dip, the sound retracts into its cave ready to jump out and pounce at any moment……..the 4 artists (Michael, Kyle, Ash and Royce) walk out with an air of confidence similar to someone having the winning hand in Poker – they have you beat….. you just don’t know it yet. Smiling very coyly I fear things are going to get very hectic very quickly.
Without warning the sound and lights are let loose, high on that same sugar rush they explode – the 4 lads bust open with “Hypnotise”. One of my favourites from the “Dysfunction” collection it is the fitting opening to their single launch. A blazing opening befitting of a gymnast, high kicks from the lead singer Kyle as he sings and deal purposeful stokes of his bass guitar. I am not too sure how this level of energy will be maintained but then who am I to question the “Dysfunction” lads as they are half my age.
After the first song the invisible fan barrier had been trampled – punters moved closer to the stage, eager to get their fix of the spectacle that is “Art of Dysfunction”. It made it hard to grab to those static memories (what I call pictures) whilst they were performing as the punters were jostling to get front spot snapping and video their own memories of the moment. The barrage of songs followed one after the other – “Bedford Blues” “Sunset Rider” “Devil Woman” it was relentless. I struggled to keep up with the action, I was fighting a loosing battle to try to capture the excitement of the moment – not exactly the worst problem but one I needed to solve.
During their performance each band member took the lead in their own way, their own personal moment without sacrificing the unity of the band. Michael (lead guitar) was treating that guitar like it owed him money, his string solos were electric – he was lost in the moment but so present whilst performing it was a sight I was proud to be able to capture. Ash (rhythm guitar) shone as he danced on those strings, effortless and poised to deliver amazing riffs without breaking a sweat – one of those people you just hate for being so talented but glad that they are in your band. Royce (drums) although up the back of the stage his presence put himself and his skins upfront particularly during the drum solo that captivated the fans for almost a solid minute. Tempo and control was Royce’s apprentice and his class was in session. The captain of the ship Kyle (bass and vocal) oozes attitude but can back it up, eager to play it up to the crowd but still wanting to deliver more than expected – a true performer in his own right.
For me, the song highlights of the night would have to be “Bedford Blues”, “Devil Woman”, “Black Magic Love” (their latest single release) and a cracking cover of “Baby Please Don’t Go” – as an encore. If you are looking for high energy good old fashion rock n roll with a dash youthful craziness, then you really can’t go past “Art of Dysfunction”. I love their music, energy, stage presence and their attitude it is true rock n roll
Great gig, awesome single, looking forward to hearing more music from the lads – do yourself a favour and check them out before they become too famous.
GALLERY by Hunter Brother Media
LEGS ELECTRIC
DATURA4
ART OF DYSFUNCTION
