It was a reasonably warm Saturday night in Perth, I had been looking forward to EOF embracing myself and the stage, joining us together again after a short term hiatus on my behalf. This gig had been advertised for a while and an unexpected line-up change which had rattled my expectations.
I was familiar with End of Fashion – their tones had graced my ears before, whether it was on commercial radio, on CD (yes I maybe showing my age) and on my preferred streaming platform. They were like my favourite beverage that I had found in the back of my refrigerator after I thought I had drunk the last……savouring the taste I was eager to participate and look forward to the end destination of my journey.
The second partner of the trilogy was Electric State, I had sampled their wears on numerous occasions and found their harder more robust accompaniment a perfect partner to my favourite drink in the fridge. I was excited to see Janice in her natural habitat – her mission simple “entertaining the masses”
The final piece of the puzzle was The Silent Deeds and just like the second instalment I was very familiar with their offerings. A generous serving of Rock n Roll was going to be delivered via courier to the Rosemount Hotel tonight of which I was gladly going to sign for.
The line-up was set.
Straight out of the gate was Electric State – they were fast paced, intense and oozing their grunge hard rock. I almost felt dirty listening to their set – it was everything that a parent warned you about, the lifestyle, the choices, the disregard for “The Man”, the music…… I loved it. The Headmaster Bill (drums) controlled the tempo throughout keeping the band members on their toes, giving them little time to gain their breathe and constantly pushed the pace of excellence. Russ (lead guitar) pushed the guitar to its limits, riding every string like it owed him money, with such little effort making the impossible seem possible and his presences mesmerising. Paul (Bass) creates a colourful story with the tool of his trade, he adds another dimension to the music, a second pathway so to speak but you need to concentrate as you will get lost quickly in his wandering bass lines throughout their songs. Finally, there is Rob (vocals) the vocal captain of the ship, often taking his hands off the wheel to provide the crowd excitement to where the vehicle “Electric State” will go next…… the destination being a small port called “Entertainment”. Rob being caretaker of Janis, provides him a licence to sail anywhere – on a bar top, hanging off scaffolding or simply dragging punters onstage to participate and there is never a dull moment. Electric State always perform like it is their last gig – their intensity is unrivalled in the Perth Music scene, champions for engaging audiences, letting loose and playing high energy music. These lads came out the gate roaring and set the bar extremely high.
I needed a drink, a reset if you will……had I peaked too early?….. I was about to find out that this was not the case….I was going to ride that high for a few hours yet.
A late inclusion to the line-up but a welcomed one, The Silent Deeds, like Electric State they were a familiar friend in my entertainment arsenal. Their music is unique a blend of rock with distinctive edges splashed with fun. This 4 piece has a presences on the stage that captures your attention no matter where you are in the room (from up front or the very back) the conversation slows and your attention shifts like a moth to a bright light that has been flicked on. The latest addition to the “Deeds” family is Jake – (lead guitar) his youthfulness is only surpassed by his skill on the strings, he plays like a seasoned 40-year veteran charming the notes out of his axe like a cobra out of a basket. Matt (Bass) controls the bass-line of the group with his deep soulful notes hand picked out of his bag of tricks. Never in the same spot on the stage he moves around like he plays – fluid, never rigid, the tones flowing through his body and straight into your welcoming ears. He is surgical with his art and is no stranger to using his vocal prowess. Andy (drums) providing the beats and attitude to keep all the band members on-task and striving for the high level of excellence that has been delivered time and time again by the “Deeds”. His rhythm is unchallenged and unwavering during the delivery of their music, he is the mortar in the wall of entertainment. Corey (vocals) the full forward of the group, eager to kick lyrical goals but needs the support of the team to get the crowd where they need to be. His range is blended seamlessly within the groups own originals and works the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Corey delivers vocals, string work and a cheeky stage presence into a metaphoric ball that was welcomely caught by everyone.
I needed to take a breather……..being entertained was extremely tiring!
For me, End of Fashion was the dessert, the highlight of my musical meal and the great ending to an awesome accompaniment. I had always been a fan of this group back in the earlier years but had not seen them since the latest line-up change. I felt like I had just been reunited with an old best friend, the type of friend that you had not seen in a while but could just continue the conversation on like no time had been pasted. I settled in the front with my camera in hand a mere 3 feet away from the group that had provided me so many amazing memories in my youth in the early 2000s. The stage lit up and a flood of memories came rushing it – it is amazing how music can transport you in time no matter how hold you are and evoke emotion.
Justin (vocals) his quirkiness, power vocals which are next level and his ability to unite the group whilst on stage is staggering. The music I remember was just like it was performed live on stage, my time travel was complete. The crowd was completely engaged, enthralled, from the old classics to the new singles it was a generous serving that everyone still asking for more. Nessa (bass) a unique artist where her instrument is an extension of her body, Nessa seems to float across the bassline levitating almost. I marvel how artists seem to create something from nothing and what is created is so natural and so powerful. If playing the Bass was a course at university Nessa would be a professor, still wanting to learn and continue to inspire other to take up the trade. An icon from EOF’s earlier years she was a welcome return for me on-stage. Jules (lead guitar) boy o boy can the man shred, his performance was mind blowing. His fingers danced over those strings like an eighteen-year-old “night clubbing” for the first time. An exuberance that you rarely see any more in the live music scene, I struggled to maintain focus on the band purely because of Jules. Nick (drums) the smiling assassin controlling the beats of EOF. I loved his energy , I feel if the drums had the ability to be picked up and played like a guitar Nick would be on the dance floor with the fans and loving every minute of it. He is the binding agent that hold the collective awesomeness together of this super talented group of people. Constantly smiling, he is a true representation of what this group is all about.
I loved the gig, a fitting opening to my musical dining for 2022
Favourite songs:
Electric State – Has to be “Light it up” it’s just amazing.
The Silent Deeds – My pick “Ghosts” is catchy and fun to sing along with.
End of Fashion – I had a few but you can’t go past a live version of “O yeah”! Who can?
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PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Hunter Brothers Media
END OF FASHION
THE SILENT DEEDS
ELECTRIC STATE
