Fremantle-based Unicorn launched their second single ‘Cats’ on a night that was full of ‘Pussycat Power’ at Clancy’s in Fremantle. With a line-up loaded with female talent, the generous & enthusiastic crowd was treated to a magical night of musical diversity before Unicorn closed the night of celebrations in style. Melbourne’s Rachel Rose kicked things off with a deep dark set of solo guitar-infused tunes which, melted effortlessly with her powerful but haunting vocals.
The Rose Parker Band lit the room up with their upbeat, well-written brand of rock-infused country. Tonight, we were treated to a six-song set including some new tunes from a soon-to-be-released album. Parker, joined by bassist Roy Martinez and drummer Gregg Brenton teased us with the news that thirteen songs had been recorded and were in the process of being mixed in readiness for the new release, due later this year and on the strength of tonight it will be one I will on the look out for. With regular guitarist David Hyams struck down with the dreaded spicy cough, it was down to Legs Electric’s Elana Haynes to put in a double shift tonight and with less than 48 hours to learn the songs she slotted in effortlessly to bring her exceptional six-stringed talents to the table. The set closed with the title track from the forthcoming album, ‘Beauty and the Ashes’.
The rock element of the night was brought to us tonight by Legs Electric, and if we needed our ears unblocked they certainly were happy to oblige – we even had a health warning of this nature from vocalist Ama Quinsee before the girls struck up the opening to the Sabbath-soaked ‘Sold My Soul’. Tonight they were playful, bluesy and fun in a relaxed room, which they soon had eating out the palms of their hands. Guitarist Haynes had a technical malfunction during the close of ‘Strange Addiction’ (must have been the double shift) but this didn’t stop them from putting down a solid set with drummer (and professional eye poker) Kylie Soanes & bassist Erin Gooden keeping everyone on track to deliver a tight set. The newer songs are now becoming firm favourites of mine with the outstanding ‘Snakeman’ sitting forward again tonight. ‘Dark Paradise’ & set closer ‘Two Sides’ never grow old and it was great to see Legs up there looking relaxed & enjoying what they do.
Unicorn closed the night in celebration of the single launch for ‘Cats’, the follow-up to their debut, the fantastic ‘Circus’. And celebrate they did judging by the huge Cheshire Cat-like smile on front woman Jenna Hardie’s face throughout the entire set. Punchy and catchy, Unicorn bring their brand of edgy pop-infused rock music to the stage without a fear of being pigeon-holed. With the wonderful Jess June (Filth Wizard, The Tommyhawks) on drums and backed by the equally impressive musical talents of Doug May (guitar) and Ella Monroe (bass) it’s easy to see Unicorn pushing the boundaries to their sound. Tonight we were treated to a set consisting of ten or eleven strong songs so hopefully we may see and EP or album before the year is out. Keep an eye out for Unicorn at a venue near you.
GALLERY by Shotweiler Photography
ROSE PARKER BAND
LEGS ELECTRIC
UNICORN
