Friday night at the Leadbeater Hotel had a four band line up, closed by the Black Aces. It was a quiet night in Melbourne due to the Easter break, school holidays and no football (gather round in Adelaide) but the dedicated old school music fans came out to raise a glass to some quality Oz rock.
First act were The Dreadful Tides, now fronted by the newest member, lead singer Jimmy Black with Justin Strudwick on guitar, Wes Hopkins on bass and Leland Hallett on drums. They played a seven-song set filled with good hard pub rock with raw and strong vocal tones. The guitar driven hard rock riffs are backed up by powerful bass notes and hard hitting beats on the drums.
The Dreadful Tides did a great cover of Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” and gave a solid performance of their new song “Black Widow” to be released in the next few months. The lead singer and guitarist extended the stage to the floor, putting their in your face music right in the face of the crowd.
Second on stage, walking out to the Simpson’s theme song were Melbourne-based hard/metal rock band Torrential Thrill. They are a 4-piece band consisting of Chris Malcher on vocals and guitar, Steve Morrell on guitar, Matt Morrell on drums and Steve “Knoxy” Boyd on bass. At times I could hear musical hints of Iron Maiden and Megadeth but vocally more of a Judas Priest sound.
Torrential Thrill play classic metal guitar riffs with forceful drum beats and growly vocals. The music got the crowd rocking with the help of their girl cheer squad who tore up the dance floor. “King of the road” was a crowd favourite. Torrential Thrill packed a punch in their seven-song set. If you are in Tasmania they will be there on 20/4/24 as part of Metal United Down Under.
Next to set the stage on fire was The Dead Amigos with Max Shepard on vocals and guitar, Will Dunn on Keys, Lachlan Beattie Powell on bass and Sean Ahrbeck on drums. They have a cool, bluesy stoner, funk rock sound. They remind me of a harder version of the 90’s funk band
fronted by Tony Kopa “The Truth”. The Dead Amigos are an energy packed group fronted by their very cool lead singer, funky keyboard sound and a drummer that has the most animated face I have ever seen on stage.
All backed up by solid bass guitar playing. I really enjoyed their sound and their song “1 in 5” is a stand out for me. If you like your hard rock to have a psychedelic funk underlay, then I would highly recommend you check them out at a venue near you.
The best was saved till last. Black Ace’s are a hard working Bendigo band whose style is sweaty 80’s pub rock with a vintage AC/DC sound. You can hear from the first note the influences of AC/DC, Rose Tattoo and The Angels. Black Aces are made up of Tyler Kinder on
guitar and vocals, Pete McMillian on drums, Alex McMillian on bass and Sean Blanchard from Dead City Ruins stepped in on guitar for tonight.
Instantly they pulled the small crowd forward and filled the room with classic Australian pub rock. Black Ace’s are loud and energetic with all the band lending their vocals to each song. They are a guitar lovers band with fast and hard jamming riffs. Pete on drums celebrated his birthday by being the strong back beat of every song.
Black Aces played a twelve-song set with Alex on bass taking over the lead with his deeper, growlier vocals on “Poor Man’s Paradise” to be released on their next album. Black Ace’s sound takes you back in time, but they add a modern twist to good hard rock. They finished the night with their version of “Nutbush City Limits” (way too fast to do the Nutbush).
If you are interested in having a listen, Nutbush City Limits is available as a live version on their limited edition 45rmp. Everyone left the venue feeling that pub rock is alive and kicking in Melbourne. If Black Aces are in your town performing, get your butt off the couch and go and see them. You can thank me later.
Photos by Oz Greeny’s Photography
