Opening the night is THE REVOLATION. It’s hard to warm up a cold crowd who have been waiting 30 years to see the main act live, but you could see the crowd moving forward to see who is making that sound. The Revolation is a 4 piece band consisting of Dean Wittman-Lamb on vocals, Damien Zylstra on lead guitar, Gordon Lewis on bass and Scott T Rock on drums.
The best way I can describe their music is that they remind me of Jett, but with their own sound. As always the band were tight and the vocals flawless. A quick 30 minute set containing 7 songs. “The fix” their latest single really warmed the crowd up which prompted Dean the lead singer to proclaim “how good is this” to the crowd forming at the stage edge. The set closed with “Liberty” to a very satisfied and warmed up crowd. I heard many times after their set finished “who were that band, they were awesome”. That music lovers was The Revolation.
GALLERY
CICADASTONE. 90’s flanelette shirt grunge reborn. Normally a 4 piece band comprising of Matt Robins, his brother Mark, his son Ethan and Tommy Sunset, but unfortunately Mark was overseas and unable to make the gig. So tonight Cicadastone were a 3 piece band. It was their 1st live performance in a year and there was no sign of any dust on the vocals or instruments, nor was it evident that they were missing one member.
Cicadastone played a 30 minute set with 6 original songs. To quote Matt the lead vocalist “It was a short set that packed a punch”.
Cicadastone has that familiar drawn out vocal style of the grunge bands of the 90”s with a touch of Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots. The vocals were mournful and anguished and the music with it showed a obvious passion for grunge. Tommy Sunset’s bass playing was strong and deep sounding while Ethan’s drumming was full of so much heart and soul that I saw blood blisters on his hands the the end of their set.
Cicadastone have a new single out in February and a album due to be released in May 2024.
GALLERY
The red curtain is closed at the Corner Hotel stage in Richmond Victoria. The movement behind the curtain has the crowd waiting in anticipation. Australian Candlebox fans have been waiting 30 years for the band to tour here. The crowd presses forward, the curtain opens to instruments set and a dark stage. Then movement, band members on stage, lights go on, first note is played and when Kevin Martin opens his vocal cords they have the crowd in raptures. Their wait is over.
Candlebox is a band from the 90’s grunge scene in Seattle Washington, they have a hard rock, blues, hair metal mixed with grunge sound. This version of Candlebox consists of Kevin Martin – vocals, Adam Kurt – bass, Brian Quinn – lead guitar, Island Styles – keyboard and guitar and BJ Kerwin – drums. Kevin Martin has a huge stage presence, he knows how to hype up a crowd with his outstanding vocals and story telling. He left me feeling that the Corner Hotel stage was not big enough for his larger than life stage personality. With his curls flowing and powerful voice he took the crowd on a journey of his musical career. He had the crowd whipped into a frenzy and at times entranced.
Musically the band were incredible and fans could not possibly be disappointed by the performance . Candlebox played 15 songs. Blossom being a crowd favourite, with them singing the lyrics loud and clear. Kevin reached out to touch hands with the delighted fans and making a special effort to reach out to a fan in a wheel chair, this was a special moment between him and the fan.
Candlebox did a memorable mish mash of “Summertime” including samples of Duran Duran’s “Hungry like a wolf”, ACDC’s “Dirty Deeds” and Guns and Roses “Sweet child of mine”. Also “Far behind” was dedicated to 6 past grunge and musical icons who have passed away Kirk Cobain, Chris Cornell, Scott Weiland, Andy Wood, Land Staley and Mark Lanegan. One lucky fan had his phone taken by Kevin into which he sung and took a tour of the band on stage.
Though Candlebox may have never toured here before, Kevin has a great connection here as he is married to a Aussie and has travelled here many times. He talked fondly of Australia, Australians and our music industry, saying he had a real love for Peter Garrett and Midnight Oil. Candlebox’s performance proved why they are still selling out venues and leaving their hungry fans satisfied. They were all class and it’s sad to say GOODBYE.
GALLERY
With special thanks to Silverback Touring for the media access
Review by Kelly Green – Gallery by Oz Greeny’s Photography
