Tonight, Melbourne was treated to one of the finest line ups of local rock bands. Shotkickers in Thornbury is fast becoming one of my favourite live venues in Melbourne.
Palace Of The King are celebrating the release of their “Friends In Low Places” album which dropped last Friday. With a whirlwind East Coast tour POTK has played 5 shows in 5 days with tonight’s being the final and hometown show. Having not played in Melbourne since the benefit for Stonetrip’s drummer Con Batz who is battling and recovering from a complex cancer, Palace Of The King’s set was highly anticipated. Tonight’s line up mirrors some of that “It’s On For Con” line-up again.
Shotkickers tonight was filled with familiar faces of those who devote themselves to live music on every level. Tonight feels less like a workplace and more like a home away from home. The vibe was relaxed and the fans were ready to rock. Kicking off the show tonight was Stonetrip who has been on a hiatus due to drummer Con Batz’s treatment and recovery made a rare appearance tonight with Spyda formerly of Electric Mary sitting in behind the skins. This is my first time seeing Stonetrip and in the past have heard nothing but great things about this band. If their debut album “Run Free” is anything to judge them by, I’m keen to see what they deliver live.
Kicking their set off with the bluesy ‘Run Free’ is a slow burner that settles into a mid-tempo groove and just explodes in a dynamic series of solos. This song builds so well and in my eyes is a great opener. The riff-tastic ‘Pretty Flowers’ kicks things into gear and the fuse has been lit on this explosive track. All the parts work here and Ritchie’s vocals are delivered with their intended vinegar and piss attitude. The band grooves on this, and when in full flight they absolutely rock.
‘Leave a light On’ is the super commercial single that bridged Stonetrip’s debut EP and Album. Why this song wasn’t picked up by mainstream radio I have no idea. Live it had a bit more bite than the recorded version but still evoked a singalong within my head. Stonetrip were hitting home runs. ‘Dark Night’s’ crunching intro riff was a treat for the ears. This is the debut albums opening track it and works well into the set as well. Again; the proficiency of Stonetrip is highlighted here. All parts and players run like a well-oiled machine.
‘Sideways’ the song that first put Stonetrip on my radar sits well mid set. Tonight, its delivery felt a little slower in pace and as a result lost a little for me here. The grove in this song is undeniable still and had me singing every word to myself. I guess ‘Sideways’ is one of those songs that if the tempo is even slightly off (faster or slower) live, it can detract from its intended impact. Perhaps I’m being overly picky here, the execution and delivery were great. Lead guitarist Mick Malusa shines here again, the riff leading into the solo absorbs me and has me grinning from ear to ear and its solo is sublime.
‘Mercy’ continues on the heavier path and sees the band lock into the songs infectious groove. The full harmonies are perfectly placed it has a huge funk groove and all players sit in that groove so neatly. The solo in this song sees a perfect display of taste, ability, swagger and flash.
Things slow a little for the ballad ‘The Show’. This is my least favourite album track and the one song I was surprised to hear in a shortened set. When I say least favourite song on the album, to me Stonetrip have better quieter moments on the album. It’s not a bad track by any stretch of the imagination it just failed to connect with me the way the rest of the album did. Having said that the version I heard live tonight carried a warmth and emotion that made it hit differently. Driving home post gig I listened to the recorded version of it and I’m still of the same option. Live it works really well.
‘Wild Hearted Son’ I didn’t expect to hear live but was pleasantly surprised to hear. It’s one of those tracks that drips and oozes. It has a swagger to it in the way it grooves along. The core riff is huge and the chorus is a piece of simple melodic mastery. Well executed and engaging Stonetrip have a formula that is familiar and uniquely theirs.
‘I Am Tomorrow’ the bands last single and video release from “Run Free” closes out the set. This song is a powerhouse and one that I’m surprised hasn’t been picked up by a sporting league or division. It’s a ball’s out rocker that really did close out Stonetrip’s set with a bang. Live it’s energetic and fun.
In short tonight’s set was a little surprising as the bands set had more of a focus on the album tracks which is a bold and brave move. Having said that it worked well. As a fan of the album which sits comfortably in the top 10 releases for 2023. It was refreshing to hear a band take such pride in playing the deeper cuts from a record live.
Vocalist Mark Ritchie has such a great voice live and did complete respect to the recorded versions. His laid-back persona has a charm to it and it showed in his between song banter. He is powerful without pushing and knows how to sing his ass off effortlessly. Lead guitarist Mick Malusa is seriously under rated and really does need to be paid more attention to. He has a feel in his playing that honours the songs and you can tell every song is played from the heart. His stage presence is understated but all class as he lets his ability speak for itself.
Bassist Sebastian Barahona is this the band’s secret weapon. His harmonies and playing work so well within the structure of the songs giving them a fullness. His bass lines often mirroring guitar lines adds richness to the songs. His lockdown and groove with drummer Spyda are something to be heard and seen. Spyda himself is no slouch behind the kit and adds life to the songs and recordings. Not having anything to compare him to he covered the absent Con Batz’s parts well. Rhythm guitarist Jason King also fits into the bands dynamic well. His vocals add depth to harmonies and his rhythm playing is tight and fills as it should.
All in all, Stonetrip had me singing to myself the whole set. Their fans the “Trippers” were out to support them during their opening slot which was great to see. If you get the chance go and see these guys live. They truly are worth seeing.
SETLIST: Run Free, Pretty Flowers, Leave a light On , Dark Night, Sideways , Mercy , The Show , Wild hearted son, I Am Tomorrow
Shotgun Mistress who have just completed the Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne shows on this run are also on fire. I have seen their last two show prior to this tour and one thing I can say about them is that they have a great live show, catchy as hell songs and are worth checking out. Tonight’s set was a mix of old and new. With their sophomore album done and scheduled for an early 2024 release. Their debut self-titled album was a treat and firmly set the tone of what they are about.
The one thing I will say about Shotgun Mistress is that they always deliver one hell of a show. Their brand of dirty rock n roll, like their on-stage energy is infectious. Musical ability this band has in spades and when you experience the power in the riffs you will soon understand why this band has made some serious waves over the last couple of years. Add a charismatic and energetic frontman in Glenn Patrick and you have one hell of a rock n roll show.
The rhythm section is tight and connected on a very musical level understanding their parts and executing them with precision. Drummer David Lee “Diamond” Daniel is energetic and engaging, he hits hard and plays hard. I love watching this guy play as he leaves nothing behind when he plays. Bassist Ben Curnow is an always moving presence that makes playing look so damn easy. He sits perfectly between the precision of the riff and the drive of the drums all the while having a damn good time. Guitarist Mat Wilcock is an elite player and his own history and track record with his projects outside of Shotgun Mistress are a testament to that.
The one, two, three punch of ‘Save Me From Myself’, ‘Devil In Disguise’ and ‘Pretty Little Thing’ from the debut album come out swinging. Frontman Glenn Patrick prowls the stage demanding your attention and engagement. Patrick’s presence draws you in as does the energy of the band. The band oozes charisma and are impossible to take your eyes off. Shotgun Mistress deliver a brand of rock n roll that is familiar and borrows from the the height of hair metal through to the rebirth of that kind of gritty rock n roll that Velvet Revolver gave us in 2004 and beyond. Frontman Patrick is a hybrid Weiland and Steven Tyler in his stage persona. Wilcock’s guitar parts are perfectly tuned chainsaws that cut through and command attention and respect. Drummer Daniel aside from being a solid as hell drummer is a frontman trapped behind a drum kit. His vocal contributions fill out the bands sound and his energy is engaging and infectious. Curnow is the definition of team player and possibly the very special glue that keeps this band meshed. His harmony ability blends perfectly, his bass lines lock in with the drums and his own bass lines weave in and out of being a part of the timing machine and then into the accompaniment of following guitar riffs.
‘Mary Jane’ and ‘Headspace’ are the first tastes of their sophomore album due next year. This pair of songs adds depth into how the band has evolved as writers and how their musical influence has grown. Knowing that the songs for the as yet untitled follow up album have been sitting completed for a while now it is an obvious evolution in song writing. ‘Collide’ sees the machine power ahead this song is one of my favourites. It’s complex in its simplicity, groovy, powerful and such an ear worm. If this song doesn’t engage you, you need to check your pulse, it’s a killer piece of rock n roll candy.
‘Sweet Woman’ is another new track; it shares the same ear worm style of chorus and a big riff that has a slightly more commercial feel to it. It acts as the perfect complement to ‘Collide’. ‘Shutdown’ the fourth new song in tonight’s set has a heavy Aerosmith vibe to it. It’s fresh yet familiar; the verses have a respectful nod and wink to ‘Walk This Way’. If I had to stylise this song it would be as a collaboration between Dirty Honey and Aerosmith with a dash of Shotgun Mistress flair.
Closing out the ten song set is ‘Bleed Me Out’ my first introduction to the band. It’s a cracking track that brings me back to whole Velvet Revolver comparison. Patrick could be mistaken for Weiland if you closed your eyes. The solo in this song is just killer. Never stopping to take a breath or pause tonight Shotgun Mistress brought their A game tonight. This bands energy is something to behold and if there is one thing you do in 2024, I recommend you catch these guys live. I have a feeling they will be everywhere next year.
SETLIST: Save Me From Myself, Devil in Disguise, Pretty Little Thing, Mary Jane, Headspace , Collide, Sweet Woman, Shutdown , Bleed Me Out
My connection with Palace Of The King stems back to 2017 when I first shot them and interviewed former guitarist Harri Harrison. Some of the moving parts have changed within the band but friendships have built over the years. Back then I was blown away by the band, that deep seated throwback to classic 70’s inspired blues rock n roll that spoke to me as a youth and teen. I was blessed to be educated by my uncles on the world of rock n roll of the late 60’s and 70’s. POTK threw back to that era for me, added to it and enhanced it in many ways. Seeing and hearing this band bloom into the powerhouse that they were tonight was truly mind blowing.
Palace Of The King has a magical quality about them that I can’t quite figure out how to put into words. Every player in this band is world class, their music is world class and their proficiency is unequivocal and they know that, not in an egotistical way; in a way that they truly do let the music and performance do all the talking for them. Taking on the level of talent on tonight’s bill and still be able to give a master class in live performance as they did says it all without muttering a word.
In a set that heavily showcased the band’s latest release “Friends In Low Places”. With no less than half of the album being played; the set tonight truly showed how much of a powerhouse this band is. The triple guitar attack of Tim Henwood, Sean Johnson and Leigh Maden is executed perfectly and everyone compliments the other in well written and delivered layers. The blend of every instrument is meticulous in its placement, space and power. Assisted by bassist Anthony Licciardi Garcia the back bone to these songs is strong. Licciardi Garcia sits exactly where he needs to be smack bang between rhythm and riff.
Missing tonight was drummer Cam McGlinchey, who was unable to do this run of shows due to an urgent surgery required; McGlinchey is said to be recovering well. His replacement for these shows is the man known as Venom who has played for anyone and everyone that matters in Australian music from Electric Mary to Nick Barker to Dallas Frasca and just about any other Melbourne band from the last three plus decades that you care to mention. While it was sad to not see McGlinchey here tonight it was great to see my old friend behind the skins.
Opening with ‘Tear It Down’ from “Friends In Low Places” this bands power cannot be denied. This is one of the stand out tracks on the album for me and this version just made me fall in love with it all over again. Sean Johnson’s electric organ pieces sit so perfectly under the bed of guitars and bass. I can’t help be drawn to the power of drummer Venom’s playing. Man, he hits hard, has swagger for days and drives this song so hard. Hearing Tim Kenwood sing live again made me realise how much I have missed this band live. I am so used to seeing Tim in his role as guitarist in Jon Stevens band that I had almost forgotten how good he is up front and centre. The power of this band is instant and infectious.
‘Tell It Like It Is’ is reminiscent of an early 70’s Deep Purple track and I came to this conclusion as Sean Johnson’s keyboard sound it is a true tip of the hat to Jon Lord. There are so many cool little pieces and parts to this song from the tempo change to the driving guitar parts yet another killer new track. ‘Beyond The Valley’ from 2016’s “Valles Marineris” is a slower heavier riff that builds into a magnificent middle section that has all five parts of the band ready to ignite. The build makes way for killer solo. Oh! How I have missed seeing these guys live.
Everything Palace Of The King play tonight is just on point, song selection is perfect as the commanding ‘Take Your Medicine’ has every head bobbing. Shotkickers was revelling in a serious dose of rock n roll, the energy in the room has something to be said for it. ’No Chance In Hell’ and its juicy riff is a true throwback to the seventies. It’s soaked in Sean Johnston’s lush keyboards, the dual guitar attack of Henwood and Madden is blistering and the rhythm section is on fire. Such a great live track. Bassist Anthony Licciardi Garcia plays so well with Venom creating a killer back bone to these songs.
The blusey ‘Get Right With Your Maker’ sees Henwood switch to acoustic guitar as they sway their way through a track even The Black Crowes would be proud to stamp as their own. This mid-tempo rocker has a charm to it that was missing from the recorded version. Live it is a magical experience that draws you in. Paired with ‘Down On Your Luck’, another mid-tempo groovy blues jam that has you appreciating the talent of this band and how well crafted these songs are. The band latest single ‘A Run For Your Money’ is incredible live with its free flowing verses is dynamic and powerful live drive.
‘Dead End Blues’ swaggers its way into the set with a killer harmonica performance from Maden. This one plods and stomps its way into your soul. The manic keyboard solo from Johnston is a highlight as is Licciardi Garcia’s swirling bass line. Venoms hard hitting groove sit behind it all perfectly. “Friends In Low Places” opener ‘Children Of The Evolution’ is a driving rocker that is probably the most forward rock song in tonight’s set. Short and sweet it hits its mark perfectly. ‘Free’ from the band’s debut EP sounds as fresh as anything from the new album. Johnston’s keyboard solo is pure fire. The breakdown and riff in this song is huge and feels so free flowing. All musical chops are on display as this version truly showcased how damn good this band is live.
Tonight’s set is closed out with ‘I Swear On My Life’ the song that Henwood proclaimed has closed every Palace Of The King show has a Rolling Stones swagger before it evolves into a Grand Funk Railroad groove. As a band Palace Of The King proved that live they are at their best. The way all parts mesh together is incredible in depth, performance and precision. I have always loved these guys live and tonight re affirmed that. For the few that were witnessing POTK live for the first time I am sure they will be rushing back to see them live.
Tonight, music won. It ruled our world for over 3 1/2 hours, it made us smile, sing, groove and lock out the outside world. This was a therapy session that allowed this reviewer forget about everything in life and just immerse himself in the live experience. Palace Of The King delivered a set that is in strong contention for gig of the year for me. It is in great company with some of the biggest names in the world. Need I say it. I urge you and I tell you to go and see any of the bands on this bill when you get the chance. As Stonetrip’s Mark Ritchie said at the end of their set “Rock N Roll will save your f**king soul”.
SETLIST: Tear It Down, Tell It like It is, Beyond The Valley, Take Your Medicine, No Chance In Hell, Get Right With Your Maker, Down On Your Luck , A Run For Your Money, Dead End Blues, Children Of The Evolution, Free, I Swear On My life
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
GALLERY
Palace of the King
Shotgun Mistress
Stonetrip
