Now this was a Rock N Roll show !!! Make no mistakes about it. What a night !!!
Kicking things off tonight were Large Mirage from The Blue Mountains in Sydney. This young dynamic quartet have got a certain magic about them. I was invited to check them out a couple of weeks ago in short notice but wasn’t able to see them due to another commitment. The friend that invited me said that they were ones to watch as they have something special about them. He was not wrong, and the opportunity to see Large Mirage on the big stage based upon what I had been told was one opportuinity I couldn’t afford to miss.
Large Mirage are original retro rock, maybe that isn’t a fair statement, but picture yourself transported to the late 60’s & early 70’s the height of the hippy movement where you had amazing female voices and rock bands. The ingredients for Large Mirage are greats like Janis Joplin and Grace Slick, take a leap to the seventies and grab a dash of Nancy Wilson and Stevie Nicks and you have a measuring stick of what front woman Malia is all about.
The band musically have all of the hallmarks of Cream, Hendrix, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jefferson Starship, Steppenwolf, The Doors and early Fleetwood Mac, that classic rock sound, dirty, warm, fuzzy that just makes you feel good. I don’t throw the above names around lightly when making comparisons but honestly I have always wanted to know what it was like to live in those times and tonight I got a taste of it sans the psychedelics.
Guitarist/Vocalist Kolya Chan is a treat to watch and listen to his Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton and Hendrix infused style of playing and performance is so damn engaging. Chan is silky smooth yet full of grit and power. His presence is huge and with his tasseled white jacket and floral flare he makes an unforgettable statement fashion wise and with his playing. The authenticity in which Chan plays with is incredible.
The rhythm section of Dan on Drums and Blake on Bass sit so tightly together weaving in and out of each other creating a solid and technical interplay while creating a big solid base for Chan to riff, chord and solo over. Blakes playing is again a real treat when allowed to break away from the the typical rhythm section groove and when he is left to his own devices creates an energy of his own, his lines, walks and progressions become transfixing at times. Not only is Blake able to create a groove but his ability to jam and hold his own noodling while also finding a thread that is woven into Chans guitar parts.
Dan is such a solid drummer who hold and provides the glue that binds all of the Large Mirage elements together, infact Dan is more than glue he is almost like a silicone, flexible, reliable and works well with the free style of the band. He nails that whole fusion of hard hitting rock power with the dynamics of a jazz or swing drummer ultimately as on himself as a powerhouse.
Although tonight’s set was short you could imagine where this band would explore musically when allowed off the leash of an opening slot. This is something that really does excite me about this band.
Knowing that this band had only had Malia upfront for the last five months and the songs were written with Chan singing all the songs puts a whole new spin on what we saw and heard tonight. I can not wait to hear what they do and write with Malia being the front of the band. The sky is the limit and I predict they will be ones to watch …… closely.
Listening to the Large Mirage on streaming services gives you an idea of what they are all about stylistically. If I’m completely honest I don’t think anyone has had the chance to capture the magic of this band live in a studio environment. Live they are a whole different animal.
This is modern retro rock done authentically and with so much heart and soul. Unlike others who have attempted to buy into cloning a style or sound Large Mirage are the real deal and I often contemplated while writing this did they have the biggest impact tonight ?
Large Mirage Gallery
Mammal. Well what can I say. Just ask me how much I love this band and their latest album “The Penny Drop” I dare you !!!
Mammal have always been the consummate live band for energy, intensity and just pure fun. Ezekiel Ox’s ability to craft a lyric and then deliver it with so much force, is something out of this world. His energy on stage is relentless and his ability to grab you by the shirtfront, challenge and rock the hell out of you is something that I connected with from my earliest experience with Mammal. How this band are not global superstars still fails me.
The band consisting of Kade Turner (Bass), Zane Rosanoski (Drums) and Pete Williams (Guitar) who was absent tonight but had an incredible fill in are pure power and fury and provide the hard hitting soundtrack to Ox’s powerful and provoking lyrics.
Not one to shy away from making a statement on stage a slightly more subdued Ox made up for it with his elaborate wardrobe. Tonight it was clear that Mammal were not here to waste anytime or negotiate their engagement with the crowd.
Two spotlights aimed as Ox’s mirrorball helmet sent shards of light throughout The Forum as he invited us to ‘Think’ this is pure power and statement. Ditching the helmet asks the question are their intentions ‘Clear Enough’, this song has been a forever favourite of mine from the 2008 debut album “The Majority”. By this stage of the night I’m starting to notice the crowd up front are connecting with the band.
2023’s first taste of The Penny Drop album, the lead single Keanu Reeves is an intense and funky ride and really got The Forum bouncing, by this stage Mammal had the crowd in the palm of their hands. There was no turning back as the band was in full flight. It had to be said the rhythm section of Zane and Kade is possibly one of the best in the business; tight, groovy, funky and powerful. The slick and sick riffs that sit ontop of the groove machine just make you all the while you just can’t take your eyes off frontman Ezekiel Ox. Ox is such a great commanding frontman, the band is the whole package and deserves to be massive globally, there is no Doubt about that.
Speaking of “Doubt” this was the 3rd single from The Penny Drop and but them back on the airwaves with commercial radio giving the track a run. The message in this song is incredibly strong and one of my favourite tracks from the album. It’s a different side to the band, it’s probably the closest thing Mammal have done to a ballad while still holding all of the power you would expect from the band.
We were taken back to the beginning of the band with “Nagasaki In Flames” from 2007 and is always a treat to hear.
The modern social commentary that is “The Penny Drop” is up next and sees Ox enter the crowd and asks us all to join in and help sing. The way this guy is able to connect with a crow is just magical to watch and what a banger of track this is. The Forum was all in and I love these moments in a Mammal show where things just ramp up.
“Community” was the first new music from the reformed Mammal after an eight year hiatus and what a track to come back with. In many ways it’s an ode to the fans, a celebration of reformation and is still today one of my favourite tracks live it just kick all kinds of ass. I just wish the singles from this period of the band would get an official release from the band as “Virtue Signalling” and “Dead” are essential Mammal.
“Slings & Arrows” is up next and continues the party, it’s the most recent single from ‘The Penny Drop’ is just a cracking track that has so much groove to it, a chorus that just catches you and presents yet another platform to engage the crowd and have us all chanting and singing along.
My introduction to the band was the next song “Smash The Pinata” it’s remained a fan fave as has cemented it in the set, it is essential Mammal and a live favourite.
The set was closed off with “Hell Yeah” the Mammal war cry, it sent the crowd into a frenzy and is the perfect set closer.
The energy and power of this band knows no boundaries and translates so well in any environment whether it be a pub gig, a headline set or a support slot on the big stage. Ox knows how to captivate a crowd, engage them and have them in the palm of his hand. The band as I said before are everything you could ask for and the music well it’s just infectious and powerful, most of all incredibly fun.
This is the first show I have seen these guys do as a support, they did everything right but a shorter set let me wanting more and more. I didn’t want their set to end, but as they say all good things must come to an end. Whether you are a seasoned fan or new to the band, the next time they play near you I highly recommend you check them out. Now can I get a Hell Yeah ?
Mammal Setlist
Think
Clear Enough
Keanu Reeves
Doubt
Nagasaki In Flames
Penny Drop
Community
Slings & Arrows
Smash The Piñata
Hell Yeah
Mammal Gallery
Tonight in the first time in a year since I have seen The Screaming Jets live. The last time was the first full show of the Professional Misconduct tour. At that show there was such emotion due to the untimely and extremely sad passing of founding member and chief songwriter Paul Woseen. The band were still clearly in shock and grieving the loss of their brother and friend. It’s hard to grasp that kind of loss and a lesser band would have disbanded or taken an a hiatus, but they chose to continue and celebrate Woseens legacy and craft. Pauly was there in spirit that night and you just felt his presence. Such a special night.
That was then, this is now.
With an incredibly successful album and tours under their belt over the course of this last year the band has become one again and sound incredible. Sadness has been replaced by the spirit of rock n roll. The Screaming Jets live are a powerhouse, an assault on the senses in the best way. Tonight’s setlist was exceptional and covered their entire career. A sheer black curtain draped the stage and fell as the all in assaulting the opening riff of “Needle” buzzed through the room. The one two punch of “Needle”and “C’mon” certainly set the tone of tonight, loud, proud and in your face The Jets were taking no prisoners tonight. Dave Gleeson is the ultimate Australian frontman cartwheeling and running the stage, that pub rock blood and adrenaline still pumps through his veins as he does what he does so well and has done for the last thirty something years.
“Shadows” from ‘Professional Misconduct’ now sits in the set like it has always been there. Wedged between the two belters from ‘All For One’ and “October Grey” from ‘World Gone Crazy’. Without much time to draw breath the “Eve Of Destruction” is upon us as and The Forum is in fine voice.
Dusting off an old friend in “Everytime” I welcomed this as an addition to the live set. The early days autobiographical “Shine On” slinks and sways its way out of the PA and you instantly realise what a masterpiece of a song it is.
The “World Gone Crazy” album is certainly getting some love tonight with a pairing of “When I Go” and “Black & White”. Both songs sound fresh and are great additions to the set.
In typical Geeso character have been entertained to the max, witty banter, great story telling and the addition of a platform to highlight his river-dancing skills and give his something to leap off was a treat, it’s Gleeso’s outlook on life that gives him such a connection to the punter.
His words before ‘Scar’ never more relatable, while I can’t remember his exact words but the gist of it was we all have scars but there’s no need to put them out there on social media, just get on with it. I forgot just how good this song is.
Up next the tone gets brought down a little as we are treated to a couple of stripped down acoustic songs “Lying With Her” and “Impossible” where guitarists Jimi Hocking’s and Scott Kingman flank Gleeson. This is a cool little intimate touch to the set.
Never fear the sonic assault continues with the majestic “Blue Sashes” which flips the octane switch once again. This song is most definitely a live favourite for mine.
A haunting “Shivers” is delivered in the way The Jets can only do. What has been evident through the night is just how well the band perform and cover that trademark harmony sound that Woseen provided. Between Jimmy Hocking and Paul Elliott there is a richness and sweetness in those harmony parts. Tonight I most certainly got shivers from the performance, the honour and respect to Woseen.
Closing out tonight’s set were ‘Come Down’ “Professional Misconduct” which just rocks live and then the bands two biggest hits ‘Helping Hand’ and ‘Better’ had the entire Forum in full voice and just having the time of their lives.
An encore of Neil Young’s ‘Rocking In The Free World’ simply capped off a set of great pub style rock n roll.
Dave Gleeson is a gem of a front man, a man to never mince his words or censor his thoughts and the way he delivers his stage banter is always amusing. Larger than life and calling it how it is.
As a showman he is brilliant. The twin guitar pairing of Jimi Hocking and Scott Kingman is flawless each with their own style that meshes so well and I would have to say probably the best duo the band has had to date, their styles are so different but both are masters at their craft.
Tonight’s show was an absolute blast from start to finish. Each band so different in style but so good together. I urge you to catch this tour on any of the remaining date because it is that good. So much fan and a showcase of three amazing bands.
Screaming Jets Setlist
Needle
C’Mon
Shadows
October Grey
Eve Of Destruction
Everytime
Shine on
When I go
Black & White
Scar
Lying with Her
Impossible
Blue Sashes
Shivers
Come Down
Helping Hand
Better
Encore
Rocking in The Free World
Screaming Jets Gallery
Photos by Shot By Slaidins Photography
With thanks for the media accreditation.
