Seriously, with Friday night marking the start of the Australia Day long weekend, what right minded West Aussie would be caught dead in Perth and not in the snarling traffic of the herds heading south for the wine region? The Bennies fans, that’s who.
Melbourne Ska/Punk band The Bennies filled the main room of the Rosemount with their own brand of likeminded party animals, and not a cheese board or glass of red in sight.
With tumbleweeds blowing through the usually packed Rosemount, Lioniser had the unenviable task of entertaining those of the Bennies fans that had summoned up the enormous effort to get off the couch and get in early for the supports. That was always going to be, well……… not many. Which was a shame because the few who were there witnessed a great, punchy set from the 3-piece delivered with good passion, regardless of numbers. The addition of a hen’s party towards the end of the set brought some fun, some dancing and an audience the band better deserved.
By the time The Tommyhawks hit the stage, the main room was starting to fill and with good reason. The Tommyhawks are a band on the rise and the product of some very talented and familiar faces of the WA music scene. Their songs are infectious and well written. They can be airy, spacey and all noise. They can be dirty, emotive, and straight up rock. These girls have it all and talent to burn. Everyone was given their moment to shine in the spotlight, as in turn, 3 members would take a knee for the fourth. Four complete individuals that effortlessly come together as one on stage. A must see.
The main event tonight was without question The Bennies. The Bennies have picked up quite a cult following of loyal supporters over their 10-year career, all coming together to celebrate the common love of drinking, drugs and partying.
Taking the stage under a dark light, covered in glow in the dark body painted marijuana leaves, smiley faces and generally trippy images, the mood had been set. With the addition of lime green leg warmers, The Bennies came here to party, and the party had started. All your favourite party anthems were here, delivered in classic Bennies style as you would expect. The boys got loud and they brought the energy. The crowd loved every minute of it as songs morphed from phaser drenched trips to guitar driven thrashers with swirling whale-like noises for good measure. These guys are great fun and give it all when on stage.
If you didn’t have fun at this one, then maybe you were meant to be down south with all the others.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Sharon Burgess Photography
