Saturday saw Perth’s BOY GIRL launch their new single ‘Twitchin’ in Your Sleep’ at Badlands with an impressive line-up of Perth bands in support. It was a solid reminder if you needed it not just how great Perth’s local scene is but also how varied. More importantly though than that tonight was all about celebration, letting loose and having a good time. Close your eyes and you could just imagine that Covid had never happened…
Scatterback with their heady mix of fun, funk and hard rock led the way with songs like ‘Fun(k) House’ and ‘One Way World’ showing why these guys are essential live viewing. It’s not often you feel you’ve got your money’s worth after the first act but tonight was just one of those nights with the band the best I’ve seen them since catching them in full flight at Merriwa a while back. Tonight they’re sharp as a tack and cool as a funky cucumber.
I last saw Will Stoker and the Embers pre-covid down the street at The Bird back in 2019 when they released their rather cool ‘Russian Brides EP’ which had been their only release since 2010 and I’ve still got my ill fitting t-shirt from that previous release! (funny how they shrink over the years) It was another great night like tonight with Filth Wizard, Didion’s Bible and The Mackerels on the bill. Tonight they are suitably impressive despite missing lead guitarist Dylan. These guys impress me more each time I see them and tonight despite being a man down they still bring it!
Giant Dwarf are a new band to me tonight as I missed their top of the night slot at Warmest Saturday recently but they’re another to watch with a melting pot sound that has a cool crunch of Heavy psych, and a fuzz-infused distinctly western take on QOTSA and their ilk.
The night though belonged to Alt-Rockers BOY GIRL who I got to check out for the first time tonight after hearing great things about their impact on the live scene over the last 12 months and their Incendiary live show. Tonight was also about that first single ‘Twitchin’ in Your Sleep’ and man was it impressive.
Imagine a band that harnessed the vibe and power of some of the biggest bands of the 90’s alt scene – with a scoop of Radiohead and a few cups of Kyuss via QOTSA, then add some wonderful male/female vocals. Then add some crunching bass, and a big nip of bands like Smashing Pumpkins as well as stirring in more recent fare like The Highly Suspect, Royal Blood and The Blue Stones. Then you’ve about got it.
It was a wonderful set and a great way to end a thoroughly enjoyable evening showcasing some of Perth’s finest. If you’ve not managed to catch any of these guys yet you really need to get out more – each act was worth the price of admission alone. I’ll definitely be back for more!
PHOTO GALLERY
All Photos by Adrian Thomson
Boy Girl
Giant Dwarf
Will Stoker & The Embers
Scatterback
