Jackson Jackson and the Melodics electrify the Corner

Band: Jackson Jackson, supported by The Melodics
Venue: The Corner Hotel
Date: 15th October 2009
Reviewed By: Heather

As we moseyed on down to The Corner on a blisteringly cold Melbourne night we were met by the sounds of The Melodics pounding out of the bandroom. The sound warmed us slightly as we queued for our tickets (note to self: have them posted next time! Spring weather in our Melbourne Town is far too precarious for queuing) then we made our way in to find the night's lineup had an earlier start than we expected. Fortunately for us, we didn't miss The Melodics whole set because they were - for want of a better word - un-freakin'-believable! As a Melodics virgin I found myself drawn in to the stage, and one song was all it took before I was dancing along with the rest of the crowd. Everybody knows how hard it is for a support band to get people moving, but not many could stand up against their funky electro-hiphop sounds with that irresistable groove. Immediately after their set I lined up for a CD which I know will remain a staple in my car's stacker. If you haven't seen The Melodics, do yourself a favour and hunt out one of their gigs. I'd love to see them as a headliner rather than support myself.

Fashionably late to arrive on stage (even though most of them were walking around plugging things in and doing sound checks in the interim), Jackson Jackson came out to the customary crowd roar. Despite his recent fear of razors and clippers, Harry was as comfortable on stage as he always is, belting out ISBD and All Alone, and showing his range of vocal abilities in Eliza and The River. Grab a Gun was the standout, with the audience punching the air in unison to the anti-violent sentiment "Throw out your guns!"

The Jackson Jackson Five had shrunk slightly to become the Jackson Jackson Three - only Elana Stone, Karishma Sadhai and Chantal Mitvalsky were there, but they danced and strutted as if there were ten on stage. I always wait in anticipation to see what kooky and cool outfits the girls appear in and they didn't disappoint, stepping out in a range of little black dresses with brightly coloured tights. These girls make backup singing into an art form, and lend a bright, exciting air to the show.

The Genie were on stage as always, Will drumming and looking no worse for wear after his recent foray into fatherhood (congratulations!) and Ryan playing bass looking completely relaxed. Ollie played the most epic keytar solo I have ever seen - at least three minutes worth - as the band exited stage left. Some chanting of "Encore!" brought them all back out a few minutes later to play a rather strange choice for a final song - Lonely Ooh - with the parting lyrical gesture "I don't know how to save the world".

Neither do we, but Jackson Jackson sure do a great job of slamming popular culture and searching for a better way. Maybe there IS something deeper underground.