The Village People live at The Palais Theatre

Band: The Village People
Venue: The Palais Theatre
Date: Saturday 24th November, 2012
Reviewed By: Espylyn

Six microphones on stage was all there was initially was until The Village People entered to the loud whoops of the audience and into song after song of hits they belted out. Macho Man, Milk Shake, You Can’t Stop The Music and In The Navy. A few covers such as You Make Me Feel (Sylvester) and Don’t Leave Me This Way (Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes) filled in the otherwise would-be gaps. Finishing with YMCA, we were taught how to properly partake in the arm movements so now when we go to weddings etc., we will have it right and "from the horse’s mouth". The crowd participation in one word was nuts, many punters themed dressed, looking the part, dancing in their seats with flashing hats and plenty of clapping and yelling. The venue wasn’t completely sold out but that allowed for a few punters who really wanted to let loose, head to the back of the room and dance in the row of empty seats.

There was no actual band playing music, it was all sung to backing music (which worked great as it would have looked too much on stage with a band), but the voices hit the notes and although the dancing wasn’t in sync at times, for a band who have been around for a long time, they were doing very well. Their songs are classics, they will live on throughout the years, timeless tunes that are sung by generation after generation. Present tonight were children, seniors and mainly people in between and people left with smiling faces, singing the songs and buying the merchandise.

After the gig the band signed autographs, except the Indian (who was tired) for anyone wanting to meet them.

The Dark Horses Album Launch - The Corner Hotel

Band: The Dark Horses
Venue: The Corner Hotel, Richmond
Date: 15th November 2012
Reviewed By: Espylyn

The Dark Horses have become a band, no longer Tex Perkins and his Dark Horses and no longer focused on just Tex’s song writing. It’s about the band as a whole, writing songs and lyrics and collaborating together and this album titled Everyone’s Alone is the product of the change.

Tonight at the Corner Hotel we witnessed many of the new songs creeping into the set list (naturally, being the album launch) and the set started with the gorgeous new instrumental Open Ended and then the band cruise into the new single and title album, Everyone’s Alone, and throughout the set I feast on band members exchanging instruments after nearly every song – talented bastards.

Table and chairs are placed front of the stage and punters who are gathered in the seats view the glory of the band up close whilst all around, the place fills up and we all witnessed a band that not only taunts us with great Aussie music, but gives us humour in their interactions. They certainly aren’t a boring band to watch, Tex as ever the front man gives us reason to giggle out loud as he exchanges banter with Charlie Owen about his belly button, to watching the facial expressions on Steve Hadley’s face which is utter priceless. The rest of the band consists of Joel Silbersher (always creating a laugh), Gus Agars on drums and James Cruickshank displaying all his mighty talent.

The set list was mainly songs from the last three albums including Halo, Looking At You But Seeing Her, So Much Older, Changelings, Ice In The Sun, She Speaks A Different Language and Cold Feet.

 

Mondo Cane - Pattoned Italian Goodness

Band: Mondo Cane
Venue: The Regent Theatre, Melbourne
Date: 12th November 2012
Reviewed By: Espylyn

The beautiful Regent Theatre in Melbourne looks stunning tonight as the punters that entered the venue may not look like the typical theatre goers. Lots of black outfits, tattoo’s, shaped and coloured hair styles, studs and chains along with loads of smiles and laughter followed as we all entered the theatre and took our seats. Not to be left out are the older generation and perhaps a few casual theatre goers. Around me, the glorious chandeliers, the patterned walls, the adorning curtains and carpet all make the Regent appealing and atmospheric.

The stage was already adorned with instruments and was looking very full by the time I arrived. I sat down to find a young child in front of me (for an 18+ show!?) but that allowed me to have a good view of the entire stage as tonight is not only about Mike Patton but the orchestra he has built to support his Mondo Cane sensation.

After two albums that have drawn comparisons to his earlier work by Mr Bungle and Fantomas, the Mondo Cane album hit number 2 on the USA charts as well as charting in Europe. Patton married Italian artist, Titi Zuccatosta and has adopted Bologna as his home and from there he explored his surrounding which of course meant a great deal of musical influences. Fluent in Italian he listened to a variety of music and was inspired by singers of the 1950’s that used orchestra for backing songs and after duelling with the idea of a small band he had the chance to compose the music for an orchestra and this became Mondo Cane. No doubt this style of music has brought forth the usual army of Patton fans as well as the new fans that have discovered this music with glee. No doubt a few parents will be happy with their kid’s choice this time around!

Patton sung with style and grace, occasionally whipping out the megaphone or the siren and other times casually sitting or standing whilst the band takes helm around him. The Sydney Orchestra on strings, Tim Burton’s (sic) brother on keys, a percussionist that made some unusual noises by placing objects in his mouth, a drummer that was mellow when needed and who rocked out other times, a flautist who teased us a few times with the start of the tune Down Under (Men At Work) as well as a keyboardist, bassist and a conductor keeping everyone in check. I’m sure I’ve left someone out so apologies for that. Three backing female singers sung in beautiful harmonies and really added that zing to the band and as I watched all the band members, I couldn’t help but notice the smiling faces all around, obviously enjoying the music and being on stage with Patton.

It was most definitely a crowd that seemed happy to sit in the seats, and I felt, that this band isn't a variety of tunes to mosh or dance too but to enjoy, and I feel Patton didn’t perhaps get this at times. His energy at times seemed dark and although this may be typical Patton style, it wasn’t all typical Patton listeners tonight. True fans (or drunk fans) heckled to the audience swearing out for everyone to stand up and even told Patton off for only playing one hour, after encore. Luckily he smiled and continued on, adorned in a white suit and shirt and that slick backed hair, he graced the stage for about an hour and a half and took us on a journey through a mainly Italian torrent of cuisine.

　

Primitive Colours - Icehouse is My Obsession

Band: Icehouse with support from Even
Venue: Hamer Hall
Date: 5th November 2012
Reviewed By: Espylyn

 

Even are a band that everyone likes. I didn’t read who was supporting Icehouse tonight but when I saw Even come on stage I was pleased and sat back knowing I was in for a great support act. A lot of punters had arrived early to see Even and with rapturous applause they paved the way for Icehouse and proved they are the right support act. As I watched and listened to the band I gazed around as the upgraded Hamer Hall and found myself thinking it doesn’t look much different but nonetheless I had a great seat and wasn’t up in the boonies of the back row which I find too far up in the heavens to properly enjoy. Even played loads of oldies (‘this one was number 86 on JJJ hottest 100' we are told) and a few newbies and although reminiscent of Oasis at times, I can’t help but feel I’m watching a Scooby Doo style of band, and this statement is said in a positive way, because that being said, its like a pop cartoon ride at times seeing Even. Primititave

Icehouse graced the stage to a plethora of shrieks and applause and when the silver fox, aka Iva Davies, comes out the shrieks are raised and Iva cannot help but smile.

Iva Davies, clearly the front man with a load of hot potato up his sleeve brought the crowd throughout the night to its feet and his voice is as smooth and clear as on the albums. Paul Gildea whips up guitar action and smooths his way through each song whilst Paul Wheeler graces those drums that you know want to be hit. Michael Paynter sings My Obsession (yes he has great voice, buy why) and displays amazing range in his vocals and he contributes to the band playing keyboards and guitar and lastly is Glenn Reither who turns the room into a melting mess with the saxophone as well as hitting those keyboards.

Punters don't cope with sitting and many arise to the aisles much to the dismay of the ushers who have no hope in holding some back. However, watching one lady bring out the camcord and start videoing the gig was rather amusing as she didn’t get caught for quite a while into the show. Into Glam the band head before Uniform and We Can Get Together then the big hit Crazy, Man of Colours and when Electric Blue is played, the seats are slowly emptying and punters are having the time of their lives. My Obsession (sung by Michael Paynter), Great Southern Land and the cruising tune of Hey, Little Girl takes us back to the 1980’s when mullets and fluro were the must have look. Cross The Border is another underrated rock song and encore arrives making me note that there isn’t long to go, and I really don’t want the night to end. Heartbreak Kid is sung acoustically (dang it, as its my favourite tune and I needed to hear it rock out) and Nothing Too Serious brings the house down. The only failure of the night was ending on a T Rex cover of Get It On, when Walls hadn’t been sung, let along other top material from their back catalogue - their point being they started off as a cover band before Flowers.

Alas, the night ended and I admit I could have stayed another hour or so to hear the band as they are rocking. I did manage to see the band at start of this year and thought they had more spirit back then, but as they aren’t spring chickens anymore, months of touring would be slowly winding their bodies down but it didn’t make the night any less of a success, hell no, it was freaking awesome.