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Speedstar + The Avenues, Sunset Club Thurs 1 Sept, Jive Bar Oh Adelaide, what's wrong with you? You curse the big-name bands who decide not to grace our city, yet you fail to support the national bands whose tours include our town. So another quality show hits town, but only a few dozen people leave the comfortable mediocrity of the 'burbs. The Sunset Club began proceedings with a clean indie guitar sound and cool minimalistic use of vocal harmonies, though the vocalist let loose with a few screams as the whole band turned up the rock sound. Four Seconds provided a different sound complete with violin and underpinned with distorted guitars. The epic guitar sound of The Avenues set was particularly striking, as was their professionalism and solid harmonies. Their familiar but likeable alternative rock sounds were built around a significant wall of gutsy riff rock. The song Slow Moving was particularly melodic while So I Don't Think Anyone Minds began like a breath of fresh air and developed to a big rock finish, while their raw rock version of the Beatles' Taxman contained guitar solos bigger than anything I've heard by the Fab Four. On this quiet evening in Adelaide, Speedstar treated this small bunch of loyal followers to a super set of their classics, plus three yet-to-be-released songs. The gorgeous melody of Crying was irrepressible, but live its thunderous drums and swirling guitars added something extra. The single Song For You, was backed with ample guitars, however without the characteristic feedback section at the crescendo: the punters were instead treated to an extended section of harmonica. Nothing could bring Speedstar down: there was much good humour between the band members as well as a real free and easy vibe towards the crowd too, happily joking about "hit singles", spilt beer and their instruments. Gospel #27 was as stirring a gospel song as you could hope for white boys from Queensland to be able to perform. Two of Speedstar's new songs were definitely within the realm of their other smooth and gentle numbers, one of which containing mandolin and mouth organ. However, their third new song started gently but its interesting drum timing it led to an intense finish. It was nonetheless, the golden pop moment of Unbreakable that was highlight of the evening as Speedstar demonstrated their unique skill in matching melancholy and beauty.  |
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