Operator Please, Little Red,Flamingo Crash @ The GovernorHindmarsh, Adelaide (05/05/08)

Sun 6th Apr, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Check out all the photos HERE

Tonight was truly an all ages affair, with kids as young as ten dancing it up with geezer’s like myself. It was great to see so many young crew come out to support live music in Adelaide, while The Gov wasn’t to capacity there was certainly enough of buzz around to ensure tonight was going to be fun night.

First up were a quirky quartet from Melbourne called Flamingo Crash making their first trip to Adelaide. Their synth pop was the perfect way to open the night. Issac Emmanuel, a softy spoken but charming bloke, introduced the band, and on numerous occasions thanked the crowd for checking them out. Drummer Matt Harrison provided some powerhouse drumming, giving the band a raw undertone, thus anchoring the sound. Speaking with Harrison after the set, I found out that the band had put a set together that was cross section of material, providing Adelaide with taste of things to come. I would like to see Flamingo Crash at their own show, and see where they fly us.

I walked back over to the stage, beer in hand, and nearly wore it, as a convulsion of laughter made its way up from my belly; Little Red had begun their set, and their drummer was standing on his stool dancing and clapping away. I would assume that tongue was firmly in cheek as Little Red played sort of pre-60’s influenced R&B/ Rock, either that or they really believe that they’re playing in some stinky old German cabaret club trying to earn enough for ticket back home. Vocal duties were shared amongst the four up the front. Drummer Taka Honda was having a party of his own up the back, like how you see Ringo Starr in old Beatles clips. If they haven’t already, I can see this band becoming a cult phenomenon, they have enough cheekiness that could see them pinching a few Ween fans.

While being a predominately young crowd, there were a bunch of older folk who for whatever reason only appeared at the end of the night for Operator Please. With this late influx of people the room attendance swelled close to capacity, everyone there excited for the main act. When the house music stopped a big cheer went up, but the band didn’t come out straight away, this just made the crowd crazier when they finally stepped out. Drummer Tim Commandeur, sung along while giving the tubs a proper thumping. Keyboardist Sarah Gardiner, danced like a hyper areobics instructor doing star jumps as she mouthed the words. Now I have seen all kinds of bands; metal, punk, and pop and I can honesty say that Operator Please play with a self assurance and an intensity that slaps you around; Amandah Wilkinson shows great leadership onstage that enures this result. The violin Taylor Henderson plays works its way into the band like a second guitar would, its used well and really gives the sound of the band many dynamics, from toe tapping crazy to a more pensive feel. Highlights from the set for were, Get What You Want,Terminal Disease, Just a Song About Ping Pong, and seldom played Crash Tragic.

I would recommend that anyone wanting value for money to check out any of the bands from tonight next time they hit Adelaide.

Check out all the photos HERE