Friday night at ANU Bar took us on a journey back to 1992. Beards, black jeans and faded band t-shirts were the order of the night as the crowd eased into the evening in anticipation of seeing nineties metal band Helmet take to the stage for the first time in Canberra. Locals Tonk and Using Three Words were also along for the ride bringing their rocking tunes to the ANU Bar.
Tonk promptly kicked off the night at 8pm, while most punters were still trying to get in the door. Frontman Jinks apologised for his voice due to a cold, but despite this the crowd were into the locals with more than a little toe-tapping and head-nodding up the front. The band played favourites from their 2007 Sister Switchblade album including Golden Girl, Stick With My Blood and Stay. For their second last song Over The Edge, Jink’s did just that, heading over the barrier onto the floor, showing everyone how the band rocks.
Next up, fellow locals Using Three Words continued the rock theme for the night with frontman Dan O’Day and the boys playing a very tight set. The high energy five-piece mixed it up with songs from their newly recorded album, as well as older favourites such as Forget. Towards the end of their set, the band had convinced the shy punters to move on forward and get up close with the Canberra boys. Who knew Canberra’s metal fans were such a shy bunch? These guys are very entertaining to watch and have a great sound, with some catchy tunes. Definitely a band to catch on the Canberra scene.
Digital cameras, mobile phone video recorders and Vodka Cruisers: just three things that weren’t around when Meantime came out in 1992. Fortunately the abundance of tight jeans, long hair and Jim Beam were enough to think you were almost back in 1992 (well only “almost”, as there is always that annoying guy next to you trying to bootleg half the show on his digital camera). As promised, the band were playing their top-selling album Meantime from start to finish (well, actually from finish to start) ending with In The Meantime. And did the crowd love it. Up front it was a frenzy of jumping, moshing and head banging, while further back old school Helmet fans were soaking up the atmosphere, basking in the heavy guitar riffs and pounding bass.
During the set, frontman and only original Helmet member Page Hamilton asked the ANU Bar crowd, “So are you guys students?” After the very loud response, “No!”, Hamilton replied quickly, “I didn’t think you looked educated!”, highlighting the great rapport he had with the crowd. Hamilton continued to provide witty banter throughout the night interacting with fans, sharing pick-up lines and providing relationship advice to punters. In regard to the perils of divorce, he offered, “It’s better to stay with them.”
During the six-song encore, the band played several tracks from their 1994 album Betty. After much cajoling, Hamilton gave in to the persistent requests and played Biscuits For Smut, which the punters loved.
It was clear from the get-go there were plenty of nostalgic metal fans reminiscing their high school hardcore roots, and savouring the opportunity to see Helmet play in Canberra. Considering this reviewer was 11 when Meantime came out, Page Hamilton has proven that the band, the sound and Meantime clearly stand the test of time.
Sirro
said ages ago