The Preytells @ Mojo's Bar24/05/08

Mon 26th May, 2008 in Gig Reviews

The cosy confines of Mojo’s bar made for a welcome respite from the wintry night sky that had descended on Perth on Friday. However Circuits of the Sun provided warmth with a set of bittersweet alt-country tunes popularised by the likes of a couple of bands you may have heard of beginning with the letter “W”.

The band played a tight and engaging set, but perhaps could have better utilised Tara Drosdowsky on keys for variety. Most songs were similarly structured; punchy guitar-driven tunes revolving around either a slide guitar or harmonica lead lick; those most clichéd of alt-country touchstones. Just as it appeared as though there would be no surprises, they played Honey. Wow. While it didn’t deviate from their established sound, it did capture and highlight the band’s strengths; wistful lyrics, male and female vocals in perfect harmony, and melodic guitar flourishes (that was Ben Witt wasn’t it?) complementing a full and impressive sound. The track, like much of the set, had a distinct Sleepy Jackson feel, which was hardly surprising given the involvement of guitarist Malcom Clark and singer Lee Jones in the band.

The pre-show line-up blurb for the Domnicks had focused on the patronage of an ex-member of The Clash. Now let it be said that: (a) Nick Shepherd is a former member of The Clash in the sense that Zac Beeck is a former West Coast Eagles player; and (b) an association with Cut The Crap is not something to be trumpeted. Thus, Nick’s venture with fellow Perth guitar legend Dom Mariani (The Stems) generated little more than a cynical interest. Said Cynicism was misplaced as it turned out. They play a fun and pretense-free brand of classic garage rock that is guaranteed to get the dance floor moving. As it did. It’s a shame that of the hundreds of local original bands playing in Perth, there are a bare few featuring band members over the age of 28. These guys are ace musicians and are able to call on priceless experience to put on a great show. They know what they’re doing and they do it incredibly well. As one punter aptly put it: “That was real rock and roll”.

The beer garden quickly emptied as The Preytells kicked off their set unannounced with Sacramento, swelling the intimate venue to capacity. Perhaps launch show nerves got the better of the band, as their stage presence was lacking for a large part of the set. Will Tell is a great front-man and a commanding presence at the front of the stage, but he needs some support at either side. It doesn’t help when a fifth member is needed to hammer out a couple of chords on piano and otherwise stand around looking absently.

What they lacked in stage presence was compensated by pure song writing skill. Their best songs were very, very good; Shout is a joyously life-affirming track and an excellent choice of single. It was sung with an enthusiasm impossible to ignore, and it received the biggest reception of the night. If there is any justice it will shoot the band on to bigger and better things. Other standouts included Holy Roman Empire and I’m So Sorry, while the country-infused, Lies showed impressive variety. The band’s new material mines a quirky and dark vein of indie rock, and is a natural and welcome progression from their usual 60’s-styled pop.

All band members were genuinely appreciative of the large and vocal crowd, and the feeling was clearly mutual. A loud roar was rewarded with an encore, and the early nerves appeared to have dissipated completely as they tore through fan favourite Don’t Leave Me Alone. In closing with Honey Take A Picture, it was again highlighted how amazing their best songs are, as the band left Tell alone on stage to create one final trance of beautiful lyrics and looped melodic guitar.

Endnote: Mojo’s. Seriously, most underrated venue in Perth. Sound-man George is to be complemented.