Bridezilla @ The AnnandaleHotel, Sydney (14/06/08)

Mon 16th Jun, 2008 in Gig Reviews

My initial viewing of Bridezilla was at The Sydney Opera House a number of weeks ago. There they accompanied aerialists as they went through their dynamic performances. I am a fan of athleticism and that evening was an artistic success and pleasure to be a part of. That being said, what left an indelible mark on my ears and soul was the music that came from the low lying stage courtesy of these youngsters called Bridezilla. Alongside that mark, I made a note to see them again at the next opportunity to do a sanity check on my ears.

Without a net, simply taking a chance to fly or fail, the Sydney-based Bridezilla took to the stage at The Annandale Hotel on a cold, windy night in Sydney. Comparisons and influences of other indie rockers and classic souls such as the Velvet Underground have been bandied about in the press. But what I heard during their vibrant set and made my ears perk up was the musicianship that each member of this band has. They’re developing a sound of their own after only being in existence since 2005. And yet, they all remain in their late teens with many years ahead to enhance the skills that they built at the Newtown Performing Arts High School.

With only a basic grasp of their songs in my mind, it was irrelevant whether you were a Bridezilla scholar or a first time punter checking them out – the outcome was fairly consistent throughout the pub. The sonic trip they took us on was joyful and full of life and it was the band as a whole shining and keeping us warm. But within Bridezilla, each player had moments to explore their artistry and musicianship as the set progressed.

Looking stunning in a long black glove and a striking black and silver dress, Holiday Carmen-Sparks worked her talented voice over the instrumentation laid down by the band. Josh Bush on drums and Pia May on guitar kept the Bridezilla motor running. The unique sounds of violin and saxophone as lead instruments in the same rock and roll band are what clearly make the sound of this group remarkable. Daisy Tulley (with her floral head piece) worked the room like an old time professional playing the violin as she danced and, jumped and even walked the bar while she sawed away. Millie Hall honked, blew and wailed on the saxophone while trying to retain the strapless top that accompanied her flowing skirt. They do have a fantastic image to go along with their unique sound and that does make for enjoyable viewing.

For such a chilly Sydney Saturday night, Bridezilla had not quite filled the historic Annandale, but it was a very good turn-out for a local band that has a very bright future ahead of them. But give them some time, let them develop (and finish high school) and their performances, style and music will be something to watch flower over the upcoming seasons. Watch out for Bridezilla’s next attack and catch their eponymous EP in stores everywhere right now. Pick it up and put it in a Brown Paper Bag.