As Sydney felt the full force of winter, the yearning to stay indoors intensified. It really was an effort to head to The Manning Bar, but fortunately once there, the good vibe and healthy crowd attendance warmed spirits up.

According to the Hell City Glamours’ website, they combine “the sleaze of Gun’s n Roses and Hanoi Rocks with the groove and swagger of Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones, adding a dash of ‘80s punk rock energy.” True to their description, they look every bit the part of Black Crowes-meets-glam, and sound equally like a fusion of the aforementioned. However, since stumbling on the music scene in 2003, their sound and look has evolved into something unique.

Fortunately I had the good fortune of reviewing their latest release; the self titled Hell City Glamours, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It became a staple part of my diet in the lead up to their Saturday concert. The glamorific foursome have done well in the support band stakes, having played for Paul Stanley, Alice Cooper and more recently Sebastian Bach on his Angel Down Under tour. Such experience ensured the boys had no cold feet headlining, and their presence onstage commanded respect and screamed of sophistication. They have fine-tuned their sound and every so often you’ll hear something that sounds like Gun’s n Roses or even a little Doom Fox, but it’s all the Hell City Glamours!

Vocalist Oscar McBlack was dynamic, swaying onstage in a fashion reminiscent of Steve Tyler as he churned out One Night Only and Flying Away. He looked every bit the part of rock star with his tattoos, chunky rings, glistening tresses and fat Gibson. His voice was smooth and broken up with crunchy undertones. The smoothness and harmony extended to other band members, who seemed in their element, enjoying the spotlight as they sang High Brow, Hey Man and White Trash, Hot Love. Guitarist Mo Mayhem made ‘cool’ appear effortless, as he expelled riffs with relative ease, accompanied by Jonny’s bass blues. To complete the act, drummer Mo Mayhem (true to his name) caused mayhem, pounding on the drums and having the time of his life.

It will take a lot to get me out again on such a cold night. Requirements are: sexy boys, great songs, dynamic performance and great vibe. Happily, the Hell City Glamours excelled in all these departments.