Back To The Top feat FlamingoCrash, Galvatrons @ ThePrince, Melbourne (26/07/08)

Fri 1st Aug, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Halfway though Mirror House Antics’ set, the punters lined the perimeter of the Prince, except for a few people on the floor in front of the stage. The vocalist seemed a tad nervous, with a rather heartfelt thank you to the Galvatrons for letting them open. They sounded pretty much like a standard indie rock band and nothing very noteworthy happened while they were onstage.

Next up were Flamingo Crash who soon started the punters moving with their infectious bouncy energy. Vocalist Isaac Emmanuel was very well-spoken and they all genuinely seemed to be having fun. I was captivated by Isaac’s hair though. (How did he get his short hair that high, and make it stay like that? Few people will ever know.)

The Galvatrons hit the stage fresh from touring in London. This bunch of young guys sound like they belong in the 80s with the glam-rock set, and their success is amazing, considering they’ve been together only 6 months or so. One look around the room revealed who most people were there to see, the large crowd milling around the stage the most telling sign. Energetic guitar riffs and synth fed the excitement of the crowd, and the set ended with a number of people storming the stage, including the final band of the night, The Scientists of Modern Music.

TSOMM are just a couple of guys with a couple of vintage synths, vocoders and one guitar. Most of their stuff was pre-programmed, so they entertained the crowd with silly antics, and occasionally played with the equipment. That isn’t to say that it wasn’t enjoyable and I wouldn’t pay to see them next time they’re in town, because it was, and I would. They added to the vibe nicely and the night ended with a number of (possibly the same) people storming the stage yet again. I don’t think security were impressed.

Thus began the battle of the patrons to get to the doors of the venue and out into the fresh air, where it was generally agreed upon that the night was fantastic, and yes, we would pay to do it all again.