Following up on the outstanding success of their latest album, Be the Twilight, Faker are back and touring most of the country, with Sydney band, Sparkadia in tow. It’s shaping up to be a huge tour, with people from all musical walks-of-life flocking in to see what all the fuss is about.

The second show of the tour hit Metro City, Perth on Friday night, much to the delight of long-time fans and newcomers alike. Considering the mainstream popularity of Be the Twilight; the expected Nova-contingent was there in force; drunk and raring to hear “you know, that This Heart Attack song.” Worthy of special mention, was a particularly rowdy pink-shirted man, sporting a very impressive four drinks at once, which he purchased and then proceeded to tip all over everyone within a three metre radius; he then started at least three different fights within fifteen minutes. While these experiences aren’t what one hopes for, they certainly make a night memorable, and serve to remind us why some people really shouldn’t be allowed to drink.

Disappointing crowd behaviour aside; the show itself was nothing short of amazing. The unstoppable energy of vocalist Nathan Hudson, running around the stage, jumping off fold-backs and falling to the floor, was like an energy IV drip for the crowd, which at times was sorely needed, as some people were obviously only waiting around to hear the few songs they knew. For the rest of the crowd, the happiness just kept flowing, as they delivered so many unforgettable musical moments. Besides their two latest singles, the best of the night would have to include Hurricane, Quarter to Three and an amazing, passionate rendition of Love for Sale. They also treated the crowd to a sneak preview of the upcoming Easy Beats tribute album, with their cover of I’ll Make You Happy. If this track is anything to judge the album by, it will surely be turning up on a few people’s wish-lists in the near future.

The band was accompanied by a quaint little cartoon of a forlorn skeleton wandering the streets; passing burning cars, falling in love and fighting with other skeletons. It’s nice to see bands living in the now and making gigs a multi-media experience. Of course, there is always the danger that fans will be distracted by the TV; which demands our attention, but this certainly wasn’t the case for Faker; it merely added another layer of meaning to the music.

Hudson is a fabulous front-man, not just a vocalist/guitarist. He kept the crowd rapt for the entirety of the set, a skill which he seems unaware that he possesses. Whilst various band members were changing instruments and re-hydrating, he was left to fill the brief gaps; he turned to the crowd saying, “I never know what to say, this is awkward… it’s kinda like being on a date..” a statement which flowed effortlessly into the next song, without any of the feared awkwardness in sight.

“But what about Sparkadia?” you ask. Well, after the world’s longest sound check, Sparkadia finally came on and treated the crowd to a great show. It would be surprising if we don’t start hearing them on high-rotation on commercial radios by the end of this tour, considering all the new fans they have made for themselves. They’re heading back over to Perth at the start of November to promote their debut album, Postcards; if crowd muttering is anything to go by, it’s likely to be a sell-out show!

This little gem of a band has been quietly bubbling away on the indie scene for a few years, picking up loyal fans, who have been patiently waiting for the release of their debut album. Well it’s here, and big things are on the horizon for Sparkadia very soon. Their music is rich; full of sweet harmony and heart-pounding drums, building crescendos, and gentle lows. As a bonus, the band looks great too, with lead vocalist Alex Burnett, sporting a very funky 1950s ducktail and guitarist/backup vocalist Tiffany Preece a stunning surprise to see on stage.

Taking the opening slot on Friday, was one other act that is definitely worth a mention. If you ever discover a new band that you like, in a support slot, don’t assume you can look up who it was when you get home. Find out the name of the band or you’ll forever have to refer to them as, “That funky band that reminded me of the Gorillaz, with the lead singer who wasn’t scared to wear a purple hoodie”. Whoever this act was, big things are ahead for them; if anyone can tell us who the band was; please, please leave a comment!