The Matches @ Fowler's Live,Adelaide (14/09/08)

Thu 18th Sep, 2008 in Gig Reviews

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Returning Down Under for their third tour in two years these US alternative punk rocksters are no stranger to the hard slog of touring and it has paid off. Supporting their third album, A Band In Hope, The Matches played a polished, fun and spontaneous show on a chilly Sunday night and those who attended were treated to a raucous night of musical chaos.

Once the match was struck Fowler’s was a blaze of fire! Front man Shawn Harris, has every element of a star, hitting the stage in extremely tight pants (only to be rivaled by guitarist Jon Devoto) ruffled shirt and Indian war paint strewed across his face, he set the seen early on that we were in for some sweaty rock that just made you dance. Devoto played blistering riffs on his guitar even though he was hampered with a broken finger, we were told later that it was an injury inflicted by the quiet, almost nerdy drummer Matt Whelan in a fight. Seeing a guitar being played with a single finger is really quite impressive. Newcomer Dylan Rowe fitted effortlessly into the band, having already known the existing band members for five years meant that his stage presence and banter with the others was natural.

Perhaps it was the fact that Faker was playing down the road or people have handed all their dosh over to the Carnie’s at the Adelaide Show, I still found it surprising that the venue was only half full. All I can say is, Adelaide you missed out. Those who were in attendance were obviously loyal fans as they danced, sung and chanted their way through the little over an hour set. You can understand why, these musicians created an atmosphere which was like an electric inferno.

I obviously didn’t get the memo but someone brought their own weight in glow sticks which where flung around the room, some morons even flung them at the bands often making contact and narrowly missing Devoto’s eye.

No US act these days seems to be complete without some level of political comment. The Matches kept this to a minimum but still made us fully aware of what a dangerous place America will be if Obama isn’t voted in.

Popular favourites were current single Yankee in a Chip Shop, What Katie Said, Wake The Sun and Salty Eyes was dedicated to “skinny boys and fat chicks.” Harris happily chatted to the crowd and was humble in his delivery however was a whirlwind of confidence when singing. The crowd interacted with them too, one lucky girl leapt onto stage planting a kiss on Harris before stage diving back into the adoring throng below. Even their roadie got a chance to shine, taking Harris’ guitar during Sick Little Suicide and busting out a hardcore triangle solo during the encore.

Perth group Calerway and local lads Amber Calling aptly supported. Amber Calling are good, they have loads of energy and clearly have quite a loyal local following however when put up against Calerway and The Matches it was clear they have a little work to do as vocally they were often week. With Calerway hitting the stage the room emptied somewhat but their punk edge and vigorous energy saw many a curious punter drag themselves away from the bar to check out what all the noise was about. These Perth boys are adding to the multitude of talented musicians to be coming out of the West and this being only their second visit to Adelaide, I’d imagine they will be here again soon. Do yourself a favour and check them out.

Harris’s war paint was fittingly worn as tonight’s gig was a blissful assault of music, the crowd may have been far from capacity but their energy and that of the musicians performing made us feel like we had just been to a stadium show.

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE