Razorlight @ The MetroTheatre, Sydney (29/01/09)

Tue 3rd Feb, 2009 in Gig Reviews

I remember the Saturday afternoon when off a whim I decided to purchase a CD that I knew nothing about: Razorlight’s Up All Night. “Why not?” I thought. “The worst that can happen is it will end up in the pile neighbouring Smash Hits 96 and Hit Machine 28 and amongst other CDs that have retired from rotation.”

It was this Saturday afternoon that I stumbled and fell for Razorlight and their arrogant brand of rock – œn’ roll. Since that day, I waited and waited and waited for the Anglo-Swedish boys to dignify Australia with their presence. Four years later, they played their first-ever Australian show at the Metro Theatre in Sydney. It’s about time.

After much anticipation, Slow Down Honey was announced as the support act. Central Coast born and bred, SDH were overtly overwhelmed by the welcoming response from Razorlight fans present. “This is the first time we have played to more than 10 people,” remarked frontman Alex Bennison. Their genre defying set had the place almost full. Crowd favourites You Let the Whole World Down came with a reggae flavour and a cover of Brass in Pocket got the crowd dancing. SDH undoubtedly scored a cohort of new fans. These – œCoasties’ are definitely one to keep your eye on.

With a sold-out Metro Theatre, eager for some long awaited Razorlight-love, it was no shock when a deafening cheer was roared on their arrival. Collectively, every girl in the room fell weak-at-the-knees when heartthrob Johnny Borrell strutted on stage. They launched into their set with Back to the Start, Burberry Blue Eyes and In the Morning, pleasing long-time fans.

The set comprised a pleasant mix of old and new. Don’t Go Back to Dalston got everyone in their groove whilst Golden Touch put the crowd’s vocal into full swing. Political ballad America echoed through the theatre, which transitioned nicely into new single, Hostage of Love.

With a set-list 19 songs long, there was little time for casual banter and crowd interaction. It was like the perfect one night stand: no talking, just all action and utterly satisfying. Johnny Borrell wooed all in attendance with his conceited yet charming persona and musical charisma. The frontman’s vocals were something special live. His range exceeded my expectations and it was complimented perfectly with drummer Andy Burrows’ harmonies. This was particularly prominent in Wire to Wire.

As their danceable set drew to a close with Rip It Up, the Metro reeked of sweat, booze and rock – œn’ roll. The encore began with a stripped-back, sing-a-long of Stumble and Fall. Razorlight buffs still had a few moves left in them, lifting the roof off with You and the Rest and Somewhere Else to close.

I can confidently say that Razorlight will never be summoned to the back of my CD stash. And as it turns out 2009 may be the year of Razorlight, with the boys returning to play V Festival and sideshows. After that, maybe we’ll see you in 2013?