The D4, Sway, The Substitutes@ Spectrum, 25/01/05

Thu 3rd Feb, 2005 in Gig Reviews

Combine this with the knowledge that there is one mother of a rock n roll gig to attend and I was “off like a bride’s nightie”, high tailing it to Spectrum to have my eardrums ruptured!

While I headed up the stairs of the venue, I returned a Big Day Out VIP pass to its rightful owner (yes I am insane). I finally reached the landing. One look around and it became pretty obvious that the joint would be jam packed to the rafters within the hour.

In less time that it takes to drink a beer, The Substitutes were on stage and anxious to show the punters what cards they had up their sleeves. I don’t know if the Substitutes fall into the “supergroup” category, but both guitarist Simon Day (Ratcat) & bass player Sara (Nitocris) share a past, previously playing in well known Sydney bands. In their new outfit, it seems that three is the magic number of band members required. Simon is still a fan of the “pop” song but the band darken up the light side of the pop aesthetic, with moody tinges of angst and generous doses of black humour.

Simon looked comfortable with his blue Jaguar guitar, enjoying punishing it when he felt it necessary and taking on the majority of the vocals. Sara’s bass playing was the glue, adding her backing vocals to most of the songs. I did feel that Sara could be a little more prominent with her vocal volume and maybe that is something that will be gained with confidence. The drummer added his own frantic drumming style and showed the audience that he liked to be busy behind the kit. That was fine for some songs but I felt that he lacked the grace to add more dynamics to the songs by backing off the excelerator. Once he can achieve this, then perhaps the songs would become the dangerous indie pop classics that are remembered and not forgotten. The Substitutes were entertaining to watch and they received an interested and polite response from the punters. They have all the ingredients to be a great band but just need to tweak the recipe a little if they want to move past interesting, which isn’t quite the dish I ordered. Waiter!

By the time Sway staggered on stage, I was shoulder to shoulder with other gig goers in the crowd. Tight as a fishes bum so to speak. All eyes were on the nice haircuts, clothes, shoes and accessories. Front man Simon Meli had generated most of the female attention, prancing, pouting & stomping with the swagger of a cocky young Mick Jagger. The crowd appreciated Sway’s performance, especially when Simon removed his singlet after the second song. It was obvious that all members of the band were more than component behind their instruments. They had the look so to speak. The songs were very reminiscent of the 1970s. A little bit Rolling Stones, a hint of the Sweet and more than a dash of The Black Crowes. The crowd seemed to enjoy Sway’s performance but as their set ended, it crossed my mind how miss matched the support bands were on the bill, especially compared to The D4. It seemed a little strange andI wondered if the booker of the venue had made a conscious decision regarding the line up or if he/she wasn’t familiar with The D4’s garage/rock roots.

Still packed in like sardines, I was contemplating how long it has been since I had seen the D4 live? Got to be at least two years! Luckily the crowd didn’t have to wait too long for the D4 to hit the stage. They were primed and ready do some damage with their savage garage/rock beat.

They rocked, they rolled – they were outta control. Running riot on stage like a platoon of rock’n’roll soldiers. Each song in the set was fired at the crowd in fast succession. WHAM! BAMB! Dion resembles a little pocket Iggy that you keep close, but LOOK OUT! There’s plenty of Gimme Danger Little Stranger to go around.

As the temperature steadily rose, Dion decided to take as many rock’n’roll prisoners as possible by jumping down into the crowd and playing to the kids. Let the kids dance and they were hungry for it. They devoured every last scrap and wanted more.

More was what the crowd wanted and more righteous rock’n’roll gems was what was delivered. The D4 are the best pizza delivery boy you can get – knocking on your front door, crashing your party and drinking all your beer. The crowd was hot and sweaty, but no one was complaining. Beaver banged his drumkit as hard as possible, a mess of legs and arms doing their thing, and not once surrendering to the heat. Jimmy sweated, sang, attacked his guitar and screamed like a banshee. After more songs and Dion’s numerous more trips into the crowd, the set was over.

Good old fashioned hollering for more was just what Doctor Rock ordered. The D4 were back in a flash, delivering a blistering encore. Overall, the crowd was treated to a great mix of old and new originals. I haven’t even mentioned the four covers that blew my mind? Invader Ace by Guitar Wolf, Savage by Fun Things, John Rock by The Dogs and Sonic Reducer by The Dead Boys.

As the D4 left the stage for the second time, the crowd roared their approval. I was left hot, sweaty and as deaf as a doorknob. Like Sid Vicious at a drug convention – I wanted more and I wanted it now! All I can say is that I could not think of a better way to spend a Tuesday night. These Sonic Reducers aren’t no losers!

Streetwalking Cheetahs and Black Panthers – This is the SHIT! Get your grubby paws on a copy of the D4’s new release. Raw Power sure will be coming to those who testified tonight! That’s one hell of a Sake Bomb!