When one ventures to The Factory in Enmore, more often than not the stage is graced by relatively reserved bands and cupid voices. On Friday February 27 however, Hell City Glamours seemed to burn a hole through that invisible wall that often separates quiet acts from their audience. The Glamours made an impact.

Even for someone like me who finds it hard to appreciate the “rah-rah” of heavy metal muscles, watching Hell City Glamours kept me entertained to say the least. It was also quite invigorating to watch a group of guys that genuinely seemed to be playing for music’s sake. Don’t get me wrong: The Glamours endorsed their fair share of stage – œrazzamataz’. They are, after all, known for glam infused rock-punk-billy-blues, and this melting pot of musical styles definitely infiltrates their choice of attire. However one can see these boys are more concerned with playing a tight set and providing a memorable performance rather than looking cool. Although luckily for them, they were able to do both simultaneously.

After seeing HCG live, the album seems almost too polished. The guttural vocals of Oscar McBlack – as he slipped in psychedelic dance moves between riffs – really suited the raw sound of those head-banging guitars far better than the squeaky clean voice that comes through in recordings. Though I still don’t understand why Aussie acts often sing with an American accent? Towards the end of the set I began to tire of their repetitive body language that screamed, “I AM MAN!” I couldn’t stop thinking, “Yes, I can see that and I don’t care – get on with the set.” However their song White Trash, Hot Love suggested it was all a bit tongue in cheek (I hope).

It’s always entertaining watching people hurl themselves across the stage and thrash themselves on instruments. They got the crowd going and were tight to a T. All in all, while their Factory gig was officially dubbed – œA Night In Hell’, after seeing Hell City Glamours live, I’m sure a lot of people wouldn’t mind being sinners.