Bushfire Benefit Gig @ TheBakery

Fri 6th Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

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Twelve acts featuring some of the best of Perth music at one of Perth’s most unique venues playing to a sold-out crowd – and all for a good cause. Great music and a sense of community spirit – what more could you ask for on a hot and humid Saturday night? The night was split between a stellar lineup of Perth bands on the main stage and solo acts who performed in the smaller side room.

Starting the evening was Hayley Beth, who filled the cosy Bakery side room with her big, raspy voice and rootsy sound. Playing to a group of earlybirds scattered over the floor of the intimately-lit room, her unpretentious music was a nice way to kick-start the gig, although she seemed uncomfortable in the heat.

Kick-starting the main stage was The Scotch Of St James, formerly known as the Slim Pickins. Now with a less like a hillbilly bluegrass name, the band fortunately did not also lose their penchant for catchy rock riffs.

The hauntingly-elegant Felicity Groom was the second act in the solo room. Swapping between the guitar and the chromaharp, Felicity Groom was charismatic as always, playing songs off her recently-released EP Treasures, including a fantastic version of _Criminal.- If you haven’t been exposed to Felicity Groom’s dark folk songs, you are missing out on an unique talent.

After a short break where DJs spun some music to punters searching for the slightest hint of a cool breeze in the beer garden, a typically sullen Kill Teen Angst took to the stage. Aside from the mouldy hat that threatens to grow legs and walk off the head of guitarist/vocalist Scott, Kill Teen Angst was not particularly interesting. It was hard to decide whether they were an indie band trying to sound pop, or the other way around.

The night then took off with a psychedelic double-whammy of The Silents and Tame Impala on the main stage. The Silents took to the stage first, playing a set consisting of new songs. While their last album, Things To Learn, was a mild mix of psychedelia with garage pop, the new version of The Silents (including a new drummer) sound as though they have been warped from the late 60s, at the birth of psychedelia. With wild swirling sounds and a more confident stage presence, The Silents rocked the Bakery and promised exciting things for the future.

During another break between the bands, punters again flocked outside to the beer garden and some were treated to the entertaining, if bizarre, spectacle of the silent disco. Seeing people twisting and jumping enthusiastically to music only they could hear through oversized headphones is a hilarious sight.

Squeezed between The Silents and Tame Impala was KT Rumble in the solo room. KT Rumble is more known as the lead guitarist in Abbe May and the Rocking Pneumonia (and for those , but has recently struck out on his lonesome. In contrast with the blues explosion of The Rocking Pneumonia, KT Rumble sounds like an indi hero from the 90s, in the vein of Jebediah during their heyday, complete with nasal delivery. While his guitar work is stellar, his vocals let him down but it was still an entertaining set delivered with attitude.

Tame Impala have been making huge waves lately, especially with songs like Half Glass Full Of Wine and an upcoming tour of the UK. By the time Tame Impala made an appearance, the Bakery was packed and the band did not disappoint with a great performance. For the night, Tame Impala expanded into a quartet with Nick (from Mink Mussel Creek) helping out on guitar, then expanded again with table drums and shakers.

Tame Impala also sound like a band that has been warped from the 60s, at the advent of fuzz-out psychedelia. They also have a funky twist, coupled with infectious grooves which makes people tap their feet and gyrate their hips. Their cover of Remember Me received a big reaction, as well as Desire Be Desire Go. Playing for over an hour, the band ended the set with the three members swapping instruments and showing their versatility and talent as musicians.

The Bushfire Benefit was a great night for all concerned, and it was a fantastic way to appreciate the variety and talent in the local scene, and help those affected by the recent bushfires.

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