Oh my! What can I say about the Spazzys? I sat down to write a review about The Shins, but all I could seem to write was “Spazzy Spazzy Spazzy.” I had resolved not to review anymore Spazzys shows, as I thought I was running out of things to say, and I’d clearly written about enough of them. But then came the single launch that swept me off my feet, and not sharing my story would be tantamount to Kerouac not writing On The Road (but not really).
I’m undecided why they chose the support bands they did. The first band, Red Cherries were okay. Spectacularly mediocre would be a fair description I suppose. With a penchant for screaming “ai ai ai ai ai ai ai” they provided some fantastic imitation fodder, but came off sounding a bit too “we want to be The Grates, but we’re trying to pretend we don’t.”
Osterberg were the main support act, and I usually adore seeing them live. This time they just didn’t grab me, though. They seemed to be playing because they could, not because they wanted to. They managed to pack the punters in, but didn’t know what to do with them. I can only hazard a guess that both bands were there to make the Spazzys look good, and they needn’t have bothered, the girls can do that on their own.
The last few times I’ve seen the Spazzys live, it’s been a bit hit and miss. Musically, they’ve blown me away. Their improvement, even since New Years Eve, is just unfathomable. They’ve weathered some ups and downs lately, but I think anyone that questions them should have popped over to The Evelyn to witness this. I know it’s early, and I’ll probably make similar statements every few weeks this year, but this has to be the gig of the year.
After seeing the show, there are a few points I’d like to make. Firstly, these girls are probably the best Melbourne has to offer. Honestly. After five years, they’re still oozing excitement and an unparalleled energy with everything they do. Secondly, if this show was an indication of the calibre that the rest of the tour’s going to take on, I suggest you go. It’s definitely worth it, and could just be history in the making for these Melbourne punks. And finally, I really don’t want them to go overseas. They’re going to leave a gaping hole in the live scene, and I’m not too sure we have anyone ready to fill it.
The first date of the new tour, and Melbourne’s single launch, expectation is always going to be high. As the band stepped on stage, decked out in matching black suits, and with Alice and Lucy sporting beehives, I knew we could be in for a corker. The band didn’t realise this was the single launch, so we missed out on some treats (new songs and go-go dancers), but there’s a promise that they’re on the way.
This was the ultimate Spazzys gig. They played everything. Everything they’ve recorded! Just everything! With the small exception of Steal A Kiss and Bye Bye Love, of course (Steal A Kiss is on the way, apparently). I couldn’t believe my ears, the girls just kept playing. Song, after song, after song. I thought they’d never run out. Paco and Marky (my favourite men), Sunshine Drive, Zatopeks, Action City, Shake and Twist, Party and Surfen Bird. Everything was there. The only dull point of the show came during their cover of Carbona Not Glue, which surprised me, it’s usually a set highlight. Perhaps this sentiment, that I know was echoed by others, is arising because the Spazzys have developed so much as a band? I’m not sure, but at this gig, their originals put everything else to shame.
As the band left the stage prior to the encore, I was left wondering just what they’d play, or if they’d leave us without an encore. But the crowd erupted into chants of “We want more!” which easily put that worry to rest. And so the band returned, and promised us a treat. What was that treat? I hear you wonder, wildly. Well that’s quite easy to answer – Alice stepped out from behind her drum kit, grabbed a microphone, and the girls ripped into their version of The Beach Boys‘ classic, The Wanderer. Just one electric guitar and three voices, it was an absolute delight, and those who haven’t heard it before were truly blessed last night.
The audience was fantastic, and the band played even better. Everybody was loving it. I really couldn’t have asked for a better start to my weekend, and I bet they couldn’t have asked for a better start to their tour. Long live the Spazzys!
