Intercooler, Numbers Radio @Powerhouse, Brisbane(08/03/09)

Thu 12th Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Arriving at the Brisbane Powerhouse just in time to hear a well delivered live version of the Triple J high rotation single Come On it is clear by the crowd’s reaction who the punters are here to see. Made up of members of local heavy weights Resin Dogs, Afro Dizzi Act and Blowhard, Numbers Radio are a force to be reckoned with, their high energy rock reminiscent of early Grinspoon and several Burning Heart Records releases.

With song tittles such as Fire, Hold On Tight and Automatic it is easy to see how this band was a perfect addition to the Quicksilver Pro Show held on Saturday as their sound could easily act as the backing soundtrack to an extreme sports DVD. Having said that it is also this same quality which makes this reviewer feel that aside from their catchy single Numbers Radio’s appeal may restricted to the “fist pumping, teenage moshpit inducing” crowd, which may just work for them.

Next up are Intercooler. It has been a long time between drinks for the local boys and with original drummer Damon Cox currently overseas fulfilling his duties as the other half of Indie darlings An Horse, it is up to Screamfeeder’s Dean Shwereb to step in.

By this time some younger members of the audience have moved on and are suddenly replaced by even younger ones many of whom are here with their Gen X parents who clearly remember the days when The Valley was still cool and Intercoolers Old School is the New School was Brisbane’s best kept secret.

Fast forward 8 years and the band’s catchy songs still manage to grab the attention of the crowd and while vocalist Phil Ballantyne nasal delivery is at times distracting this is clearly a band confident in their sound and with a repertoire big enough to make their presence felt.

Maybe it s the transitional period the band currently experiencing or maybe its just hot humid weather of a Sunday afternoon but something seems missing from today s performance. What will the boys have in store for us in 2009 remains to be seen, Watch this Space!