Mammal, Electric Mary @ YahYahs, Melbourne (05/05/2009)

Sat 9th May, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Melbourne’s finest live rock acts, Mammal and Electric Mary came together for a very special night to raise funds for the Fitzroy Legal Service.

As this was a gig supported by Musicians Against Police Violence (MAPV), opposition to the event was bound to crop up at some stage of the night. Going by the previous event, which was held at the Ding Dong Lounge, receiving hasty email at 5pml from the boys telling punters to head down to Yah Yahs, as opposed to the previously advertised Tote was no surprise to many. The official reason given was that the Tote’s liquor license was pulled late that afternoon.

Politics aside, even the change in venue could do little to stop punters, as they filled the room to the bemusement of locals who had no idea that the gig was taking place. The lines of curious public who were turned away from the venue peering into the windows were soon obscured by the windows fogging up.

Electric Mary jumped on stage first, and whilst they were a tad older then the median age of punters, they sure as hell rock a lot harder. Setting the tone of the night, Electric Mary proceeded to blow the roof of the venue, blending huge, fat drums; driving bass lines and scintillating riffs into their trademark dirty rock sound.

Whilst each and every member of Electric Mary are amazing to watch in their own way, guitarist Irwin Thomas definitely warrants a mentions as perhaps the most captivating member on stage. Antics play no part in his performance as everyone is more then happy to bask in the pure genius and skill of one of Melbourne’s best.

Mammal are definitely one of the premier live acts kicking around the scene, but they are yet to let that reputation get to their heads – guitarist Pete Williamson was overheard saying ‘I’ve got to go do stuff’ shortly before jumping on stage.

The too small stage limited the usual antics consistent with a typical Mammal gig, meaning that frontman Ezekiel Ox spent almost as much time off the stage and in the crowd as he did on stage – one of the prime benefits of using wireless gear.

To shake things up a little, songs were drawn from a hat by members of the audience, leaving the set list purely to chance. As a result, old favourites such as Dionysian, Push and Shove, Hollywood Shrine, Slaves and Groove Junkie made an appearance, and Maker was drawn out with an extended jam, with Irwin Thomas from Electric Mary replacing Pete on guitars.

Mr Devil gave the band a chance to breathe as the room was once again overheated, the foggy windows masking any visuals of the outside world.

Live classics such as Nagasaki in Flames, Hell Yeah and Think rounded out the night, as well as new track Tempo and the Groove.

By all means, the night was a success for many. Not only did the capacity crowd ensure a decent amount of funds raised for the legal service, but it was also a chance for Zeke, on behalf of MAPV, to spread the word and keep everyone up to date with upcoming projects.

As for the show itself – it doesn’t get any better then this.