King Cannons, The Rumjacks,The Jacknives @ The Tote,Melbourne (4/12/09)

Wed 9th Dec, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Talk about filling all killer, no filler!! Although in a way ‘filler’ is the right word, with the Tote bursting at the seams and the stage creaking from the multitude of band members galavanting around, all three bands on the night being quite notably member-laden.

Everyone in Melbourne knows the Jacknives, and if they don’t, they should. Right from the very first garage tinged hook there’s an overwhelming urge to get really stupid, maybe gambol around naked flinging masses of jelly all over the place in the surrounds of some groovy Austin Powers inspired pad… or I’m just a dork. Either way there’s not a soul that can resist movin’n’shakin’ with all they got.

Saucy front woman Kylie prowls around oozing sex appeal and raw, gutsy vocals, backed by sharp and dirty guitar riffs purveying an intensely catchy breed of swampy garage rock. If you dig shimmying, shouting and through the roof swankiness then the Jacknives have got the recipe for you!

I’m not sure there’s enough words in the English language to convey my feelings towards the Rumjacks. Without drawing any comparisons here, I’ve seen Dropkick Murphys live and I think I may just have had a better time with these scallywags from Sydney! Glance around the room and every single mug is lit up in euphoria throughout the whole set.

For 40 minutes life outside the Tote just dissolves away as everyone loses themselves in jigging, clapping and chanting along. Frankie Rumjack is one of the most engaging frontmen I’ve witnessed in some time, grinning and chuckling at the audience the whole way through, stomping the ground and belting out every song with hearty aplomb. There is even a rather touching serenade delivered to an audience member. Not a sliver of apathy here!

The wildest bassist on any ship, Johnny McKelvey, rips up the stage in a hyperactive and frenzied display, exhausting just to watch. But off course with material like Down With the Ship, Bold Rumjacker and I’ll Tell Me Ma it’d be madness not to. Their niche being that of traditional folk styled punk, convict rock and merry melodies, its an unexpected surprise when a couple of reggae flavored tunes hit our ears, including the magnificent cover of Bank Robber (made famous by the Clash). When the Rumjacks cross the border to Melbourne again in February with their hefty swag of instruments in tow, you’d best not be missing out.

The night did however belong to King Cannons. Following up the unbelievable energy of the Rumjacks could’ve posed a problem to lesser adversaries, but the King Cannons are a true class act. Being heavily drenched with reggae influences, their performance is decidedly more mellow than the previous two, but with all the energy well intact.

By this point the whole room’s a sea of heat and sweat, and it only intensified as spirits soared. This is music for warming up the heart and soul. If a band can be described as a utopia, then King Cannons are it. There is perfect harmony between all six members as they deliver their set with raw, unbridled passion. They’re performance persists with the restless, energetic swing of the night, and it isn’t long before immaculate attire is being stripped off.

Luke Yeoward leading the show is an impressive sight, tall, solid and sporting unflappably strong vocal chords he makes quite a contrast to the bouncy nature of the rest of the band, and its this that really makes the band stand out head and shoulders. There’s a real Sublime, early Rancid style approach to the songs, and blended with their New Zealand roots, its a damn catchy mix.

The poignant content in lyrics such as Teenage Dreams, Time to Yourself, Honey and the single being launched, Smoked Out City, would appeal to anyone, we can all relate and its a beautiful thing. Others like Gasoline and Taking the City are great for just losing yourself and having a good ol’ skank to.