The Revs, Starky, The DollyRocker Movement @ The GaelicClub, Sydney, 04/03/04

Sat 6th Mar, 2004 in Gig Reviews

Getting to the front door of the venue at around 9pm, expecting a sizeable line-up considering almost all the music media in Sydney were agreeing that this was THE gig to see this week, I was suitably disappointed to learn that I almost got to wave myself through.

The Dolly Rocker Movement had just taken to the stage as I walked in and unfortunately had to experience the same fate that befalls many a first support – the echoing sound of an empty venue. Although having played a few support shows around Sydney of late, they did not seem terribly enthused to be up on stage this evening. I was pleased to hear the deceptively deep voice that comes from their sweet looking lead singer, but I don’t think his band backed up his performance. Taking into account the popularity of 60’s style rock at the moment all these guys need is one catchy tune to propel them, however I didn’t hear it tonight.

Starky bounded up on stage next, actively promoting the fact that they had scored a support slot on recent mystery gigs for Foregone Conclusion a.k.a. The Vines. Seemingly they have also picked up some of their habits, with the lead singer’s babbling between songs almost incoherent and band members trying to push each other over during the set. Having been around the traps for a few years now they are tight with their songs, including the popular track ‘Girl Talk’, and they put on a good show, but failed to really excite the now growing crowd.

Having seen the nervous clean-cut young lads from The Revs play last year at the Sando, I was impressed to see scruffy looking Rory Gallagher jump on stage with his bass and proclaim “Lets rock Irish style” with gusto, before launching themselves into their first 3 songs in quick succession. Gallagher and McIntyre (lead guitarist with long arms and legs that he doesn’t seem to know what to do with) have a great connection on stage that creates an enthusiasm that is freely passed on to the crowd. The Revs were so pleased to be up there tonight that they spent most of their set grinning wildly at each other and the audience. Within no time the previously subdued crowd were all tapping their feet and bopping along to the beats. There was even a group of guys moshing up the front. In a venue that is not known in my memory as having the best sound, the engineering was brilliant, with all instruments and both lead and support vocals clear for all.

For the punters not familiar with The Revs debut studio album, Suck, the guys threw in some familiar sounds, with the opening notes from Dee-lite’s, Groove is in the Heart, and a version of Moby’s, Honey, but they neednt have worried about trying to catch peoples attention, their current single, ‘Death of a DJ’ was a stand out and when all 3 boys got behind the drum kit to perform a very well orchestrated drum solo, now a signature performance at their gigs, the whole audience, even the most cynical up the back, were joining in the cheers.

The Revs have a way of getting the crowds going that few bands possess and would do exceptionally well on our summer festival tours. This was by far one of the best gigs I have seen at the Gaelic Club, and judging by the smiles on the faces of the people exiting the venue past me, I’d say I could say the same for many of them too.