MM9, Jericco, My Secret Circus@ Revoler, Melbourne(09/04/2010)

Wed 21st Apr, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Check out photos from Revolver here

The Revolver bandroom was crowded from the very start of the night when My Secret Circus took to the stage. It’s an animated performance from the lead man, Daniel Marazita, who dons a fighter pilot helmet and glasses for their last and most well known song of the night, Cold War Games.

As the crowd waits for the second performance of the night from Jerrico, the die-hard fans begin to move into position, obviously eager to get the best spot in the house. Jerrico begin with a Middle Eastern influenced rock track, as lead singer Brent McCormick moves around to the music just off stage to the right. As he saunters up to the microphone with a cheeky grin on his face, you get the impression that this is going to be a comfortable gig with lots of positive energy. Half way through the set, Brent yells out to the crowd, “Are you ready to get your groove on?” to which one patron enthusiastically responds, “Lets go motherfucker!”

Brent McCormick is exceptionally charismatic as lead singer. His clear vocals and emotional tonality make each song feel epic. All members of the band however, are able to claim there own space and hold your attention. Fetah Sabawi, who is in control of sonic tones and soundscape, is particularly energetic. It’s a very natural performance from Jerrico, who engage well with the crowd (just before the last track, Pile of Stones Sabawi randomly hands out his beer to a guy in the audience). All in all, a rewarding gig experience.

Once MM9 kick off, there is standing room only and it’s a tight squeeze towards the front of the stage. MM9’s refined, pulsing, electro-rock sound is as tight as ever. With the versatility to play at raves and metal shows, you never know what kind of gig you are going to get. What is generally a given though is the aggressive guitar playing of Kerry Foulke, insistent bass from Luke Ford, ever-faster and crazier drumming from Ben Ellingworth and world class frontmanship from lead singer Dan Sutherland. All up it makes for a potent stage presence from MM9. The Revolver bandroom isn’t the biggest venue around, but when MM9 have launched into their set, it feels as though you’re in a stadium.

Each MM9 gig has something new in there or the sound has morphed a bit, but rather than alienating the old fans, it seems to keep them panting for more. MM9 are certainly not just another rock band with synth. Their awesome drum and bass driven beats kept the whole room pumped up from start to finish. SOSOS, Living Dumb, Half a Mind and Drama Drama from their debut full length studio album, The Air Between, keep the crowd dancing. When old favourites Field of Gasoline and Disappear from View are played, however, the crowd nail every lyric. Surely a massive compliment for any band and a testament to MM9’s intense fan following.

Before MM9 begin their final song for the night, A Devil Once Said, Dan thanks the audience for celebrating the release of the new album with them and encourages fans to join the band for a beer and a chat after the gig. I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everyone present when I say that it was a total honour to be there.