The WAMi Awards @ Capitol,Perth (20/05/10)

Mon 24th May, 2010 in Gig Reviews

The line stretched down Murray Street, Perth’s musical elite and fans of the industry lined the pavement to see their favourite artists eat cake, and witness some of the fine local talent Western Australia has to offer. Club Capitol was a slight down-sizing from last year’s extravaganza at Metro City, but eventually everyone fit in snugly. Mentoring the night was Frenzal Rhomb punk legend and Triple J Host Lindsay “The Doctor” McDougall, he did a fine job taking the mantle from last year’s rock god, Tex Perkins.

The live line-up was varied, a little bit of everything; including Aussie Hip Hop outfit, The Black Poets. After offering the decks to The Doctor, DJ Reiko laid the beats down and the two front men rhymed their way through a pretty tight set. Seeming to enjoy themselves, the Poets requested the hip hop standards, “When I say hip, you say hop” chants, and even had the crowd participating with the “Put ya hands up in the air”, before rounding out their time onstage with At The Club, which had many a foot tapping.

A few mock awards were suggested by the Doctor, The Luke Steele, (we have no idea what you’re doing but keep going, we like it) The Ian Kenny (Yes, we get it, you’re awesome) and The Michael Johnson… everyone had a giggle and got set for the massive influx of performers on-stage that was The Brow Horn Orchestra

Nine musicians sprawled out on a rather tiny stage would be a challenge for any other band, but these guys were cool as cucumbers, and were the highlight of the night. Take Edward Sharpe and Magnetic Zeros, have them make love with the Cat Empire, and this funky little bunch is what would pop out nine months later. The only downer was an over enthusiastic percussionist who looked like he was having a fit; not entirely what you want when trying to impress music industry big wigs. On the flipside, the lovely young lady on the double bass, and the skins-man at the back were simply superb, well done.

After Thomas Ford bounded around stage adding a little sparkle to the evening (he wasn’t performing, or was he?) and Felicity Groom added some grace to acceptance speeches, Will Stoker and the Embers blasted their way through an energetic set. Looking like a possessed Johnny Rotten and sounding a tad Deep Purple vs Wolfmother, Will and the Embers burned the stage, even adding a little fear to the front row with a mock stage dive attempt, though most people by this stage were too boozy to know what was happening on-stage.

A most disappointing part of the evening was the booing and disrespect shown to the lady accepting an award on behalf of Soundwave for Best Festival. Many of the people in the room shouted out “In The Pines!” mid-speech.

In The Pines didn’t have Faith No More people, build a bridge.

Rounding out the evening was the heart-break story of the night; Sugar Army, with eight nominations and not even a slice of cake, the lads busted through a nice little set. Could this band be the next Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo, Pendulum or other success to burst out of our fair little state? Probably.

Another grand WAMi awards over and done with, and many a hangover to be nursed. WA really is a fantastic breeding ground for talent, can’t wait to see who the big guns are next year.

Full list of winners
WAMi Awards Photo Gallery