MM9 @ Amplifier, Perth(02/10/10)

Tue 5th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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There’s never much doubt that an opening act won’t quite pull the numbers that the headliner will, but as I, Said the Sparrow came on stage at Amplifier on a music-filled Saturday night, the crowd of around 20 people didn’t affect the show they put on. They opened hard, loud and fast with a huge energy surge that continued throughout the band’s short time slot.

Singer Sean Hendry projected out his lyrics showcasing a strong vocal range with punchy songs and a voice that’s a positive and uplifting ‘wake-up-and-listen’ slap in the face. The guitarist Jason Shaw, put on a show himself; there is no stopping this guy once he hits the stage. The clean riffs reveal detailed guitar work but the amount of energy and passion that is streaming off him as he owns the stage over and over was enough to make any passer-by stop and watch. I, Said the Sparrow are without a doubt a local band to keep an eye on.

As The Siren Tower hit the stage the room filled out more and audience was lucky enough to hear some new music, as well as old favourites, as they announced they start recording on Monday. Many of the tracks were of course still unnamed but were delivered with a well defined strength and polished espionage that greets the genesis of the band’s roots/rock combination.

A stand out was a new song, King River, which had a personal story attached to singer Grant McCulloch and his hometown and was truly captivating on stage. McCulloch didn’t fail once in the singing department and the crowd was noticeably blown away by the deep, projecting vocals which bellowed throughout the music room.

As always Brody Simpson presented his incredible drumming aptitude that could draw in the audience with a simple beat. His work with the bassist was extremely tight, which let the music flow throughout Amps.

There were a few technical difficulties on stage but the humorous nature of these guys meant there was no bother or anxiety in the crowd who were producing relaxed laughs and lame jokes throughout the wait. It was refreshing to watch a band that is so comfortable in their musical capability where each successive song leaves the crowd more mesmerised than the last. Letter From the Edge of the Earth confirmed the talent of The Siren Tower, not just in the sheer musical ability but in the lyrical definition too.

There was a long wait between bands, but MM9 came on stage and went straight into doing what they do best, captivating a crowd and sending them into an electronic, rock frenzy. There was no introduction, and they sure as hell didn’t need one. The Sydney band stretch the boundaries of whatever genre they are defined as; they dance – literally, around the border of all hard rock, industrial and electronica.

Front man Dan Sutherland perfectly balanced his singing, laptop control and keys without letting one fault escape through his continuous energetic and enthralling stage presence. The Romeo and Juliet lyrics entrapped the audience for Tainted Love and Sutherland’s expressionistic performance shone through the colourful lighting till They Murder, where many fans found their voice and started singing along.

Ben Ellingworth could even put Brody Simpson in a corner when it comes to drumming aptitude. It was well beyond regular sticks on kits, this was an unstoppable force that was hard to tear your eyes from. He was a maniac on stage combining an electronic and acoustic set up which drove the band the entire night.

SOSOS was the song of show that produced a catchy singing session and was an obvious crowd favourite as the jumping mosh pit combined with a dance floor and headbanging into an epic audience response. Their final song, A Devil Once Said, built up slowly and powerfully until there was a musical explosion of intense rock with an electronic and definite Pendulum feel that vibrated through the band area at Amps extending, no doubt, through to the courtyard. MM9 came in with a bang and went out with a louder, faster and almighty dynamic performance.

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