Muscles @ Spectrum, Sydney(20/10/10)

Mon 25th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Ah summer. It’s what we’ve been waiting for. Ahead lies bountiful music festivals, boat parties and spontaneous garden parties. The world just seems a better place to be as you become the yes man to anything that spells F.U.N. And it was with intrepid excitement that we weaved our way through the noodle markets to Oxford St for a secret party hosted by FasterLouder.

I was intrigued to hear what Muscles would be bringing to the table with his new. The intimate setting of Spectrum also allowed for an up close and personal experience with someone who I had previously only known through the airwaves or as a blur on the festival stage.

The bar was bright blue and despite some average tracks being spun in the build up, the over lit neon light reflecting off 15+ disco balls directly into my eyes kept me awake. There was an eclectic mix of humans present, ranging from pony tailed army fatigued hipsters, under age Asian girls and two amazing dorky Dutch guys. Imagine a frat party scene from Road Trip and you’re close.

The crowd were psyched as Muscles tripped onto stage, bless him. A short introduction later and he was into his set, a little bit like Karaoke with echo effect we gave him the benefit of the doubt and watched as he bounced around wooing the crowd, especially the front line who we believe represented a lot of his friends. Regardless people were having fun, especially the Dutch Dorks who were waving their hands high bouncing around until they were dragged to the centre to continue… waving. Muscles’ was embracing everything about being on stage and was quite literally soaking it up, mainly in the armpit area. But did he care, hell no!

A Pete Doherty-esque swig from his hip flask made me almost admire this mans blind faith in his talent. For all the unsigned talent out there in the world, I found it difficult at times to stomach the quality of this show. However, as a one man band minus any props on stage he sure was no wilting flower. The grand setting of the festival stage with throbbing crowds seems a more fitting place for his energy.

Check out the photos from the gig