The Novocaines @ AmplifierBar,Perth (23/10/10)

Mon 25th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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Saturday night at the Amplifier Bar was the much anticipated launch of The Novocaines fourth EP, Courtesy Eventually and began with a fast, high energy performance from The Decline; a punk four-way band who started the crowd filtering in with songs like Oh, Fuck and I Killed the Trend Scene from their recent album I’m Not Gonna Lie To You. The Decline were a hit with the audience, many who had not seen them perform before, with their vigorous punk rock performance and fast, hard-edged music earning them more fans. This is a punk band at its glorious best, yet they are really quite nice and friendly.

Next up was the new and improved line up of Hunting Huxley, which now includes Mitch McDonald (The Love Junkies) on vocals/guitar and who gives this awesome Led Zeppelin-esque instrumental rock band the vocals that were previously missed. These guys were received by loud cheers from their own loyal fans and got a few of the punters up on the dance floor as they played an awesome set. Another rapidly rising star of the Perth music scene whose music was reminiscent of a ‘70’s psychedelic rock band, which the crowd could easily have believed they were experiencing.

And then, the band everyone had come to see, The Novocaines exploded into their set with Something to Someone, followed with Lovers Teeth and Would you Ever. The sound was tight and exciting and the dance floor was soon a swarm of devoted fans. Corey Marriott was at his sublime best; whipping the crowd into a frenzy, ably assisted by brother and guitar dynamo Jay Marriott. Jay was nominated for WAMi guitarist this year and it is only a matter of time before he pulls out the big one. Newest member of the band, bassist Karlin Courtney provided a solid beat which enabled Steven Turnock to switch between the flat-picking grooves and manic lead that he is best known for. Liam Young once again proved why he has retained the attention of live music critics across the country with his intense drumming style driving the engine room of the band.

The Novocaines continue to execute enhanced performances with each gig they do. Lead vocalist Marriott doesn’t stop moving for a second and it was dizzying trying to keep up with the performance. He has the “swagger of Jagger” but, if Michael Hutchence (who oozed an unfathomable style of cool charisma) had produced male offspring, Marriott would have been it.

The Novocaines have been on the Perth music scene since 2006 and were unearthed by Triple J in 2009 with the release of their rockin’ track Cup of Coffee. Soon to follow was the launch of their Ragdoll EP, which sold out the Amplifier Bar and subsequent three pressings of the CD within weeks of its release.

They have a strong following with the Perth crowd thanks to their explosive sound and captivating, fast-paced shows. Everything these guys put out or do just gets better and better and they have quickly gone from a country-town garage band to become one of the coolest and most original outfits in the current music scene. Will their latest EP Courtesy Eventually be the one that finally gets them the international recognition they deserve? It’s worthy.

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