Bamodi, The Silents, AstralTravel, Jasper And Chris @Dada's, Perth (20/11/2010)

Mon 29th Nov, 2010 in Gig Reviews

It’s not just the record collection that is unique and diverse at Dada Records, it’s their often amazing gigs as well. In the garage behind the store lies a surprisingly high quality live music venue, as the shows that have happened there have quite easily proved. This time the attendees were treated to an impressive lineup of Jasper And Chris, Bamodi, The Silents and Astral Travel.

Quite probably making his live debut was the upcoming percussive talent that is Jasper and his friend Chris. Jasper is an early primary school aged drummer (Chris is a fair amount older and plays guitar) who blew the minds of the Dada’s crowd and his own special set of fans respectively. Yes, Jasper already has his own fans. Sitting at the front were probably the largest crowd of kids who have ever appeared in Dada’s. Jasper and Chris knocked out an entire set of instrumental rock n roll and the whole room had a blast. Jasper proved to be so rock n roll that not only could he bash his drumkit, but ALSO drink juice at the same time. Jasper and Chris were an unreal duo to watch, and if Jasper is as talented as he is now at his age, it will be interesting to see what follows in his future.

Most of the kids left afterwards (apart from Jasper, who stayed to enjoy the rest of the night), but they missed the absolute highlight of the evening. One word: Bamodi. Perth punks take note, THIS is how you play fast, insane music. Far more creative and original than an ordinary punk band, it’s almost an insult to call Bamodi a punk band as they’re so much more. Think of a list of ingredients including no wave, post punk and even a little Japanoise and you have Bamodi. The songs came fast and loud, Kenta (guitar/ vocals) screamed in his warped cartoon voice, and it was almost impossible to catch your breath. Those who weren’t impressed were obviously suffering from tinnitus issues. More local punk based bands should take Bamodi’s lead. Throw away your overplayed copy of the first (and overrated) Clash album, open your minds and give originality a shot. It’s worked for Bamodi, it should work for you too. Until then, they’re better than you’ll ever be. In short, a revelation.

Obviously, it would be difficult to follow a band like Bamodi but The Silents gave their best shot and it paid off. Spaced out and psychedelic, The Silents have vastly improved on what they once were. Now more experimental and absorbing, the band’s set made for a tasty third helping for the evening at Dada’s. Playing selections from their new album Sun A Buzz (quite an apt description for their sound), the Silents sounded phenomenal and delivered an excellent performance.

Last band for the evening were Astral Travel, who demanded everyone to stand up. Whether this made a difference or not is up to opinion, but Astral Travel’s set was still interesting to watch. Perhaps the most hipster orientated band of the evening, they played it cool throughout. Their heavily indie influenced music made for a satisfying, albeit short, closer and then another night at Dada’s was over. Let’s look forward to the next one.