Tourettes, Bob Sledge @Annandale, 13/03/04

Tue 16th Mar, 2004 in Gig Reviews

Unfortunately I didn’t make it to the Annandale in time to see Angel Ice and Dropmotive, If anyone would like to review or comment on these acts, please feel free to do so, my apologies…

Tonight Bob Sledge prove themselves to be experienced musicians, both in their rich sound and energetic stage presence. This isn’t surprising, as I don’t believe they have played a bad gig in over a year now. As Scott (with his smooth Chris Cornell-esque vocals) declares, there is a certain energy lingering in the Annandale Hotel tonight. Bob Sledge song intros are reminiscent of Kyuss- dirty and heavy riffs, setting us up for a journey into rock and roll heaven. Their songs then form a familiar yet original sound of their own; sleek, impressive and mechanically precise. Bob Sledge deliver some new material tonight, blending seamlessly with the oldies, reminding us again of the professional and established sound they have mastered. Scott entertains us as a confident and cheeky front man, it’s obvious he is enjoying himself, and this is also reflected in the rest of the band’s illuminated performance. It’s no wonder then, that Bob Sledge were initially offered the A Perfect Circle support slot in Australia (which they turned down for reasons beyond their control). If you would like an extreme dose of credible stoner-rock, do yourself a favour and take some Bob Sledge medication.

Punters quickly claw closer to the stage in preparation for the wrath of sound Tourettes are about to unleash. Seeing this band for the first time, gob smacked is almost an understatement in my reaction towards the lead female vocalist. Michele’s masculine voice, full of groans, growls and moans emulating a Phil Anselmo/Jonathan Davies hybrid, and her animalistic movements are raw and captivating. Although it is difficult to keep my eyes off this wild beast, the other members of the band also perform like polished “rock stars”. The guitarist plays fast, heavy and drilling riffs, accompanied by an effects pedal producing harsh industrial sounds. The drumming is tight and fierce, the bass lines torturous.

I am surprised to finally hear Michele speak into the microphone without gnarling, but as she poses a question to us all, “Who is your favourite serial killer”? I realise that her crude persona sticks like a leech whilst she performs. At one point Michele crawls up onto the bar, and leers above us- as fiercely sexy and powerful as ever. The energy and focus of the room is immediately directed towards her seductive ways. Tourettes’ overall performance tonight is outstanding, and I believe they are one of the most promising Australian Metal acts around. I would highly recommend seeing them before the hype catches on and you are forced to see them at Entertainment Centre for $50!