Lady Strangelove, Like Leaves,The Rules @ Jive (14/05/11)

Mon 16th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Lady Strangelove have been on Adelaide’s ‘bright future’ list for a few years now with their sweet mix of physcodelic, heaving rock and effects-driven bass lines. Having recorded in California with acclaimed producer/engineer Sylvia Massey ( Red Hot Chilli Peppers ) in 2010, Jive was the place to be for the launch of their first single Sweet Exchange. The crowd was set for a belter. Strangelove were supported by The Rules & Like Leaves with the former playing to a scarce crowd first.

The Rules are a three piece local band with a style somewhere between Rage Against the Machine, Anthony Kedis and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Lead vocalist, and awesome front lady Carla Lippis, chucked everything she had at the small crowd. Constantly sprinting up and down the stage, with stage presence maxing out, she was determined to excite the audience. Her huge vocals cut through the tight and at times heavy guitar and drums. While at the the start of their set the crowd looked disinterested, and unappreciative, by the end everybody was moving. A wicked set from a band I want to see more of.

Next up were Like Leaves, another local outfit that have been creating a bit of buzz with their phys-rock/folk meddled sound. Vocalist/ Guitarist/Violinist and all round-sultry seductress, Juliet Hunter opened the set with her bellowing, Florence Welch-style vocals. The crowd was instantly drawn to her. As bassist Pat Saracino provided deep, thick walks, guitarist and fellow vocalist Dan Varricchio bounced from one effect to another playing off of Juliet. The real highlight from this set was drummer Ryan Manolakis’ obvious talent with the sticks. You could almost see his energy behind the kit. The track Fruit was a long drawn out physc-experience that left me wanting. The crowd had filled up the spaces on the d-floor and Like Leaves were the reason.

By the time I had re-fuelled, the hyped-up band was up on stage. Lady Strangelove has been a regular “you have to see them” conversations around Adelaide. I last saw them a few months back in an alleyway and was struck by the way each of the band members’ unique styles, gelled together in some trippy way.

With a backdrop of weird, acid fueled video clips, Devil Inside was the opening track. Before too long vocalist Brendan Shaw had warmed up enough for his high-register- Robert Plant style to shine. A classic Strangelove quality is the half-time breakdown, a move that makes their sound so huge. That and guitarist Josh Van Looy’s solos that can rival the rock gods.

Next was Staircase. And if the crowd had any doubts that they were there to see a rock band, those were smacked off their faces with this song. Bass player Azz Shaw’s effects were a stand out, with him and Van Looy playing off each other beautifully. Van Looy’s signature jig was in full flight and Brendan Shaw’s vocals hit full throttle as he bounced from the echo-mic.

Evolution Shoes was another highlight with Brendan Shaw picking up drumsticks and banging away on some bongos during one of their many breakdowns.
But as the songs blended into one big, sweet lsd journey, the title track from their dropping single Sweet Exchange began. Starting will howling guitar and synth, the beat started and Shaw’s vocals once again stamped authority on the song. Showing his versality, Shaw grabbed a harmonica and busted out.

Lady Strangelove are uniquely talented, they have a style that will probably see them destined for big things. Awesome show, but the best thing? They’re Adelaide’s own. Claimed.