Glasvegas, Belles Will Ring @The Hi-fi, Melbourne(24/07/2011)

Mon 1st Aug, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Gracing the stage first was the psych-rock stylings of Sydney’s Belles Will Ring. The Blue Mountains four-piece took to the Hi-fi with such an abundance of energy and vitality, that it became difficult to take your eyes off them, even if just for a moment. The band performed tracks from both 2007’s Mood Patterns as well as this year’s Crystal Theatre, sending each audience member on a hypnotic journey throughout their entire set. It was during the band’s final song though, where they succeeded in really captivating the crowd. From the moment the bass rhythm on Come North With Me Baby began, you couldn’t help but be drawn in. Layers of tambourine, trumpet and the vocals of Liam Judson were then added to powerful effect, before their brief but engaging set was brought to a close.

Arriving on stage around 10pm, Glasvegas immediately made an impression on entrance. The lights were dimmed as the band, including frontman James Allan who sported an 80s inspired all-white suit, took to their respective instruments. Straddling his fluorescent hose microphone with sunglasses intact, the only thing that came to mind was “rock star” – this guy was the definition of that. In fact, every member had their own sense of archetypal rock star style. Bassist Paul Donoghue, decked out in all leather with a matching rock-god stance, provided the heartbeat for every song. Lead guitarist Rab Allan almost mirrored the late James Dean with his rockabilly hair-do and rolled-up denim shirt, while drummer Jonna Löfgren, who preferred a standing, rather than sitting position, pounded the drums wearing a full suit, bowtie and yep, sunglasses.

Each individual band member had their own presence about them. But that’s just the thing – they seemed as though they were just playing as individuals. Well, at least, that’s what I saw. When you watch a band on stage, you can generally differentiate between the bands that are “one”, and those that play as one, but are present on stage as individuals. Glasvegas, in all of their rock star glory, were performing as individuals. It didn’t feel as though they were connecting at all on stage and ultimately, that was the biggest let down of the entire performance.

That aside, however, they performed for their audience and performed well. It was very give and take with the band that night – so much so, that at one point, Allan gave up his voice as the audience took full charge of dominating the vocals. When Allan did sing, however, it was hard to not be in awe of his vocal power; his live voice far dominating the vocals on any of the band’s recorded material. Indeed, the live settomg served to reveal a much heavier side of the band than on record.

With enthused punters screaming back the words to their songs, it was clear that the band were ever so grateful to know just how much people were truly enjoying their music. So while their live show certainly has room for refinement, Glasvegas nonetheless treated Melbourne to an evening of pure pure rock ‘n’ roll, and an enjoyable one at that.