The Dolly Rocker Movement,Belles Will Ring, The AstralKaleidoscope @ Spectrum,Sydney (29/07/06)

Thu 3rd Aug, 2006 in Gig Reviews

A great gig is one that captivates the audience to the point that when it’s over you deliberate on where the time has gone. The pressures of a good gig are far greater than that of a recorded tune, as the audience experiences the music in the moment it is created. Not only must it be experiential, but also a gig must be visually stimulating, or otherwise, what’s the point? You could just listen to the record at home.

However, this emphasis on the performative aspect does not require a musician to turn into great a showman/woman with choreographed moves or styled outfits, but merely a connection with the audience and the belief that the musician is sharing his/her passion. A gig truly tests a good artist or band. The Dolly Rocker Movement’s album launch at Spectrum on Saturday the 29th of July was most certainly a great gig. As early as halfway through the first band, The Astral Kaleidoscope, the venue was packed to the rims.

The Astral Kaleidoscope engulfed me during their set and left me speechless by the performance of their final song ‘Lord Have No Mercy’. Only one of the seven band members had this performative aspect. The singer’s, Alan Solly’s, pacing back and forth, crouching and leaning into the audiences’ space was minimal but effective. It consequently took a while for me to adjust to the lack of visual stimulation and only when I did I had a full appreciation of their psychedelic tunes that were highly hypnotic.

Watching each musician individually was inspiring as they all had an intense passion for what they were creating. In particular, guitarist Luke O’Farrell’s use of distortion and delay effect pedals that made the blurred, echo and drone noises, and additionally his use of a slide guitar. The most enjoyable to watch and experience was the use of the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece where he fervently shook the guitar to get a fluctuation in pitch. All of this added to the drums’ beat was exceptional.

The following band, Belles Will Ring, were equally as impressive with their majestic sound. The energy in comparison to The Astral Kaleidoscope was enhanced and the crowd’s reaction had gone from a subtle sway to full on hip shaking and head nodding. On this occasion Belles Will Ring really blew me away. Only having seen them on a few prior occasions, they appeared to be tighter as a band and have more confidence. Liam Judson’s and Aidan Roberts’ earnest voices, with traces of folk, were truly captivating, particularly on ‘The Coldest Heart’. Though Jacqui Schlender’s solina and percussion playing propelled both sound and visuals. So engaged in the solina and whirling her arms in the air, she became enormously compelling. The solina (a polyphonic multi-orchestral synthesiser) completes Belles Will Ring and their original sounds, which were a perfect introduction for headlining band The Dolly Rocker Movement.

Launching their debut album, Electric Sunshine, Sydney four-piece The Dolly Rocker Movement packed Spectrum out to the point that people were dancing on the stairs. After a great set by Belles Will Ring, I thought The Dolly Rocker Movement wouldn’t be able to enhance the crowd’s enthusiasm, but I was clearly wrong. As they launched into their set with their garage/psych freakbeat tune ‘Go-Go Getter’, an excitement came over the crowd and no matter where they were standing, people just started to dance.

The Dolly Rocker Movement are visually enjoyable as each member of the band appears relaxed, light-hearted, friendly and down to earth. In addition, the charming, charismatic singer Daniel Poulter is passive and has a great rapport with the audience. Eavesdropping on my neighbours’ conversation, they praise the bass lines of Ricky Drabsch. Earlier this year I recall seeing The Dolly Rocker Movement with an additional guitarist. He gave them a different texture, a fuller sound. I query myself as to if losing this member was a good idea, however to see how many people who knew each word to every song, it appears that whichever direction The Dolly Rocker Movement go in, they can do no wrong.

The generally sorrowful country-tinged song ‘Sad Sally’ was played with more energy and vigour and was well received. Having seen The Dolly Rocker Movement on numerous occasions, their live shows continue to improve as does their sound and stagecraft. The launch of Electric Sunshine is a gig that will surely be remembered.