Van She, The Ghosts, TheVendettas @ Annandale Hotel,Sydney (30/09/06)

Wed 4th Oct, 2006 in Gig Reviews

As I walked through the welcoming doors of The Annandale to watch Van She’s last home show for quite some time, I was greeted by the mildly angst-ridden sounds of The Vendettas. Their unpredictable and screechy sound caught both my ear and attention. Songs such as Neon were a highlight, however they were overshadowed by tracks which contained predictable chord progressions and glam-rock-like noise.

The Ghosts were up next, and I was especially excited to see them play for they had knocked my rather large socks off only days before at Newtown. One thing that had changed in the space of those two nights was the replacement of insecurity with confidence, especially in regards to the front lad, who now belched his lyrics down that mic like only he knew how. Their tunes are taunting and spooky, involving stalkers with familiar faces and I liked it. I liked it a lot. My friend said they were “snowman-esque . . . in a good way”. I gave an agreeing nod.

Maybe it was the lack of iron in my bloodstream or the alcohol in my system, but as I stood there watching the pretty lads of Van She play their instruments so erotically, I had an epiphany. I realised that it was no longer 2006. I realised that I had been transported in a Back to the Future type fashion; and the year was 1980-something.

Unlike Marty McFly, I was neither uncomfortable nor confused, for all my questions and insecurities were nursed by the intricate and melodic sound of sensible pop produced by the quartet.

As I looked around the room I noticed that the mesmirising effect that Van She had on me also hypnotised the sea of trashy trendy kids and 1980s revivalists.

As Sex City played, I was transported yet again, but this time to a filthy and masochistic fantasy, of which I was only released from due to the overwhelmingly loud and unified cheers and shouts of ‘Oh Kelly, you know I really love yea,’ which shortly followed.

That flowing bass, that sexy synth, that catchy guitar and those torso tempting beats were consistently brilliant throughout the set. But unfortunaetly, it was not meant to last forever, and despite a mild extension of their set which was much appreciated, it left me wanting more.

As Van She left the stage I rushed outside and looked at the sky in search and hope of lightning, for I wished to relive those mesmirising few hours once more.

Check out the photos from the gig here