Wishful, Sounds Like Chicken,Nazarite Vow, The SundanceKids @ Fowlers Live, Adelaide,(07/10/06)

Tue 10th Oct, 2006 in Gig Reviews

It was always going to be an interesting night. A variety of genres covered in the line-up and Wishful playing their final show ever.

The Sundance Kids started playing to a moderate crowd that grew rapidly as people trickled through the door. An experimental, indie, acoustic three piece; they draw upon a variety of influences including Coldplay and U2. While there were moments of catchy, memorable melodies; towards the end of their set it started to sound all the same.

Nazarite Vow opened their set in complete darkness. It wasn’t until about halfway through the song that it was realised there was actually a technical problem. The only light came from random camera flashes which looked rather dramatic and theatrical. The band carried on regardless; but everyone was relieved when the stage lights came back on halfway through their second song Mistakes and Learning. Nazarite Vow were a complete contrast to the first act. Much louder, their screaming/singing act drenched in clever guitars and driving rhythms, remind me of Underoath. I only wish Dan Casey’s guitar solos lasted a bit longer.

Next to take to the stage were Sounds Like Chicken; while I am a bit of a punk rock fan I struggle to get into Ska, for whatever reason. Despite my thoughts, the crowd were quite into them. I could clearly see how audiences would find their tunes catchy and dance worthy.

Wishful emerged on stage to a huge cheer. From the start they were putting everything into this show. Their sound reminds me of early Blink 182 without as many jokes and sexual innuendo. During Chocolate Mousse, a crowd favourite where the band plays the extremely short song faster and faster each time, someone actually threw a tub of chocolate mousse onto the stage. Once again the stage lights faded out and didn’t come back on, but they carried on under ‘mobile phone’ light, until the stage lights eventually returned. Towards the end of the show, frontman, Carl, kept the drama to a minimum thanking the band, his wife and all the bands they’ve ever played with specifically the bands in attendance on the night. Cries for ‘Wishful’ went up almost immediately after they left the stage and they returned for a couple of final songs, including Cry Havoc from their latest and final EP, You Never See It Coming. With one final group bow, it was over. Their raw, genuine pop punk and humorous on stage banter will be missed.