The Valentinos, Central DeliBand, Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire!@ Rocket Bar, Adelaide,(15/12/06)

Sun 17th Dec, 2006 in Gig Reviews

The night kicked off with a blistering set from up and coming locals Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! Playing for the first time since their EP launch, they ripped up the stage with their own brand of energetic post punk with the intensity of DFA1979 and dancey grooves of The Rapture. The crowd was less appreciative than the last time I saw them which is expected from the first support slot. They showed there versatility with their synth heavy track I’m Here, Where Are You? that reminds me of Interpol’s most atmospheric songs. The night ended with the twin drumming, a theme that would continue throughout the night, on the infectious song hounds. 

In between sets the Drop Out Boogie djs kept the tunes pumping with a set packed with “new rave” floor fillers. I think special mention must go the inclusion of dance by the obscure punk funk group ESG.

The next band for the night was the genre hopping experimental wonder that is the six piece Central Deli Band. They create aural maelstrom of interwoven synthesizers, screeching guitars, break beat drumming and iPod sampling. Added to the confusion was the bands penchant for swapping instruments. Their synthesizer was played by no less than half the band at different times. Their set was only hindered by sampling failure when the entire band had abandoned their instruments to dance on stage this left several moments of embarrassing silence. However the madness continued unabated, culminating in a three way attack on the drums and several members  of the band  wandering into the audience to start a dance circle during a mash up of Bob Dylan’s Lay Lady Lay. 

I had always wanted to see The Valentinos but I had missed them at least three times this year so my expectations were high for this band. They did not disappoint. They had an electrifying set of dance punk complete with angular guitars, cascading synths and frenzied drumming. Their newer songs are heavily influenced by shoegazing bands like My Bloody Valentine creating more atmospheric songs. No set this night seemed to be free from technical problem in the case of the Valentinos the kick for their drum broke. Luckily they were saved by F!SR,F!’s drummer who shared his. While the new kick was being installed the drum was played by other members of the band as they continued to play. Hopefully, they will be able to maintain their momentum with such riveting performances as they embark upon their packed schedule of thirty shows in the next four months across four countries.