28 Days, Switch 3, Fistful ofNothing @ The Green RoomCanberra (15/12/2007)

Sun 17th Dec, 2006 in Gig Reviews

28 Days are a band well established and loved by Australian fans. Singles released over the
years, and there are plenty to choose from, have always been catchy and upbeat. Forever
finding their way onto stereo’s at barbeques and parties. Having never seen them live
before, I took myself off to The Greenroom to catch them on their Bring ‘em Back tour.

The first support act seemed unimposing to look at: four young guys with that fresh
faced look that youth carries, who sat in the shadows, quietly awaiting their time to perform.
But when Fistful of Nothing opened their collective mouths and started to play, the
crowd, and myself were riveted. Imagine early Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. Rage against the
Machine. Their sound conjures up images of 1970’s California, surfing, skating and balmy beach
parties. Halfway through the set, the songs took on a reggae feel. Displaying an absolute
natural talent for funk/punk rock, this band is one to watch out for.

I like Switch 3
more and more each time I see them. Sounding more rock than ever, last night’s set was
perhaps a sign of new inspirations and directions. The heavy emphasis on rock rather than
punk suits the band. Lead singer Maf’s distinctive vocals, with scattered howls are the perfect
accompaniment to the heavy guitars and pummeling drum beat. Switch 3 have a big
following in Canberra, due to their slick sound, their ever tight performances and a catalogue
of awesome songs. To the backdrop of a dark and smoky stage, the band’s performance was
powerful, high energy and had the crowd’s undivided attention.

It’s always nice to
finally see a band for the first time that already seem so familiar to you. 28 Days have
been around since forever and have released multiple killer singles over the years. This was a
fitting performance for a band that have cemented themselves indefinitely on the Australian
music landscape. What’s not to like about a band that do both rap and rock equally well?. The
band don’t appear to take themselves too seriously and they kept the crowd entertained from
start to finish with their humorous banter and a slick set.

Old school fans came out in
force to see 28 days and by the end of the set a mosh was in full swing. Vocalist James
Dunne and his boys didn’t disappoint. Feel good rock, impressive scratching skills from Jason
Howard on turntables, and the upbeat atmosphere made it a stand up performance.