Sick Puppies @ Ruby's Lounge,Melbourne (20/12/06)

Thu 21st Dec, 2006 in Gig Reviews

The Sick Puppies are no one trick pony and I think people should start realising that. Of course, for a majority of the country and even the world, we mostly know of them through their huge YouTube success via their Free Hugs video. Even as we speak, the video itself has experienced 8 million views so far and the hits continue to climb.

The Sick Puppies have been described as an internet band because of the freakish success of their Free Hugs video that was sound-tracked with one of their songs – It’s All The Same. However, this is a totally unfair label to give them. The Sick Puppies have been around for over nine years and in this time frame they’ve won Triple J’s Unearthed competition as well as moving to the United States to slog it out as a rock band. Obviously, it’s really only now that this three piece band are finally getting their dues. So it can’t be denied that the YouTube video has launched them into the public consciousness, onto TV and, subsequently, under the noses of record label executives. Furthermore, it goes without saying they’ve scored the biggest gig of they’re lives – playing on the main stage of The Big Day Out in 2007.

But if you thought perhaps the Sick Puppies were a one hit wonder or their YouTube inspired song might be the only thing they have to offer, you’d be very wrong. As the Puppies proved at Rubys, the band’s second only Australian show as part of their home-coming tour Hugapalooza, they were itching to get on stage. The moment the Puppies emerged, they instinctively grabbed their instruments and started rocking out raucously before announcing themselves to the pre-Christmas crowd of punters who had chosen a night of rock over crowded Christmas present shopping. A thrashing band as this was clear from the start (and from such a fast entrance onto the stage) that they’re here to stay. This is what they do best and want to continue to do – thrash around and rock the hell out of everything.

I was impressed with their cover from US mega RnB girl group, Destiny’s Child – Say My Name. It does go without saying that I didn’t think Destiny’s Child’s song was ever meant to be so, um, well, dirty. The Puppies tore up everything; every song they launched into showed you that these guys meant business and far from any assumed phase they’re going through. They have the songs and they have a sound that is heavier than even I expected yet not so unexpected from some of the older hardcore fans who were present and knew of the Puppies prior to their YouTube days. Lead singer Shimon Moore showed he has the chops to be the rock god he aspires to be. Not only in a vocal sense (he’s undeniably equipped with a powerful voice), but with his energetic presence on stage. It was almost like watching a hyperactive kid unleash their inner demons! Bass Guitarist Emma Anzai fitted right in with Shimon and Drummer Chris Mileski who also lent a hand to the energy levels and gave a great performance. The YouTube song, All The Same, was about the only remote slow song the band performed.

In conclusion, other songs you should listen out for include Asshole Father, My World and Deliverance as well as Headphone Injuries off their EP. If you get the chance, show some love by checking out the Sick Puppies and give them a hug while they tour the country!