Posted by kluster on February 23, 2010
Last time Perth’s Kill Devil Hills played Sydney the city glowed through western red dust, this time a summer thunderstorm turned the night steamy and sub tropical and provided a perfect atmosphere from the swampy blues sounds of their new album Man, You Should Explode.
Sydney locals Wifey opened the evening with a charming and relaxed set from their debut EP Salt, Sugar, Fat. Rock pop tunes, with an strong dash of country, gently but surely warmed the crowd up. Andy Calvert’s vocals were full of lovely emotion and Kirsten Morley looked enchanting playing the melodica.
Tucker B’s were up next and kicked of with the spooky 'First Born Son' which made excellent use of some torch-under-chin/camp fire lighting. Screaming vocals and ferocious guitar abuse resulted in a big fat rollicking set. Spod’s Brent Griffin helped out on keys and clearly shares the band juvenile but endearing sense of humour.
Their unique sense of variety and up-yours attitude provided few dull moments.
A quick change is a good change and before we knew it a violin wielding Akubra was swaggering across the stage and The Kill Devil Hills hoedown began. They drew a seriously dedicated crowd who hooted and hollered at every aside, knew all the lyrics and were only to happy to boot scoot along when invited. The boys kept their lively set even more interesting, and showed their diverse talents, by switching lead vocals for 'Gunslinger' and 'Drinkin' Too Much'.
With whisky-tinged vocals and blues-soaked bass lines the band offers a much more diverse sound then your standard country fare. Their mix of heart felt lyrics and rock and roll candour created a real connection with their audience, its little wonder they have such a loyal and appreciative fan base, who I’m sure will see them returning to the East Coast soon.
Check out the above picture, and more, on the Kluster Gallery.
Were you at the show? Tell us your thoughts.
kill devil hills, wifey, tucker b's, annandale