Amplifier Bar
Friday, February 13, 2015
Chainsaw Hookers are the big scary uncles of the Perth music scene. Their cross-over style manages to get the fans from punk, metal and rock scenes, and the turn out to their shows is always indicative of that. The Make Them Die Slowly launch was no different, and a decent crowd was out nice and early.
Bunbury glam rockers Crash Rat were up first and boy can these guys rock! They encapsulate the sweat and swagger of Mötley Crüe and Aerosmith with a healthy dose of heavy metal on the side. Crash Rat are proof that the concept of showmanship is alive and well, these guys just ‘bring it home’. There was a great audience reception, and it’s safe to say that if they weren’t a crowd favourite before, they are now.
The Shakeys were up next and they tore the place apart. The Shakeys have gained a reputation for a wild live show, and they didn’t disappoint. Fronted by Claire Hodgson the (usually) all girl band blasts song after song of aggressive garage rock. They had the amazing Caleb Entrails filling in on bass and it was great to see him on stage again. The Shakeys follow in the footsteps of some of the greats and much like the Saints or the Victims, they are a razor sharp act that left everyone screaming for more.
Emu Xperts tore through their awesome set but it was marred by their guitarist starting a fight with a crowd member. There is just no justification for violence and it just ruins an otherwise great night. It seems that the Bunbury crew were keen to Perth bands ‘how it’s done’ as Bläckwitch came out with a fury that was unrivalled. Bläckwitch float the line between hardcore and metal, doom and rock, a totally killer combination. They have a pretty solid fan base, and it will likely to continue to grow with each show being bigger and bolder than the last.
Before the boys in Chainsaw Hookers took to the stage there was a viewing of the video for the new single, Make Them Die Slowly. The violent and bloody Tarrentino-esque clip was an absolute delight, and managed to capture the attitude of the music in a really fun and amusing way.
After a viewing the Hookers launched into another one of their chaotic sets of thrashed out punk. Andrew Rowcroft is a wailing banshee with screeching vocals that cut through the bedlam like a hot knife through butter. There was a generous gathering of fans right up at the front of stage screaming and singing along with all their favourite tunes. The night was a lot fun, and the Hookers brought it to a close with the all of the energy and fury we’ve come to expect from them over the years.
DAVE MULLINS
