with Strangers, Pat Chow
Thursday, November 17, 2016.
Metros City
Pat Chow took the stage and were straight into their lively set. These local lads have a furious grasp on creating well-crafted songs. Taking all the best elements of the 90’s era of Aussie rock, classic punk, combining it with moments that bring to mind bands like Dinosaur Jr, Marcy’s Playground, and local legends Ammonia.
The three piece threw themselves into the music and it was unfortunate that the crowd were slow to fill Metro City. These lads deserved more attention. Obviously not afraid to develop polyps on the vocal chords and get a few blisters on their fingers, Pat Chow not only have one of the best band names in local music, but the attitude and sound that equal it.
Sydney siders Strangers followed, greeted by a fuller dance floor. More along the lines of that beautiful school of Australian metal populated by bands like Butterfly Effect, Karnivool, and Dead Letter Circus.
The four-piece filled the venue with their lofty and beautifully brutal tunes. The themes of their songs worn clearly on their sleeves, acknowledging issues with anxiety, depression, and their dislike for the reputation for racism that their beloved home town of Cronulla has garnered in the past few years.
Looking around the venue now every level was full, the crowd was eager for the appearance of Birds of Tokyo, mobile phones at the ready.
Birds of Tokyo have been on the up and up since their release of their first album and have become one of Australia’s favourite bands, and with that popularity come the punters who insist on watching a concert through their mobile phone, held highest during each of the most recognisable tracks.
That gripe aside, Birds of Tokyo proved why they have taken that pedestal of an Australian favourite. Arming themselves with their instruments to a sonic intro that sounded like something from an 80’s. Steven King horror film. With recent comments from the band indicating a heavier tack on the new album Brace you could hear the differences throughout the set as they switched from the popular numbers such as Lanterns and Anchor, to newer tracks like Empire.
Birds of Tokyo have that knack of combining the heavier riff driven elements with carefully considered pop sensibilities, and vocalist, Ian Kenny, ties it all together with his iconic and versatile voice.
Tonight’s show was a great example of what the Perth music scene has to offer this country, if not the world, right from the grass roots with Pat Chow, to the successes like Birds of Tokyo. Even with the modern challenges Perth has, it has still got it after all these years.
Photos by Paul Dowd
