Pilerats’ 8th Birthday @ Jacks Rabbit Slim’s
w/Lo, Tether, Coterie, Dulcie
Friday, October 2, 2020
Perth based music and arts website Pilerats turned eight this month and to celebrate they held a mega gig celebrating the best known and up-and-coming local artists the state has to offer. It was an eclectic and talented selection of Perth’s finest that was a proud testament to the continued survival and success of the music and arts scene and a Western Australian media success story.
While generally known as a club venue, Slim’s makes a great space for live music. Spacious, airy and with an aura of festive spirit, the Pilerats team chose well. Opening the evening was the group Lo, the solo project of Flossy singer and guitarist Lauren O’Hara. Accompanied on stage by a full band, Lo delivered a set that pivoted between moments of quiet thoughtfulness and pulsating indie rock Riot grrrl energy. Her new single Floating has already amassed nearly half a million streams on Spotify from listeners around the world and, seeing the band live, it is not hard to see why. Lo is definitely one to watch in the coming months. The music has a quiet ferocity which is sure to make people sit up and notice.
Next up was Tether. An alternative rock group that mixes electronic and synth sounds, they gave a pulsating performance that felt like a natural transition to up the intensity of the night to a rapidly filling Slim’s. Tether play with a vulnerability and darkness in their music that grips your attention whether you are already standing in front of them mesmerised or you’re ordering a drink at the bar. Either way, you were under their spell. Songs like Separate and Unravel showcased the band at their live best. Loud, energetic and unforgettable.
If you thought it wasn’t possible, somehow Coterie brought an even extra level of enthusiasm to the night. Their unique blend of music has elements of rock, pop, soul, RnB, and a mixed bag of other elements and genres, all with its own spin. The band has Gang of Youths similarities in both style and sound. With big guitar, big beards and big music, they held an immense presence on stage. With an already strong showing on social media it’d be no surprise if they’re not soon to be noticed as one of the state’s, or the country’s, most promising upcoming acts.
Perth mainstay Dulcie marched up to conclude the night bringing their totally recognisable and completely unique blend of guitar-driven, flower-power insanity. As usual, they delivered a performance that was fun and had the dancefloor alive. COVID-19 has been particularly tough on a band like Dulcie trying to break out into the Australian scene. They’ve had to reschedule tours around the country with Ocean Alley, putting their inevitable rise to mega stardom on hold for a little while. Nonetheless, their usual infectious sound and unbreakable onstage presence was out in full on Friday. Concluding their half hour set with Spotify hit, Fall that had every person in the venue moving, Dulcie exude the authenticity and resilience of Western Australian music.
Interspersed with a singing of happy birthday and offerings of cake, the night was a proud testament to Pilerats and the work they’ve done to promote arts and entertainment around the country. Here’s to many more years to come.
LACHLAN HARDMAN
