Lions & Lambs, Small Town Heroes, Old Devil, Graphic Characters
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Hen House Live (Badlands)
The Hen House Rehearsal Studios in Osborne Park has established itself as Perth’s premier rehearsal space, and a breeding ground for rockin’ young roosters to strut their stuff. The vision and creation of Gyroscope drummer Rob Nassif, The Hen House is also the rehearsal rooms of choice for many touring bands, as well as local legends Karnivool, Jebediah and Gyroscope.
So it was great news to hear that The Hen House was launching its own venue, as an extension of their support of local music. Attached to the new Badlands Bar in East Perth (formerly Deville’s Pad), it’s a small, 100 capacity room, that is basically utilising the space that was formerly the foyer of Deville’s. Though it’s been transformed into a cosy band room, making the most of the space, with a hole-in-wall bar, minimal décor and large, colourful murals adorning the walls, in the style of the studios.
The idea is to give young, local bands, a chance to play to a full room and get that feeling and energy, creating an intimate party atmosphere where the crowd can get up close and personal with the band. As well as importantly, providing some nice price drinks. Being the grand opening night, it sold out and the room was jam-packed with eager and excited punters keen to christen the new venue.
The format of the venue is well thought out too. Bands are paired together, and newer bands are given the chance to play alongside more established acts. There are two sessions each Friday and Saturday, with two bands playing each session. The early session runs from 8-9.30 and the late session from 10.30-12. The bands get a half hour each, to keep it tight, and before and after each session, the doors into Badlands are opened.
Lions & Lambs kicked off proceedings for the early session, followed by Small Town Heroes, a fresh new four-piece who impressed the crowd and had heads nodding with a tight set of catchy, melodic tunes, mixing power-pop and punk-rock to great effect – complete with some impressive stick tricks from the drummer.
After a break and a breather, escaping next door into the cavernous and kitschy main room of Badlands and checking out the awesome renovated beer garden area, we head back into the Hen House for the late session where Old Devil were setting up.
The small room is somewhat reminiscent of the legendary front room of The Hydey, that was such an important breeding ground for many young Perth bands starting out, so it’s great to see another venue like this popping up. Also like the Hydey, there’s no real stage of which to speak, apart from a bit of a drum riser. The band is on the floor level with the crowd, adding to the intimacy. But most importantly, the quality of the sound system is top notch.
Old Devil made the most of that by belting out a blistering set, the most intense of the night. Heavy, crunchy guitars and a tight, thumping rhythm section. Their style of hardcore bled into prog at times with some intricate break downs, but the fierce screamo vocals of Kieran Murphy kept things from ever getting too melancholic. The guitarist and drummer occasionally added some contrast and harmony with their voices. A tight unit, though perhaps Murphy could ease up a bit and give the band more room to explore the sounds more. Some more variety in pace and space could add another dimension.
Graphic Characters headlined the night and brought it back to a more straight up rock sound with some serious chops. A fitting choice, they are fronted by guitarist/vocalist Chris Winterburn, who himself started as a regular customer at the Hen House Rehearsal Studios, then went on to become Manager of the place, such a fan was he of studio’s vibe and Nassif’s attitude.
With a couple of polished EPs under their belt, the three-piece have a solid setlist, with some great tunes, including recent single Aeroplane, that was in fact produced by Nassif. As a nod to return the favour, they band got him up to play drums with them on the final track, and Rob looked like he was a having a great time, and why wouldn’t he on the back of such a successful opening night, that he made possible.
Nassif is kind of like the Dave Grohl of the Perth rock scene – just an all-round legend, and someone who understands and supports the scene that supported him, as well as having a deep, sincere love of live music and a will to champion young, new talent.
A real fun night for all involved with some great energy in the room, and the start of something special and new for the Perth music scene. Make sure you head down to the Hen House over the coming months, support a vital new venue and check out some fresh new talent. Or if you’re in a band, get in touch with them and get out and play. Don’t be a chicken!
ALFRED GORMAN
