The Lunettes, Wooly Mammoth
Saturday, October 8, 2016
The Oddfellow, Fremantle
On what was possibly the wintery-est October evening that has been in a long while, it was exciting to se the number of people who appreciate a good gig make their way into Fremantle for a night that promised to be rocking.
Wooly Mammoth kicked off the night in fine form. Setting the scene for what was to come, the synth keys got the crowd gravitating toward the dance floor from the get-go. Opening with Catcher in the Rye, Christian Zappia on guitar was clearly already in the groove and enjoying being on the Odd Fellow stage.
The lads presented a slick and well put together set that demonstrated just how at ease they all are on stage and appreciated the laid back Freo-feel of the crowd. Cruising seamlessly in to their Triple J Unearthed track, Running Circles, lead vocalist Jon Stapelton announced; ‘I’d say it could be hot in here, but shit, it could just be me!’ The crowd lapped up the Gomez-esque style of the band. They were definite crowd pleasers who made every effort to start the night right. Lastly, they rounded out the set with a banging cover of The Vamps Last Night – ending their set as they began it – with huge smiles on their faces.
The Lunettes took to the Oddfellow stage next and continued with what Wooly Mammoth has started. Immediately, the harmonies of Chris Mason and Kerry Fletcher were the most noticeable and added to the distinctive melodies. Again, able to get the crowd up and dancing, Kerry addressed those gathered, ‘Thanks for dancing.’ About halfway through their set, The Lunettes found their true groove and belted out a few songs that had the crowd in further anticipation of the headliners for the evening. It’s a shame The Lunettes set finished when it did as they certainly had hit their stride and could have carried on.
Lastly, and with most anticipation, The Tommyhawks took to the stage. The ladies have not long arrived back in their hometown after a pretty kick arse national tour but did not show any signs of lagging whatsoever. By the time The Tommyhawks took to the stage the crowd was suitably loose – just the way they like them.
They opened with a favourite, Mr Magpie, and it was a clear indication of what was to come. The band was absolutely enjoying themselves and the flow on effect was that the entire audience were pulled closer to the stage to get in on the action.
Addison is astounding on vocals. Able to switch from sexy sultry to rock goddess within the space of a fret change, makes her one of the best female vocalists on the Perth scene currently, in my humble opinion. Thea took us all on some kind of magical carpet ride with her sax throughout the set. Phenomenally adding a layer of awesomeness to the bands’ songs that sent the crowd off. Vanessa on bass and Jess on drums are so tight that it’s often hard to tell what’s pounding harder in your chest. Each of the ladies owns her part of the stage, drawing attention and awe at the masterful control of her instrument.
The Tommyhawks set comprised of ‘oldies but goodies’: Hollow, Letter and Rogue Song – all of which not only got the audience dancing, but singing along happily. The band also presented a couple of new tracks for the Freo crowd who braved the weather. Bedroom was a particularly well received track; sexy and smooth. Summertime; a song that has not been played live but a handful of times and The Tommyhawks admitted being rather nervous, however, the rousing cheers and raised glasses at the conclusion of the song rendered their fears unfounded.
The Tommyhawks closed out a perfect night of local music with All My Love and New Friends. Two songs that again brought the crowd to the front of the stage and dancing – Addison’s comment, ‘There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now’ showing just how much fun the ladies were having on their home turf.
If you’ve not made the time or effort to get out and see Wooly Mammoth, The Lunettes or The Tommyhawks – quit making excuses, do yourself a favour and go see some great musicians obviously doing exactly what they love to do: making awesome music…and getting you dancing.
KIRSTEN DOWD
Photos by Paul Dowd
