The only shame about tonight's performance is that there aren't more here to see it, so full credit goes to Aussie rockers ROCKET SCIENCE for getting stuck in and cranking it up regardless.
For those in attendance the first thing to notice here would be the huge yamaha organ up front ,manipulated by the equally enormous Roman Tucker, frontman and main instigator who also does a useful turn on the theremin to full dramatic effect. Like a galactic Mick Jagger, he orchestrates proceedings and glams things up a treat while the rest of the band hold it all together on a garage punk knife edge.
The tour coincides with the release of their second album 'Contact High' a high powered battery of garage funk rock songs most of which are played tonight, along with 'Burn in Hell' from their debut long player 'Welcome aboard the 3C-10'. The songs are hi-energy and all carry the same infectious vibes.
The sounds coming from Roman's keyboards acting as a catalyst for much of the measured and incisive output effusing from Paul Maybury's guitar; understated throughout and only really coming to the forefront during the epic surfs up finale of 'Tomorrows Soundtrack for Tonights Swinging Generation'. Music that would make a Bruce Jones surf movie proud! The low octave riffery from bassist Dave Gray is similarly impressive along with the explosive backbeat of Kit Warhurst who complete this well-polished, convincing and frenetic four-piece.
For the other highlights look no further than current single 'Being
|
Followed' with its sharp sense of disco funk; the 'Villiers Terrace'
Bunnymen/Cope opening of 'Run like a gun' and the electronic funk of 'One Robot'. They have the same enthusiasm and optimistic approach to their craft as Steve Irwin does when he goes on a safari, it's fun,it's rock n'roll and it's dangerous.. The vocals on the latter sees Roman letting go of the reins, giving Kit the chorus and Paul some spoken word to do hinting at another direction away from the staple balls-out garage rock.
Roman's voice is a raucaus howl and all the better for the varous affectations and vocal gymnastics he puts it through. which coupled with his cataclysmic mastery of the theremin whips up a drama of seismic proportions.They really do rock. their arses off to quote their press!
It's an assured and electric performance on a difficult Thursday night at the Barfly. Lets hope they get a good crowd watching at Leeds and Reading where this tour comes to a close. Similar to fellow countrymen The Vines, theirs is a live act that must be seen to be fully appreciated and well in keeping with their sound. Definitely worth a look.
|
