Returning to Adelaide, as part of the national tour for their new release, The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating, The Living End have come a long way since starting in Melbourne in 1994 with the key to their success being their ability to translate their rockabilly rock ‘n’ roll, into high energy, fist pumping live shows.
Support acts King Cannons and Triple J Unearthed High winners, Hunting Grounds, start proceedings, and take their opportunity to set the mood for the evening. Experienced headliners, The Living End are used to playing packed venues, and tonight is no exception.
Playing in front of a black brick backdrop accompanied with “The Living End” graffiti, the band excites, launching into the set with tracks from their new album, ‘In the Morning’, ‘Heatwave’ and ‘Machine Gun’, the latter obviously destined to be a mainstay of live sets: whipping frenzy into the full house, the punchy sing along chorus and rollicking guitar display all the qualities that make a great Living End song. Classics like ‘Second Solution’, ‘Roll On’ and ‘All Torn Down’ are mid set roarers, accompanied by crowd interaction and a polished execution that make the band the great live act that they are, music that makes you feel good and want to throw your hair back.
Chris Cheney is an excellent front man engaging with banter in-between tracks, throwing in a crowd pleasing cover of ‘Run To Paradise’ and, of course, delighting the audience with his impeccable guitar skills, placing him near the top of Australian rock musicians. Scott Owen’s double bass duties never fail to impress, standing off the ground on his instrument, whilst plucking away feverishly. And Andy Strachan on drums was excellent at the back, and at times was given a few quiet moments where the guitar or double bass felt the need to deliver a solo message.
Their modern classic, ‘Prisoner of Society’ follows towards the end of the set; the song should be seen played live by every music fan, and the vocal crowd yells along for the most part. Their recent single and title track from the album, ‘The Ending is Just the Beginning Repeating’, marks the end of the main set, but the cheering from the crowd guarantee another bite back on stage. ‘White Noise’ and ‘West End Riot’ bookend the encore and leave everyone satisfied.
The Living End never fails to give you your money’s worth and you know what you’re going to get. Judging by the crowd in attendance, the band can be appreciated by young and old too, having written Australian anthems for all.
– Dan Gruszecki
