The Workers Club had a bonus in store for punters tonight as, there was to be not one, but two support acts performing this evening, as opposed to the one that what was previously advertised.
First up to take to the stage, was local troupe Richie 1250 & The Brides of Christ, a band who can only be described as the rollicking spawn of their various influences, The Cramps, Elvis and possibly King Khanh & The Shrines.
With a sound that encapsulates the best parts of rockabilly, surf-rock and doo-wop, they’re a local act that need to be seen.
Frontman Richie 1250, who was reminiscent of one of those seemingly possessed evangelical preachers, with an added twitch or three.
Aside from a handful of covers thrown in, including Eddy Current Suppression Ring’s “Insufficient Funds”, the likes of their own tracks “French Fry, My Guy”, “Moonshine” and “Sexy Crazy Cop”, allowed Richie 1250 to basically run amuck on and off stage, while at the same time holding court with ease, in front of those who’d gotten in early. Their self proclaimed hit single “The Whippet Walk” showed exactly what the band can do when in full flight.
Next up was Brisbane four-piece Major Leagues. The scarily young looking group seemed to have brought along a fairly decent fan base, but unfortunately suffered from sound issues right from kick off.
All three of the girls took turns at lead vocals during their set, but it was very hard to differentiate between their various styles.
It seemed as though it was a combination of them holding back a little when taking over the mic, mixed in with their strained vocals getting lost behind the wall of guitars and bass sounds that were being emitted.
A resounding cheer from the packed out room, accompanied Bloods’ entrance, and once they were settled, kicked right into “All The Things” and “Thinking About You”, both of which exuded the catchy and smart, indie pop sensibilities that Bloods possess in abundance.
There was an obvious stage presence from both women as they looked incredibly at ease and nonchalant while playing their respective instruments, while their male bandmate’s drumming was crisp and controlled throughout. “Goodnight” continued in the same infectious fashion as the previous numbers.
The audience were lapping up the performance, with more and more bodies beginning to do more than just shuffle their feet or bob their heads. It was something that didn’t go unnoticed by the group either, as they were quite taken aback by both the turnout and the reaction they were witnessing.
The We Are Bloods track “Mi Luchador” showed just how tight the rhythm section is, especially the more it sped up half way through. With this being a launch for their Golden Fang EP, its opening track “No Fun” proved that Bloods aren’t letting up on what they have become so damn good at, when it comes to penning a ear pricking tune.
The luscious guitar licks and vocal harmonising continued during “Hailing Down” and new EP track “Language”. They finished up with a cover of The Premieres “Farmer John” – check out the holy grail of garage rock compilations Nuggets for that one folks – which proved that this is a band that don’t need to lean on theatrics when it comes to playing live. It may be viewed as basic to some, but when it’s done this well, who really cares?
Setlist
All The Things
Thinking About You
Goodnight
Want It
Record
This Town
Mi Luchador
Nothin’ But Time
No Fun
Into My Arms
Bodies
Back To You
Hailing Down
Language
Farmer John (The Premiers cover)
