First on the bill this evening were Wagga Wagga five piece Ocean Party. A young band, they put in a very enjoyable set of sweet, melodic pop. Displaying a strong influence of the likes of The Go-Betweens and The Triffids, their music has that widescreen and atmospheric quality to it.
Next on the bill were Harry Howard And The NDE. Having not played for some time, Harry warned the audience that the band might be a bit rusty. Happily, the band played a very likeable set. Featuring Clare Moore on drums and, in a very nice turn on bass, Dave Graney; their music has that post-punk, late 70’s New Wave vibe and attitude to it. At times quite dark lyrically. this was offset by Harry’s wonderfully self-deprecating sense of humour.
The crowd were definitely high in anticipation for Ron S. Peno and The Superstitions. The four piece Superstitions, featuring Silver Ray’s fine guitarist, Cam Butler;drummer Mark Dawson, keyboardist Tim Deanne, bassist Andy Papadopolous and, of course, Mr Ron S. Peno up front and centre, were showcasing their stunning debut album, Future Universe tonight.
It has been a long time between drinks for Ron Peno. Most famously the lead singer of highly underrated Australian band Died Pretty, Peno, with The Superstitions, is very much starting from scratch. There was a wonderful sense of affection with the crowd tonight; they truly love Peno’s new project. At 56, Peno’s voice, always his strongest quality as a performer, has actually improved with age. He is still one of the most compelling and charismatic performers and front men this scribe has had the pleasure of seeing live. It is truly impossible for the man to stay still on stage for more than two seconds! He was like a whirling dervish at times, totally lost in the music he was creating on stage. Howver, he has a very strong sense and understanding of stagecraft and, thankfully, never overdoes it.
Up front and centre was that beautiful voice. Peno has such an incredible sense of range and expression with how he sings. He can break one’s heart on a track like “Fall From Above”, which sounded utterly exceptional and powerful when performed this evening. He can also howl and sing up a storm, as he ably demonstrated on tracks like ‘Livewired’ and ‘PS Blues’.
Tonight was truly a fine example of everything on a musical front combining beautifully. Great songs, a fantastic band and the exceptional talents of Mr Ron S. Peno. It is so heartening to see him performing live once more.
– Neil Evans
