If Strangers are the future of live music in this country then bring it on, and the sooner the better. No pretence, no bullshit, just simple, highly entertaining energetic rock, delivered in spades.
Having driven 3000 kms across the Nullarbor from Melbourne to Perth and with a three hour time difference, some travel weariness might be expected, indeed inevitable for most mere mortals.
Not Strangers and not tonight.
Rather it was more like an excess of pent up potential energy had to be released to avoid self-destruction. Whatever was going on, the result was an exciting and memorable performance that left one feeling grateful to be alive in this time and at this place.
Coveleski kicked off the Valentine’s evening show delivering a tight set of raw and passionate Rollins Band-style punk rock while the audience slowly trickled in.
Another Perth act, Further Earth, followed with fresh sounding and interesting vocal melodies neatly woven into a background of alternative rock songs.
Strangers then unassumingly took to the stage, briefly introducing themselves. The absence of a large crowd didn’t stop the Sydneysiders from unleashing hell upon the lucky few who turned up to see what all the fuss was about. From the first song it was evident that Strangers have the X factor.
The five-piece are indeed a sight to behold. Mark Barnes, sporting a provocative handlebar mo, dark sunglasses, and ladies suede cowboy boots, providing a glamorous spectacle along with an intense rhythm section.
Benny K picking and bending strings, mesmerising the audience with evil facial expressions and a tongue that appeared to be trying to escape its demonic master with every riff.
Timmy J Hansen providing the fast and heavy beats, leaving ears ringing, and the bearded ‘Clav’ on the bass, looking like a member of the Kelly gang, slapping out heavy bass notes in perfect time.
Ear to ear grins all round, clearly enjoying the performance as much as (maybe more than) the audience.
Lastly but certainly not least, lead singer Ben Britton, oozing charisma, and awing with powerful and emotional vocals, owning the stage and giving everything.
A whirlwind of motion, provoking and daring the audience to join the party; Strangers mean business.
The combination of loud and hard riffs and well defined and emotive melodies entice one to replace that pint of beer with something a little more manly, such as a Jack Daniels on the rocks.
The band’s sound is familiar but also unique, a culmination of the last 30 years of Aussie rock. Throw Grinspoon, Shihad, and Birds of Tokyo into a blender with a splash of Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, and Motorhead, stir vigorously and serve live, the result somehow very unlike the sum of its parts.
Despite having only been together for two years this is one of those rare live acts that is sure to keep replaying in the back of the mind for days, if not weeks.
Emotional, raw but intelligent, Strangers push the boundaries hard without ever stepping over into the abyss, always bringing the chaos back to the safe and familiar without losing the audience.
Covering songs from their debut album, Persona Non Grata, as well as some new material, each song clearly a very personal one for the band. The percussive ‘Yearly Drag’ and token ballad ‘Far Too Late’ are standouts for the evening, both songs being perfect companions for those lonely road trips.
Desperate, intense, inspirational, and definitely one of the most relevant and entertaining live acts, Strangers have all of the elements and are sure to go all of the way.
