THE DARKNESS w/ YOU AM I, DZ DEATHRAYS & CRY CLUB
FESTIVAL HALL, MELBOURNE (AU)
FEBRUARY 3, 2024
The Darkness Permission to Land 20th Anniversary Tour of Australia and New Zealand set Festival Hall on fire last Saturday night with a stellar show, and probably one of the best I’ve seen. Off the back of their Permission to Land… Again, the 20th Anniversary reissue, The Darkness, was well worth the trip. Joined by local punk, rock and alternative acts Cry Club, DZ Deathrays, and You Am I, the lineup was absolutely on point, with layers of delectable delights.
Eccentric pop punk band Cry Club has been active since 2018, with two studio albums, God I’m Such a Mess, Spite Will Save Me, and the EP Sad, But Make it Fashion. Although I’m late to the party, I can recognise an energetic live performance when I see one with lead vocalist Heather Riley, an absolute symbol of female force, throwing herself around the stage in a possessed fashion. Visually stimulating, I think they fit in quite well with the theme of the evening. Their lyrics also convey distinct messaging about various social issue shaping the Aussie youth. This is another gem from Wollongong; watch out for more.
PERMISSION TO LAND… AGAIN (20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION) ALBUM REVIEW
Up next was the great Aussie punk rock DZ Deathrays. Shane Parsons embodies the punk ethos, delivering each song calmly and confidently. He stands firmly on the stage, captivating the audience with his powerful vocals and lyrics. “Gina Works at Hearts” from Black Rat and “Shred for Summer” from Bloody Lovely are covered, with Simon Ridley’s galloping drums fiercely breaking through. “My Mind is Eating Me Alive” from R.I.F.F stands out and is my favourite from the gents, enhanced by the animated Luke Henery (base), his magnificent mane thrashing recklessly, he is a drawcard, and my newfound brethren in the crowd agree. DZ Deathrays, having gained momentum in Australia, have a diehard following; they have also captivated an international audience and set off for their Canadian tour in March through April.
You Am I present The Majesty of Tap is a tribute show dedicated to the iconic rock band Spinal Tap. Tim Rogers, the storyteller himself, is captivating. It takes the form of a tribute concert where the band members of Spinal Tap portray their respective characters. This is where You Am I come in, playing the tribute… Of the tribute. It’s quite a piece of theatre and a perfect opener for The Darkness, different and unique. Tim Rogers (vocals, guitar) is the narrator, which I find engaging. Davey Lane (guitar and vocals), Andy Kent (bass), and Russell Hopkinson (drums) all play their part. I find it entertaining as Hopkinson hits his gong, and the ridiculous wig eventually shakes off due to the heat. A miniature Stonehenge slowly lowered from the rafters; stuck halfway, it dangles. It’s all part of the show.
WELCOME TO THE DARKNESS FILM REVIEW
Onto the main event, The Darkness. Confidently, I profess, this is one of the best shows I have seen. Justin Hawkins is a true entertainer. Opening with “Black Shuck”, Hawkins berates the crowd’s unnecessary overuse of mobile phones to capture the show, stating that if friends want to see images of the show, they should have bought a ticket – amongst other pitiful excuses. He’s right, and the crowd complied after some low-level bullying.
Permission to Land is played in its entirety, jumping straight into the big hits like “Growing on Me”, the third track. The crowd is thrilled, but equally are The Darkness, engaging often, throwing guitar picks and teasing the crowd. You can see they are enjoying themselves, but also the folks who belt out track after track.
As with most shows of this calibre, the wait for the encore is long and painful. Stepping back onto the stage, Hawkins introduces the fellow players who have all taken up alternative instruments, playing “In the Air Tonight”. Rufus Tiger Taylor is visibly uncomfortable as he attempts the bass guitar. I am genuinely kicking myself for not purchasing a VIP ticket, as this is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
Photos
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: Simon Emmett/Lightbulb Film Distribution
SPILL LIVE REVIEW: AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS @ PIER BANDROOM, FRANKSTON (AU)
SPILL LIVE REVIEW: DRIFT w/ GARAGE SALE & GUSH – CANDYLAND TOUR @ CHERRY BAR, MELBOURNE (AU)
SPILL LIVE REVIEW: KLINGER w/ SUPER AMERICAN EAGLE @ SHOTKICKERS, MELBOURNE (AU)
SPILL LIVE REVIEW: GYROSCOPE, BODYJAR, KLINGER & CHEAP SKATE – NO TOUCH OBSESSION @ THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE (AU)
