Kisschasy

It was an all-Australian trio that provided the bounce in Adelaide’s Night Train Entertainment Complex on Sunday night, as Melbourne-based Horsell Common and Adelaide boys The Hot Lies opened up for the latest sensation that is...Kisschasy.

Horsell Common were on first, and were obviously trying their hardest to excite, energise and entertain, often citing how the Hot Lies had talked up the awesome attitude of Adelaide rock fans. However, despite energetic stage antics, screamed vocals and guitar virtuosity, their mix of hard rock and punk failed to stimulate the early crowds, most of whom seemed to have little idea of who the band was. They might be a band to watch in a few years though, with several promising songs and an obvious love of being on stage.

The Hot Lies, on next, achieved a far greater response from the steadily growing crowd, despite a much more relaxed and laid-back stage performance. The band seemed almost sleepy in their actions as they warmed up through the early songs, but they quickly peaked up near the middle of the set, performing such fan favourites as ‘Emergency! Emergency!’ and ‘Tokyo’. Sharply dressed in pants, open shirts and jackets, the highly experienced musicians were completely at ease on the stage, in contrast to the much-fresher Horsell Commons. Their mix of hardcore rock riffs and catchy pop melodies created steady ripples of head-nodding and singing throughout the room.

Finally Kisschasy emerged on stage, amidst smoke and lighting effects, to a considerably larger crowd than was there at the beginning of the gig. They exuded the casual cockiness of musicians who love being on the stage, fully aware that they were the main act of the night. This showmanship lasted the rest of the night as the band bantered to each other and to the audience, talking about their tour, their supporting bands, their hobbies and their thighs. Performing favourites such as ‘Ghost’ and ‘This Bed’, the highlight was when in the middle of one song, the band ripped into a massive musical extension, dropping down the tempo and giving a jazz-age influenced introduction of each band member to the audience. Which promptly turned up the applause a few hundred decibels.

After walking offstage, singer/guitarist Darren Cordeux came back onstage for the encore, playing acoustic solo song ‘The Shake’ and two others to finish off the night. A band that truly shines onstage, Kisschasyhad fans cheering, singing and dancing around with all their energy, and the applause continued long after the room lights came back on.

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