Red Ink
» Festivus for the Rest of Us - Carlton Central Hotel, VIC - April 24, 2011
» Cassette Kids - Northcote Social Club, Vic - November 13, 2009
» Red Ink - Evelyn Hotel, Vic - December 13, 2008
» Red Ink - Revolver, Vic - April 10, 2008
» Grouplove - January 4, 2012
» The Dum Dum Girls - January 3, 2012
Perhaps the first Australian hype band of 2011, Melbourne's own Red Ink seemed destined to conquer the rock world, armed with their high energy live show, eye catching theatrics and catchy infectious songs that delve into the timeless themes of love, loss and lycanthropy.
I was able to catch Red Ink before they blow up, at their Catching A Killer EP launch, held at the Corner Hotel in Richmond, which was the perfect venue for their 'official' introduction to the world.
Upon entering The Corner I was immediately surprised at the crowd size for what I thought was a low key EP launch. It seems that Red Ink have already developed a very passionate and loyal legion of fans, a result of their constant touring schedule during 2010, a schedule that included spots on the Peats Ridge, Stereosonic, Playground Weekender and Hot BBQ festival lineups.
As the curtains drew back and the band emerged on stage there was one distinct thing that was immediately apparent, that being lead singer John Jakubenko naked from the waist up, and covered in red body paint.
Being covered in his band's namesake didn't stop Jakubenko and the rest of the band quickly bursting the first high octane song of the set, which included all the tracks from their EP, and JJJ Unearthed feature single "What My Friends Say".
Watching the set, it was hard to pinpoint Red Ink's musical style, as they draw from many different influences. They're a little bit Brit Rock, a little bit Grunge, and a little bit My Morning Jacket; but with a definite classic Aussie rock core.
Other than "What My Friends Say", other highlights of their set included "Catching A Killer", "Battlescars", "Werewolf" and "Antidote", which were all anthemic power numbers that had you singing along immediately, even though you didnt know the lyrics, the sure sign of a great band.
The band all looked like they were enjoying what they were doing and having a great time, especially Jakubenko, who was dancing around like Peter Garrett, if he dressed as Hellboy.
The energetic crowd rocked out hard for the entire duration of the set, soaking up the resonance being blasted at them from onstage, so much so, that at one point it was a little two much for two excitable gentlemen, who, in the middle of the mosh, started laying into each other. This was broken up when Jabulenko interrupted the fight and ask them, to love, not hate.
I went into the corner with no expectations of what to expect from Red Ink, and was consequently blown away. I can also say for certain that the Red Ink left the Corner Hotel that night with a lot of new fans.
