The Vasco Era

The Vasco Era graced the Western shores again, this time releasing onto audiences a little something called Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside (Universal). The lads definitely know how to put on a brilliant performance - Vasco shook the packed-out Amplifier Bar a couple of nights earlier - but going into an ill-suited venue, early on a Sunday night, at the end of the WA leg of the tour was not promising much. But you should never underestimate The Vasco Era.

First up were The Howlin Novocaines. These local freshies are influenced by some very potent classic rock – the type of rock that was released onto vinyl and changed the world. As a result, their sound should impress crowds once they have developed their skills. And so should their performance. The first time you see them trash out their cover of The Velvet Underground (Lou Reed)’s 'I’m Waiting for the Man', you will crave to witness the spectacle again. But once you do, you’ll realise that the not-so-improvised stage shaking takes away too much from their above-average covering of a classic and reduces it to a mere copycat of cool.

Next up were the Whiskey Go Go’s. They too have a little something to learn about originality. Many have disapprovingly compared their sound and look to The Kings of Leon. I can’t disagree with the similarity. But their simple, inoffensive Southern rock makes you smile. How can it not? There’s a cowbell, lyrics with cute imagery and characterised vocals, plus shakers, a tambourine, harmonica and spoons?! And there’s a member solely dedicated to backing vocals, percussion and shaking his fro.

Now, before we continue, I would like to assure you that, even though the below review may seem objective, it is not. It is completely biased. It is hard not to fall in love with The Vasco Era - the lads are simply that good. If it is not the erratic, bluesy rock that catches your attention, then it is the humble nature of the group. This mixed-socked, no socks, op-shop, howling, cooing, bashing, beating, shaking, ball of movement, trio of love are simply charming.

Most of their music is loud and demands you to move. But there are times when they bring it down a notch, and remain equally engaging. The lads were generous with their set list, and included both album and Miles EP goodies. There were clever transitions between songs, and even during the few sound hiccups, the crowd was kept smiling by the boys’ laughter. The body-shake inspiring ‘When It First Showed Up’ and ‘When We All Lost It’ were encouraging, as was ‘When We Tried To Get You To Settle Down’ when Sid O’Neil showed off his drum skills and tongue. He really is a talented boy – both on resonator and lap slide. Plus his emotionally laden vocals range from a crackly blues to a raspy howl, tearing shout and an emotional coo. He is most loveable.

And so is his brother, Ted O’Neil. After shaking and brutally slapping his bass around the small Newport stage, Ted O’Neil needed a little more. You know he meant it when he removed his vest and moved the mic stand for some more darting action. You can adjust your shutterspeed to try to catch him, but it is rarely possible. He is a definite contrast to his brother, who can be caught either with a cheeky smile, sitting on top of milk crates busting out some slide or peculiarly twisting his face to vocalize his intention. And then there’s Michael Fitzgerald. He doesn’t seem to like his drums very much cause he tends to bash the hell out of them. Sometimes, he even stands up for optimum power. It is a sight to see the man trying to break his drum skin with one mighty blow.

And by the end of it all, when ‘Honey Bee (When It Was Making Weird Love Songs)’ plays, the boys are exhausted. Despite suffering of tour fatigue at the start of the show, they still left a pint of sweat on the stage. The crowd deserve a talking to though for either being too sober, hungover or image continuous to complement their effort. But there were a few key players in the mix who shook hard and gave the music the respect it deserves. Respect built on performances like tonight’s unrelenting show.

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