3Oh!3

3Oh!3 have made quite an impression since they appeared on the scene with their first album Want in 2008. Their debut single and breakout hit, Don’t Trust Me, was a multi-platinum, international success, putting the band well and truly on the radar. Follow this up with the employment of current pop superstar Katy Perry on second single Starstrukk, and over 1.2 million individual downloads of tracks off Want, and it seems safe to say that 3OH!3 have arrived.

It is this success that has brought the Boulder, Colorado two-some, namely Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte, to Australian shores for the first time for the ‘Want’ Tour, which has seen them play shows all over the country. As a credit to their ever-increasing popularity, the duo’s show at Sydney’s Metro Theatre sold out well before the date of the show, and the hoards of concertgoers cluttered outside the venue signalled this widespread enthusiasm.

Much of the venue had already been filled by the time first supporting act, Sydney pop-punk outfit Tonight Alive took to the stage. As they launched into their first song with aplomb, it became increasingly evident that the five youngsters, fronted by the energetic and highly talented Jenna McDougall, were not just another middle-of-the-road, forgettable opening act. The band, who sound like they the equivalent to Paramore the Australian music scene’s been missing, tore into each song with a rare tenacity, whipping the crowd into an early frenzy as they wholly embraced the group’s hard-hitting, international sound. Tonight Alive are one local band this reviewer is very excited to see grow, and whose fanbase is sure to expand, if the response they drew from this crowd is any indication.

Following the pop-punk prowess of Tonight Alive, the atmosphere was altered completely with Los Angeles-based DJ Skeet Skeet took post behind a rather elaborate turntable. Serving as 3OH!3’s DJ, Skeet Skeet took the concert-goers’ energy after moshing their little hearts out to his predecessors and used it to transform the Metro Theatre in a giant dance party. Playing dance mega-hits, including Sidney Samson’s Riverside and David Guetta’s Sexy Bitch. Combining this with his laid-back, enthusiastic MC style, the DJ had the crowd positively frothing at the mouth with each track. It is rare to see a support act get such a reaction, and was truly exciting to experience. By the time Skeet Skeet had finished his exciting, entertaining set, the energy in the venue was almost palpable, and one couldn’t help but wonder – could 3OH!3 one-up their predecessors?

The answer, as the headliners took to the stage and tore into their opener, Punkbitch, was a resounding yes. Moreover, the duo matched this hyperactivity, if not bettered it, as they through themselves around the stage like toddlers on Red Bull, accompanied only by Skeet Skeet who resumed his post at the turntables. The two-some delivered each track with the showmanship of seasoned professionals. They knew exactly how to fire the crowd up, making the experience exciting and refreshing. Moreover, their unique sound, an electronic hybrid of numerous other genres, crossed over to a live show extremely effectively, with tracks I’m Not Your Boyfriend and current single Starstrukk being particular standouts.

Hindered by a relatively small repertoire, the band effectively killed time by pausing between songs to communicate and rally up the crowd. Whilst this could have been seen as stalling in other scenarios, the nature of 3OH!3’s interaction just proved them to be as ample MC’s as they were performers, the crowd hanging off their every word, and obeying their every command. At one stage, as the entire auditorium had raised their hands to form the band’s signature hand gesture, pulsating in time to the beat, it almost seemed like idol worship. By the time the duo had finished their encore, signature song and show highlight Don’t Trust Me, it may as well have been.

3OH!3 have established for themselves quite a reputation over the last few months, and this blistering, energetic live set unquestionably strengthened it. For a musical act who gives off an air of silliness and playfulness, the conviction and energy they put into their set proved that they mean business. The only thing left for 3OH!3 to do when they return to Australian shores? Take their party to a bigger venue, because it seems to be one everyone should attend.

Share this review on Facebook