The Vasco Era
with The Fumes, The Jones and The Novocaines
» The Grates - Metro Theatre, The, NSW - October 17, 2008
» The Grates - Governor Hindmarsh, SA - October 12, 2008
» When We All Lost It, The Vasco Era brought it on back - November 6, 2006
» The Vasco Era - Amplifier Bar, WA - November 2, 2007
» The Vasco Era - Annandale Hotel, The, NSW - October 26, 2007
Thursday nights are always hard for bands to play in Sydney, as they have to compete with shopping centres being open. But tonight I must say that the people of Caringbah have good musical tastes as they brought themselves to Bizzos.
One can wonder how The Jones made it on second to perform on the bill as I found it slowed the momentum of the night and made them seem mellower than they actually are.
The first band, The Novocaines finding themselves on the other side of Australia and keen to make an impression on Sydney playing a surprisingly tight set for a support having elements of a British sound shining through in their songs such as “I Got No Reason”.
The Fumes stepping it up a notch showing that the place they call home (Sydney) are definitely familiar with the two-piece as I watched everyone make their way to the dance floor area clearing the bar. One of the crowd favourites being “Automobile” even impressing the security guard up the back.
Now I’m not sure whether it was because it was near the end of the tour but The Vasco Era looked to keep the tour interesting decided to come onstage with a difference. Sid, who doesn’t seem to be able to grow a mo, celebrated Movember by drawing one on. Ted reminded me of Harry Potter as he had glasses and Michael added to his wild angry drumming by drawing very thick eyebrows reminiscent of Maggie’s one eye browed enemy baby in The Simpsons. Tonight Sid’s vocals were strong and the sound mix was amazing. The transition's between songs weren’t as tight but hey that is what we call rock ‘n’ roll right?! The crowd were too busy rocking to the beat of the drums that they didn’t even seem to notice.
The beauty of doing a tour is the relationship each band builds between each group and “Honey Bee” showcased how well they gel with Vasco bringing up on stage The Novocaines to drum (Joel from The Fumes has been known to make an appearance but this time was kind enough to let two of the Novocaines take the stage). Unfortunately by that time it was midnight and the band had outlasted half the crowd who had decided to call it a night. They sure missed a stellar ending.
