The Vasco Era
with Whisky Go Go's
» 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
» The Vasco Era - October 19, 2007
» Bob Evans - November 22, 2006
Thinking that I’d better get there early to get a good position for a few shots of the guys in action, knowing already they were signed to a Major Label (Universal), I was shocked to find that the head-count made my last band gig look like a real success!
For a band with this much sheer talent and international potential, (I myself would be throwing money in their general direction), they deserve a promotional machine putting as much effort into their shows as they obviously do. Both The Vasco Era and support Whiskey Go Go’s put on a show worth remembering, and it was a great shame more Launcestonians didn’t get to catch it!
It takes me back to a gig I went to in Darlinghurst, Sydney back in the early 80’s. The Saints had just broken in the UK with Stranded, and they were headlining with INXS as the support. It was a big leaky wooden hall, and the turn out was similarly dismal; from memory the entry was something ridiculous like $5 or $10. Of course only the real die- hards from the scene were there, and similarly it was a great show. AC/DC also played to an only slightly larger audience at the Albert Hall, in Launceston in the 70’s, as did Nick Cave (Boys Next Door- Butter Factory - 80’s).
From little things, big things grow, and it’s not the size of the audience that counts, it’s how much they liked the show!
Whiskey Go Go’s opened with a rip-roaring, foot-stompin’, roof-raisin’, rockabilly set, to the scent of sweet Bourbon. The four guys are far from the geriatrics I had envisioned after reading a schpiel on the web, and the Tambourine Man’s a dead ringer for the guy from Wolfmother! With tight stovepipe jeans and pointy boots the look was a refreshing retro blast.
Hailing from Hobart, Matt Hutchinson, writer/ lead-vocalist/guitar and fine harp, embodies the spirit of Southern State, with a laid-back husky style reminiscent of the Vines. Combining this with a great sounding kick drummer, stylistically reminiscent of the old bucket bands of the 30’s, it makes for a cool sound.
I could almost taste the snake-pit as they graciously warmed-up the punters, nonchalantly throwing out handfuls of giveaway demos with songs from their album Roadhouse, - total bonus! If the set was anything to go by, the album will be worth a listen. Whiskey Go Go’s are one of Tassie’s finest upcoming brews, and well worth catching.
Coming from two rockin great turnouts at the Republic in Hobart, must have been a bit of a come down, and the band lowered the door charge as well, so for the lucky punters that did show, they got a real bargain. The Vasco Era, (Sid O'Neil – Vocals/guitars, Ted O'Neil – Bass, and Michael Fitzgerald – Drums) didn’t let this affect their total commitment to the show in any way.
Sid opened with a solo performance of a classic cover and from the outset the audience was left with no doubt as to his formidable talent. With great vocals cutting just the required amount of edge, it was a brave and victorious beginning to a really great set.
Fairer than he appears on film, Sid is a gift from rock heaven, and combined with the equally ominous and awesome brothers in time, Ted and Michael, The Vasco Era have evolved into the type of tight only a threesome can achieve.
What impressed me the most is that what you hear on the rippin’ single When We All Lost It, available for a sample shot at www.myspace.com/thevascoera is what you get live at the gig, plus that certain tenable energy rush and realization of effort that only comes from a live show experience. Some excellent guitar/bass arrangements and an awesomely powerful beat topped by the sometimes haunting or cutting vocals make this band extremely listenable. From cruise to full throttle, melancholy to rock, the set was sure to entertain the chosen.
The set undulated through intense subtle sensitivity to rattling rock at its best. Oz Rock messiahs beware, The Vasco Era is looming. The sound was great and these guys are awesome musos. My only complaint is that I wanted more, but I guess I’ll have to wait to go and buy the upcoming album – cool!
