The Vasco Era

Damn, can these boys show you a good time! I have seen the Vasco Era a few times before, but I'm always a little unprepared for how good they are to watch. Maybe because they keep getting better.

The supporting acts of Hannah, followed by the Whiskey Go Gos (nice homage to the LA Club where so many quality names performed and recorded), were an excellent lead up. All rock vibe with a thread of blues, although, despite that similarity, the two acts had quite different styles.

Hannah are a young band I'd never heard before, slightly soft edges to a firm rock sound. Plenty of energy and some sweet harmonies, witout losing their core sound. At that stage, the Republic was not yet packed, with as many people out back as inside. But Hannah managed to put the crowd in a good mood, get people moving and start getting them hyped. The dance floor was a little empty for most of their set, except for a line of half a dozen fans, who were leading by example. But by the time they finished, I didn't want them to go. I'll be looking out for them in future.

However, they made way for the Whiskey Go Gos. Now they were an experience. They upped the frenzied energy feel, although at first I thought that was just lead singer Matt Hutchinsons screeching. In full wail, unexpected, he kind of assualts the ears at first, detracting from what the rest of the band is doing. Then you realise that they are actually doing a hell of a lot, with Matts singing matching the other instruments, including his own, perfectly. It is merely his enormous charisma that seems to overshadow the band for a moment, until it becomes apparent that each of the other members have quite a bit of their own.

Plus you have got to love a band that pulls off a raw garage sound using harmonia, tambourine and maracas with the more traditional guitars and drums, providing deep, driving beats and a sense of humour, a touch of rockabilly.

A couple of people thought their sound was similar to Kings of Leon, but definately different enough to be thier own thing. Somebody else also likened the hair on tambourine man P Bone Pebbles with that of Wolfmother's Andrew Stockdale, but another friend insisted it was much sexier and had to be restrained from going up and touching it. Apparently she wasnt the only one.

By the time the Vasco Era started setting up the crowd was really pumped and partying. They eased in with Sid O'Neil, solo, doing an anguished version of I Cant Help Falling In Love.

I had no idea I liked that song so much.

Then they cut really loose.

The Vasco Era cutting loose is awesome to watch, as well as hear. They put on a completely gripping show, no props, no special effects, without doing much more than slamming themselves face first into the music.

Since I last saw them they have recorded an album overseas. This process may have refined them a little - they do sound more pulled together - but luckily it hasn't sanded off any of their kickarse rough rock edges. They did their couple of softer numbers with a slow, burning intensity, then they'd explode with frantic pulsing rhythm, partying harder on stage than anyone else, although the crowd certainly tried to keep up.

The only time they seemed a little subdued - which for them isn't saying much - was during the first few bars of "Kingswood", probably suffering from repetition fatigue. Even then it didnt take long for audience enthusiasm to get to them, and halfway throught they were laughing and having fun with it too.

All the new stuff was received with the equal approval as the more familiar numbers. Almost everyone used the word fantastic when asked for an opinion. The Vasco Era is such a quailty powerhouse that if their album is only half as good as their live show, its still gonna be a knockout.

In fact they were so good that I had to go see them Sunday night in Launceston as well. This was a much smaller gig, but according to one member of the tech crew, they were even better.

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