The Vasco Era

On a night where Perth was spoilt for choice with an array of musical talent plying their wares in venues across town I have no doubt that I was one of the lucky ones to be at what I can unequivocally say is the best live performance I have seen by a band this year in Perth and I have seen many both national and international acts. What made it so special I hear you ask... read on.

Warming up a crowd is often a thankless task, when there are drinks to be drunk and talk to be talked usually the only ones listening are those that have secured their spot front of stage. But tonight local youngsters The Howlin' Novocaines obviously stoked to be playing with bands I can only assume they might consider heroes put on a good show. Their performance for all its energy and vigour is a brand of rock which has been done before. Some may consider imitation the best form of flattery but it’s been done to death in recent times. I personally feel that these youngsters need to put their own spin on the music to make it their own.

Next up were Sydneysider’s The Fumes a band I had heard of but was yet to experience in any form. I think the name apt as The Fumes will linger in my mind for quite some time - I loved them! Steve and Joel (Steve Merry guitar/vocals and Joel Battersby Drums) were welcomed on stage by the eager crowd and prepared to show us that ‘three’s a crowd’ as they took us back to basics with their bass-less guitar/drums set up. The pair’s stripped-down dirty sound is raw and thrilling live with thrashing drums and gritty, riff heavy guitars. I almost felt like I was in a rock club in New Orleans rather than The Amplifier Bar in Perth. They might play the blues buts it’s not the usual tales of woe – waking up in the morning and finding the missus has walked out etc……. Their songs have more of a feel good vibe which certainly put a smile on the crowd’s faces who grooved, strutted and flung themselves around throughout their infectious stomping tunes. I was left wondering if in fact the highlight of my night would be The Fumes. Carrying off the minimalist approach is a pretty tricky thing to do, but The Fumes well and truly pulled if off!

To my unbridled pleasure The Vasco Era were not to be outdone. There arrival on stage was short lived due to Sid O’Neil (guitar/vocals) breaking a string resulting in a short hiatus to fix the problem. The two remaining band members Sid’s brother Ted on bass and drummer Michael Fitzpatrick on drums were left to entertain a crowd high on The Fumes (excuse the pun – every review I manage to come up with one) resulting in the chant for a drum solo. I think Fitzy was trying to pull the wool over our eyes when he made a bumbling attempt leaving many of us thinking what the hell is going on here? Well what a kidder because within moments he was to show us what calibre of drummer he was – outstanding! Had I drunken too much, was I hearing things that weren’t really happening or was I lucky enough to be witnessing not one but two fantastic drummers? Please god let it be true - I was in heaven!

I kid you not these guys The Vasco Era are insanely good they could almost be the love child of The Beatles and Nirvana! As a music junkie I couldn’t have been any higher. They lob as much incessant energy into their songs as possible before collapsing into a spent heap, yet at the same time they have carefully constructed songs that are undeniably pop. In case you’re not following, lots of melodic, driving bass lines, choppy lyrics and a lot of intelligence. This is a band made to move every molecule in your body and their throttle is even more terrifying tonight after the energy injected by The Fumes. They are a band to look out for. A modest basement band who produce fascinating, catchy, rich and textured music. Sid is a beguiling front man and a talented multi instrumentalist whilst Fitzy plays like a drum hero of yesteryear. Their live show is undoubtedly one of the best I have ever seen and you don’t need to take my word for it if given the chance check them out for yourself! You may not have heard of The Vasco Era just yet but I promise you, you soon will!

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