Photo: Aaron Sammut

When all six of The John Steel Singers combine like Voltron, uniting to form a single, sustained, giant-robot juggernaught of rock the effect is tremendous. When they aim for the high notes sometimes they fall short, but otherwise they are a thing to behold.

The Vasco Era’s excellent rhythm section are as punishing towards their instruments as they are towards themselves, flailing and thrashing with wild abandon. Sid O’Neil doesn’t treat his throat any gentler, howling ferociously through a cover of Why Don’t We Do It In The Road? and climaxing with their own Honey Bee. Afterwards they collapse in a sweaty man-pile before stumbling off for a well-earned rest.

With a band just about bouncing and having fun like The Grates it’s surprising to hear maturity sneaking into their new songs. The mysterious fourth member adding new-wave keys and bass to their sound is a part of it, but so is Patience Hodgson’s voice. The riot grrrl is still in there, but there’s a little Chrissy Amphlett added as well, especially when she sings about motherhood in Milkeyes. She grabs her boobs when she mentions milk though, so not to worry – they may be a little more mature, but never sensible.

JODY MACGREGOR
 

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*