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The Step Inn - Sat Apr 12
Locals The ShrewmS arouse some early interest in their blunt rock approach; drummer Gregor Mulvey handles vocal duties while sporting a fetching rugby helmet. Russ Henry is content to spend the set hiding under a cowboy hat next to his amp, though his guitar is unfortunately near-inaudible in the mix.
This reviewer’s first Dick Nasty experience is a memorable occasion: their short, concentrated bursts of pure energy stick into the appreciative audience like thrown daggers. While casually trading blatant insults and ironic devil horn gestures, the four-piece match their self-disparaging humour with abundant talent.
Roshambo. Where to begin? Davis Claymore from tonight’s headlining act replaces their temporarily MIA drummer for a piss-taking Summer Of ‘69 cover at the beginning of what could only be considered a ‘set’ while using the most liberal definition. James Straker has a sparkly new purple Fender Jazzmaster, which he occasionally plays in between nitrous hits supplied by the band’s impromptu ‘bulb monkey’. A guitarist in the crowd who pays $50 for the chance to exhibit his finest Drop D, nu-metal wares finds me struggling to recall a more amusing onstage occurrence, while interactions resulting from the conveniently-placed heckler microphone are the source of much mirth.
After sixteen years on the Australian rock scene and five years’ absence from our fine city, Front End Loader have some explaining to do – or not, as they open with a blazing rendition of Four Star Heritage Arsehole, and continue to pretend that they never left. Bow Campbell’s resoundingly strong voice remains the element that elevates their finely-tuned brand of alternative rock above their contemporaries, while drummer Peter Kostic – surely the hardest-working man in Australian rock – sits in the figurative driver’s seat as the band hurtle relentlessly down the tracks. Yet, despite their undoubted proficiency, I’m left unfulfilled. In a genre of diminishing returns, Front End Loader are mining near-barren soil.
ANDREW MCMILLEN
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