It was a school night. Fuck school. Some dedicated Perth punters, were treated to the show of the year, with two local favourites, Amberdown and Giant Dwarf who along with Brisbane’s Hammers supported USA’s He Is Legend.
People say that we regret the things that we don’t do and if you missed He is Legend last Wednesday at Badlands, then you done gone and fucked up. Lead singer, Shulyar called us out when he said Perth is a city with a country town vibe and he is not far wrong. I myself have said that Perth is a giant country town.
Seeing them live is a grounding trip through a multi dimensional space time continuum with musical influences from the past and future, morphed into a complex and heavy sound that is the eternal now. Like taking peyote and going on a vision quest in the desert.
You could be forgiven for assuming that these boys are older than they look, the stage smoke creating a shape shifting metamorphosis of sight and sound. Lead siger Shulyar shines bright in the spotlight, momentarily blurring between Jim Morrison’s Lizard King to Mick Jagger in his baby face days.
So this is what stars look like up close..
Carefully crafted layers of stoner rock jump into bed with the heaviest and tightest of riffs.
When I say heavy, I mean that kind of heavy, when you feel it feed that hungry part of your soul that can only be sated by the rock. Speaking with one of the guitarists after the show he said, “That he feels it too”, and then made a circle with his hands over his gut. I swore I saw a swirling chakra, but I digress. I realized that the band is fully conscious of the spiritual and magical affect that their sound has on the crowd.
Hammers, what can I say, but thank you! A top show from the Brizzy larrakins. What a show, what a sound. Perth likey! Hammers’ front man brings it with his green glowing 1940s microphone, and Russel Crowe/Mel Gibson good looks. He’s a pussy pleasing, tongue teasing showman putting out all the moves on the dance floor while the band was going off on stage and stealing the show.
Perth favourite, Giant Dwarf, who also hold a special place in my heart, were their laid back, brilliant selves making psychedelic stoner rock look easy and sound groovy AF. Always a pleasure, always so cool.
Perth locals Amberdown’s performance was both intensely passionate and playful. One punter said to me that this is the best they have ever been and I have to agree. There was something extra special about that gig. These boys hold a beloved place in the Perth music scene and for good reasons. Their scathing original hard rock grabs you by the throat making you want to sing along as it tears through your heart like a train. I will never tire of hearing the single, “Hole the Flaw” live.
Badlands is my favourite Perth venue. The staff are the best in Perth. Special thanks to Ebony and Hollie for running the bar and for your cool vibes.
I also want to add that Perth people need to support international acts when they make the huge journey to Perth. Otherwise don’t whinge that no one tours here. And for all of you ‘rockers’ who stayed home… Put that chocolate magnum back in the freezer and get off that couch. It smells like farts.
Photos by Linda Dunjey Photography | Review by Kyla Phoenix
He Is Legend
Hammers, Giant Dwarf, Amberdown
