Gig Watch : The Black Keys

By Bruce D.

Gomez and The Black Keys were amazing

The night began in unusual fashion...

Having to swap driving duties with my brother as the weekend's frivolities from All Tomorrows Parties gradually caught up with him.

I must say that I have had more comfortable and well planned out car journeys, but at least this guaranteed me driver-DJ rights.

After what seemed like an eternity, we were finally in St Kilda on a deceptively warm evening.

I didn't realise this until we were out the front of the Palais waiting for a few stragglers, at which point I decided I was too lazy to go back to the car, but far too stubborn to admit that I was wrong in bringing my cardigan along.

So the cardigan stayed on for the entirety of the night!

This night was interesting for two reasons. Firstly, I was about to see a band called Dr Dog.

Secondly, despite The Black Keys technically having the headline spot, the bill appeared to be split evenly between the three. Although not totally mind baffling, I found this fact to be mildly interesting, considering the relative obscurity of a band such as Dr Dog.

We managed to arrive in time to see Dr Dog open what would be referred to by the DD front man as a "F*ckin spectacular night of rock n’ roll".

Although I wouldn’t go so far to say that DD were an amazingly mind blowing spectacular experience, they didn't disappoint either. Their solid brand of up-tempo Americanised rock n’ roll was immediately received with a hint of recognition, yet possessed in its tight clutch an unyielding and elusive sense of originality.

Overall, they were great folky psych-out pop-layered tunes. One gem in particular that made me sit-up and take notice was the The Breeze, with its Beatles-esque harmonies.

Obvious comparisons with The Beatles and The Band are rife with many critiques of this band, and of course they are right. Although it is cliché, they’re taking these influential sounds and crafting them into their own distinct blend.

At the conclusion of their set, it was time to watch everyone pour as many beers down their throats as they possible could in the short space until Gomez took the stage.

I always find it strange at the Palais when you go out to the bar at intermission, in particular when the bill is full of bands that you are interested in seeing. Because of the seated nature of the venue, it almost feels as though you are at a footy match, organising with friends where you will meet them at the next intermission.

Gomez took the stage to what will from here on in be regarded as a piss poor reception.

Perhaps such a lacklustre response was due to it being a Sunday night when most people were faced with work the next day, others being reminded of how much alcohol they had imbibed the night before.

Vocalist / Pianist and all round energy enthusiast Tom Gray alluded to this with his question "Who is still hung over from last night?" which typically followed by a fair few seedy groans.

Funnily enough, this question actually managed to rouse a greater net response than Gomez actually appearing on stage in the first place. I am still not quite sure how that works...

Set opener Shot Shot blew away any audience cobwebs still lingering, with the aforementioned Tom Gray doing his typical best to entertain with his highly energetic showmanship. Despite having a set half as long as you would want them to, Gomez were thrilling.

The obvious drawback of having such a limited set was evident with exclusions such as Tijuana Lady, Revolutionary Kind and Get Myself Arrested. But you have to prepare yourself for disappointment when a band of Gomez's ilk takes such a humble set position.

Classics like Blue Moon Rising, Rhythm and Blues Alibi and How We Operate were played with unparalleled precision and energy, which to the ushers annoyance, got the crowd dancing in the aisles and surely created a severe fire hazard.

All were highly enthusiastic, except Ian Ball, who appeared nothing short of totally befuddled.

Now, I don't want people to misinterpret what I am about to say...

In no way am I criticizing The Black Keys or their live show. I think they are an unbelievable band that on any other occasion should be experienced live to understand them completely.

However, the Palais really didn't do them justice. They were outdone by both Gomez and Dr Dog.

An act of the Black Keys' raw and personable stage presence are much more suited to an intimate setting (at the very least somewhere you can enjoy a beer whilst watching them).

They didn't disappoint, yet they weren't mesmerising either. They were simply a great band who played a decent show.

Now I am starting think that they intended to make much more of a variety show, rather than have to sit through to bands while you wait for "The Black Keys to begin". And I think that if this indeed was their intention then it worked effectively.

It was definitely a much more well rounded and communal show than others.

Having said this, they could have completely nailed it by inviting Gomez and Dr Dog back on stage for a final number or two. After seeing Red Riders and Dappled Cities Fly team up successfully on their tours last year, I and a few others were hoping that all the guys would get together for one last sing-along.

However it was not to be.

Overall, the show, in both performance and concept was a resounding success. And who knows? We may see bands in the future similarly teaming up and splitting the bill.

I certainly hope so!

Brought To You By The Dwarf