Gig Watch: Dallas Crane - HiFi Bar
By Sean Lynch
Next
to perhaps You Am I, there are very few bands that demand - and receive
- such respect as veteran rocker Dallas Crane. Having done the rounds
and built up a considerable live fan base since their creation by Dave
Larkin and Pete Satchell in 1996, the band was originally known
as Tempered Kin, have quickly become the go to guys of Aussie rock. Their breakthrough LP, the self titled album "Dallas
Crane", from a few years ago seems to have cemented them within the pub
psychy - with many punters often being heard to say "Yeah, I knew them
before..." and "I remember seeing them at..." - but I think we can safely say that the Sit On My Knee duet
(a song originally on their "Twenty Four Seven" LP) with Jimmy Barnes
that brought Dallas Crane rightfully into the mainstream. I
must admit, I haven't caught a Dallas show for over a year or so. In
fact, the last time I saw them, it was - ironically - at the HiFi Bar
in Melbourne. A venue which I have yet to completely make my decision
on - it's good for a drink, and it's generally a pretty good vibe - but
there is something about it that doesnt quite sit with me.
As I
entered down the stairs from a balmy Swanston Street entrance, I have
to admit - I was rather keen to get into the HiFi Bar. The support act,
The Exploders, have quickly gained a reputation around these parts and
having seen them recently play a ball cracking gig at the Ding Dong
Lounge I was keen to see how they would take on a 1500 strong crowd.
Anyone who has yet to catch The Exploders, I strongly recommend
you get along to one of the ir shows or at the very least go out and
grab their album. It's a mix of bluesy rock which at times sounds like
The Beatles had they been playing with rusty shards of metal. Their
stand out tracks My Country Brain and the near perfect Stepping Out had the crowd prepped for what was to be one of the best HiFi Bar gigs I've yet seen.
It
was soon time for the Dallas Crane crew to wander out onto the stage.
After a session at the top bar with the boys, we secured some brilliant
spots midway up the stairs which allowed for a top view of the stage -
and even better - quick easy access back to the bar. Bursting onto the
stage with the grunting heave of the opening riff of Dirty Hearts. The crowd was theirs. Following a few tracks from the new album "Factory Girls", Crane got back into the swing with classics Unlucky Star, Wannabe and my personal favourite track Numb All Over (which is a near perfect rock song, with just a hint of pop).
The
band would leave and return for the obligatory encore, but bugger me
silly if the Dallas Crane boys don't treat their fans well. After a
consistently building roar from the punters on the ground, drummer Pat
Bourke returned to the stage - followed promptly by Dave Larkin (guitar
and vocals); the ever ageing Pete Satchell (guitar and vocals) and Shan
Vanderwert. A double encore is generally reserved for special
occasions, this night just happened to be the 28th birthday of Bourke.
The slightly camp, yet incredibly likable Ladybird kept the crowd going - ultimately leaving them more satisfied than any late night kebab could ever do.
A
fantastic night, great crowd and most importantly - some of the cuter
girls I've seen manning the merchandise table in some time. Needless to
say I now own a new T-Shirt. Set-List: 3.5 out of 5
Dallas
Crane have built themselves up quite a good little catalouge of tunes,
but unfortunately I wasn't to familiar with to much of the new album
leaving me somewhat in the dark for about 15 minutes in the middle.
Generally, even with unfamiliar songs you can generally get into it,
but sadly nothing seemed to stand out. Perhaps I'll need to sit down
and have a closer listen to "Factory Girls" to get a greater
appreciation for the show. Overall though, the stage presence and
sound was pitch perfect, with Larkin sounding better than ever, often
working the crowd like an old pro. One of the best live acts going
around.
Lighting & Visual: 3 out of 5
The
HiFi Bar is a pretty simple place when it comes to visuals. They know
their fans are there for the music, and that is easily one of the
venues strong points. It's a good looking place and most vantage points
offer good viewing (unless of course you are stuck at the back bar, in
which case, good luck seeing anything besides the bottom of the
balcony).
Overall: 75%
Dallas Crane's new album "Factory Girls" is in stores now.
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