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Riot Runners let Le Seul loose (EP Launch)

8/23/2012

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Le Seul. The one and only, roughly translated into English is the debut EP of self-confessed explosive musicians, Riot Runners, released to an equally energetic crowd at The Promethean and what a night for those ready to party and celebrate the stars of local and interstate grunge. Bringing fellow musicians and friends into the fold to help them rock out with a great show of punters, Riot Runners played host to the ultimate feel good, rock out with your cock (or frock, for the dressier ladies there to have a good time) out night that would put them in good stead for tour plans within the year and the release of an album for next year catering to all the senses and tastes of their respected fans.

Starting off the long-awaited launch since Riot Runners got together to channel a style that took them in all the right directions, Nikai set a chilled out pace between two classic guitars, a tambourine and voices that held all the warmth and purity of an Australian summer we all miss. Swapping instruments and songs between each other, this down-to-earth pair played a few fan favourites, some of which have been earning radio play already including Lost, Oak Tree and Beg You to Leave. New song, All I See, was put to the test on the night as well, giving hope to the future release of more creatively acoustic tunes.

Before everyone got too comfortable though, The Sunbirds came next, full of youthful gusto, a familiar rebellious nature that had the band seem plucked from the very 60s themselves, and hair-raisingly good harmonisation from the vocals of their drummer and frontman, to the collaborative rhythms of the experimental keyboardist. Rocking out together to rhythms that got heads nodding were songs off their EP, Emergency Christmas, including I Shook, Tinsel & Skin, as well as a cover of the Hummingbirds’ Blush, proving that The Sunbirds’ future could easily be as bright as their namesake. But for all the spirited front they put forward, it’s important to remember that they are not rebels, but artists with a song of the same title to boot.

Kingston Downes took the night’s festivities up a notch, slipping into party mode with a grand display of lighting, energy and showmanship that made this Victorian three-piece a force to be reckoned with. Drawing the crowd in with songs like Break through the Fire, Soldier and a fan favourite, You’ll See, this alternative outfit invited their fans to drink up, move around and enjoy the night, even playing the good hosts themselves as they danced across the stage and threw in a party favour in the form of new song, Cure Innocence. But this was not all-nighter for these Kings as the wait for the headliners was almost at an end, though if the crowd’s response to their set was a good judge, Kingston Downs would have no trouble boosting their attendance list at their next big bash.

With faces and arms painted in fluorescent streaks, axes and drumsticks at ready with the front rows filling with eagerly awaiting fans, Riot Runners took to the stage, ready to celebrate the spoils of battles they faced on their way to the top as a solid outfit that got together and gave it their all, leaving nothing for shame, or the imagination! There is a method to their madness – songs like Overthrown Again and 5...4 with more grit and channel than a rural asphalt road had every foot and head in the room rocking in unison, while other tracks off the debut EP, including a cover of Edwyn Collins’s Girl Like You brought a deliberate aural feel to the set, helped along by the crooning vocals of the Runners’ frontman. Hard work pays off and that much can be said for these groovy musicians, not stopping to rest on stage as they shook along with fans, or outside of the venue walls with the promise of new material in the pipeline, even on the night of their first official musical release. It may be a long stretch of road ahead for the Runners to have their name in lights as bright as their stage makeup, but it’s a journey they will no doubt enjoy – and if you get lucky, you may be able to tag along for a guaranteed groundbreaking trip.

Review by Rebecca Grant

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Children Collide at Fowlers Live

8/11/2012

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It was another cold wintery night in Adelaide and the decision to stay in front of the fire and watch the equestrian at the Olympics was not strong enough, opting to venture out and see Children Collide play the first of two nights at Fowlers Live instead.

After errors were made with the times posted on Facebook not only did I miss Bad//Dreams but I missed half of the Dune Rats set. On reflection I’d probably be kind enough to say that the Dune Rats are an acquired taste and didn’t really win me over. The only moment that stuck out was the haphazard cover of the Violent Femmes classic Blister In The Sun. Their popular ‘hits’ were there by way of Pogo and Wooo! Nevertheless, they looked like they were having fun and brought plenty of energy to the stage.

The break between bands was probably one of the most interesting ones experienced at Fowlers since I’ve been going there. The smoke machine on stage had set off the fire alarms resulting in the venue being evacuated. A good way to kill off twenty minutes and good to see a rapturous applause for the fire officers in attendance as they gave the all clear to go back inside.

It wasn’t long until Children Collide hit the stage with the refreshed line up featuring stalwarts Johnny Mackay and Heath Crawley with new drummer Mitch McGregor. The opener Terrible Lizard was blistering and for the band it was game on. With the opening remarks out of the way from Mackay it didn’t take long for some dickhead in the crowd to start heckling saying “great song” prompting a reply “what do you think that was”. Flat Earth apparently is about dinosaurs and the crowd really got in to Skeleton Dance.

Mackay apologised for the ‘excursion’ outside and launched in to Sword To A Gun Fight. Their set was mostly focused on the relatively new album Monument. Across The Earth was great which morphed in to Prussian Blue. Scratching the guitar lead across Mackay’s face was used to great effect before belting out My Heart Came Alive. Adelaide was then formally introduced to new drummer Mitch McGregor who seems to have given the band a fresh lease of life.

The sound mix I don’t think was quite on the money proving to be a challenge for the sound technician and quite noticeable on Loveless and Cherries. Prayer For Sunshine was great and the heckler returned prompting Mackay to reply “why don’t you play a song dickhead.” Farewell Rocketship never tires and is always great despite a terrible sing-a-long from the crowd. Heath still blows the crowd a kiss after and they backed up with another classic Social Currency which brought the house down.

Mackay being the jovial front man said Adelaide was a great audience indicating that if he could reach out he’d kiss every one of us on the face. With the end in sight Spheres Of Influence got the nod followed by Chosen Armies. The band thanked punters for coming out on a Wednesday night in the rain, facing fire hazards and other paradoxes. Mackay added that there would be no encore leaving a lasting impression with Jelly Legs. 

Review by Rob Lyon
Photo by Melissa Donato

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