Local rock heroes West Thebarton kicked off their 'Mongrel Australia' album tour in home town Adelaide, with a blistering set at The Gov on Friday night (21 June).
Their first full-length release since 2018's debut album 'Different Beings Being Different', 'Mongrel Australia' presents West Thebby as high-octane as ever, if not a little more optimistic, despite now moving forward with one less member onstage.All the same, the frenetic movement and energy of the band, led by charismatic singer Ray Dalfsen filled the intimate stage of The Gov, and then some.
Joining them were local jammers OIL! who commenced the night's live music with a breathtaking 20-minute piece of riveting riffs and charging dual-drum beats.
The five-piece band with a seemingly fluid membership locked focus with one another, carefully watching for subtle cues as they moved through the presumably improvised epic that unfolded.
To impress upon the chameleon-like ability of their jam band credentials, guitarist from the night's main support act OK Hotel, stepped in to join OIL!'s musical odyssey, providing noise-rock soundscapes and feedback via his guitar, cutting in-between the sharply synchronised drum patterns.
OIL! - image © Mike Lockheart
Hailing from the southern suburbs of Adelaide was the next supporting band, Ethanol Blend, with their brand of highly catchy rock, clearly already endeared to the hearts of many in the crowd, singing along to every word of vocalist Jack Stokes, aka Slippery Sloth.
Drummer Zack Dowd held down a tight beat in the rhythm section with bassist Bernie Wright, providing a back bone for anthemic guitar lines that allowed Stokes and guitarist Dale Lasslett to play off against one another, usually to rapturous applause during the bridges, just to return to enormous, hook-laden outro choruses.
Less appeared to be more with Ethanol Blend's sound, with simplistic riffing and easily singable choruses, the band maintained complete engagement from the near capacity audience within their first number. All the same, the band demonstrated top tier musicianship, again fuelling the rightly held notion the Adelaide music scene can, and is producing some of the very best talent in the country.
Ethanol Blend - image © Mike Lockheart
OK Hotel from Wollongong, who are providing main support for West Thebarton's national tour, were joined onstage by Aston Valladares from local legends TOWNS. Adding a fourth dimension to the rocking three-piece with a set packed with foot tapping, enjoyable pop punk in its purest form.
OK Hotel - image © Mike Lockheart
"It's me against the motherf...in' world!" bellowed West Thebarton frontman Ray Dalfsen amidst the fury and chaos around, in front and on top of him as they kick started with one of their latest ragers, 'MF World'.
A frenzied crowd whipped up into mosh, reflecting the same gymnastic energy of the band, falling just short of leaping into the air with high kicks as demonstrated by Dalfsen to emphasise the euphoric highs of tracks like 'Stuck On You' and 'Hypersensitivity'.
West Thebarton - image © Mike Lockheart
With six years between albums and a tireless commitment to live shows, West Thebarton's tried and tested live staples from their debut record – when stacked up against newer material – stood out as being revered, even iconic in a live setting.
While newer material was performed musically with their typical uncanny precision, albeit extra passion and fury, Dalfsen had his work cut out for him with complex lyrics and a delivery, all of which were far from straightforward.
With little time spared between tracks, the soonest respite came during 'Slow'. This closing track from 'Mongrel Australia' presented an entirely different side to the band, but showcased their remarkable penmanship and penchant for accessible melody.
West Thebarton - image © Mike Lockheart
Living up to its name, Dalfsen hilariously followed by offering up an ultimatum, "enough of the slow shit. Who wants to rock?" Thus marking the beginning of a chaotic, energised second half of the set that saw crowdsurfing, rafter-hanging and stacked-amplifier climbing by band members and fans alike.
Truly Adelaide (if not Australia's) wildest live band.
More photos from the concert.
