Unknown Publication, 20 March 1998, Gig Review

Article by: Simon Barber
 

THE SPLIT PERSONALITY TOUR

JEBEDIAH, THE LIVING END, TURNSTYLE

The Prince of Wales Hotel

20 March 1998

The sold out gig began with a set from Turnstyle, of which I caught about half. Punters, sitting and standing, were scattered around the pub. Despite some strong guitar hooks and competent playing, the crowd failed to take any real interest. Turnstyle played the difficult support slot professionally, but with a sense of humour. They finished and told us The Living End was up next and hopefully we would “get off our arses” then.

By the time The Living End took the stage to play their distinct brand of punk/rockabilly, the venue was almost completely packed. The crowd were very receptive to the Melbourne-based three piece and there was plenty of action to keep them entertained. The unbridled energy of the band prompted a lively mosh and stage-diving. They managed to maintain a frenetic pace, without sacrificing any precision. Owen, on double bass, displayed amazing technique and often spun his instrument around or climbed onto it for effect.

The Living End began with a couple of earlier songs in ‘Misspent Youth’ and ‘Strange’. Radio favourites ‘Second Solution’ and ‘From Here On In’ came across very well live due to the increased tempo and catchy melodies. Variety was added to the set with a cover of The Cure’s [actually Soft Cell's] ‘Tainted love’ and a few new songs, including the impressive ‘All Torn Down’. But the highlight of the set was ‘Prisoner Of Society’, which set the moshers into a frenzy and had everyone else singing along enthusiastically.

Perth band Jebediah kicked off with excellent performances of ‘Benedict’ and ‘Lino’. The band display some punky direction, but emit a more sophisticated sound with Chris laying important guitar lines and harmonies of many of the songs. The band weren’t quite as tolerant as The Living End and potential stage divers were kicked by Vanessa or dragged from the stage by security. Kevin bluntly said, “If you want to get on stage, start your own fucking band”, his comment met with cheers and laughter.

Jebediah played a varied and energetic set, with the rocking, sing-along tracks like ‘Leaving home’ and ‘Teflon’ complimented well by the more downbeat sentiment of ‘Harpoon’. A new song, ‘Paint Remover’ [The Less Trusted Pain Remover], is intriguing and complex. It is a sprawling piece that builds and falls, gets faster and slower.

The momentum of the show was briefly interrupted when Kevin’s amplifier failed, but not too many people seemed overly concerned. Chris made light of the situation by trying to sell the piece of equipment to the crowd during the delay. However, strong renditions of ‘ Invaders’ and ‘Jerks Of Attention’ had the punters humming away as they left the Prince of Wales, happy that they had seen two of the most exciting live acts in the country.