Rocket
ScienceDevil Dolls
Dynamo
Tote Hotel, Melbourne
June 28, 2002
Tonight’s gig was primarily held as a benefit for an aspirant (?) Melbourne community radio station Radio Rakembia, whom alongside focussing on supporting local independent music, were supporting the cause of the newly independent nation East Timor.
First up were (on this occassion) six-piece group Dynamo. This gig was supposedly their first gig in a few months. The group is comprised of a vocalist, two guitarists, bassist, drummer and twin horn section.
Dynamo, with their energetic, captivating vocalist Alex, proved to be quite impressive, playing the kind of music blending 60s garage and psychedelia, funk and soul in an energetic manner.
Though the horn section, were not totally active throughout the set, they were able to make a useful contribution to the band's sound.
Next up were The Devil Dolls and as their name might suggest they were fronted by a female vocalist with the dark looks reminiscent of Ronnie Spector, but with plenty of Patti Smith/Deborah Harry spirit and attitude.
The band also features dual guitar players, with one being a Tote Hotel barfly Chris proving a surprise packet on lead guitar with some respectable and meaty guitar work. Bassist Steve Agar (ex-Shindiggers/Sub Zeros) kept the crowd amused with his encouraging, but also sobering comments on both Scandal-Us (RIP) and John Entwhistle (RIP).
The band played some highly impressive original material including "Boys will be Boys" and "What’s your defence" and closed with their inevitably unique take on The Dictators "Stay with me".
Up next were Rocket Science. In this set they drew on songs from both their studio albums ‘Welcome aboard the 3.16’ and ‘Contact High’ and some newer compositions.
Opening with "International Jetset", they proceeded to tear through favorites such as "Copycat", "Going Away", "Being Followed", "One Robot" and "Burn in Hell". In the process, they just about filled a packed Tote Hotel band room and had the crowd desperate for more.
Although another band followed Rocket Science this reviewer had to retreat for respite and rest for tomorrow evening's likely activities. - Simon Li
3/4