THE KRYPTONICS
+ THE M-16'S
+ THE NEW INVINCIBLES
Rocket Room, Perth
Friday, November 23, 2007
By BEN MERWOOD
Some could say this show was 15 years in the making. Whatever it was, there was an air of anticipation in the Rocket Room. Local lads lone gone the Kryptonics returned home in what was sure to be a stellar night of rock and roll.The New Invincibles kicked things off early in the night and wasted no time getting straight to it. I’m sure there’s not reviewer one who hasn’t directly referenced these guys to the Sonics, but if the shoe fits why not wear it? Anyway what was wrong with the Sonics? Demmler at his Hammond was the driving force behind the tunes however the precision that the beat was delivered from behind the kit was tying it together more than adequately. They managed to belt out “Hot Pants” among others and had some new tunes in with the old. Not a bad cocktail to begin the night on.
Next on stage were current day rock and roll renegades the M-16s. When these guys kick out the jams they stay kicked out. I always remember hearing somewhere “You want to know the meaning of loud, meet the M-16’s”. There is nothing wrong with that when the delivery is well in tune with the decibels.
They opened up with "Thank God" coupled with "Brothers, Sisters" -two dynamic rockers set to put a lighning bolt in the seat of your pants. There was only one thing missing. Ken” Killer” Watt had lost his voice to a certain extent. Spiff Hopkins tried to come to his salvation adding between songs: “He sounds like Barnesy, don’t you think?” In true rock style however they ploughed on and in all reality were warming the crowd up nicely. They drove the train into the wall with the last track “God give me soul”. A slow number escalating into an all out assault on the senses, Warren Hall was your conductor and he was not to be trifled with. Brad Miller swung his bass above his head as it all climaxed and the scene was set.
Only someone with the prestige of yesteryear could follow on, the Kryptonics did - and then some.
As the inner surrounds of the stage grew crowded onlookers anxiously waited to catch a glimpse of days gone by. In times where Perth’s local scene was more renouned for the pop of The Stems, Triffids and Marigolds. The Kryptonics went where others feared to tread. With everything in place the instantly recognizable beat of “Don’t Trash Me” started things off. Underwood, Kostic, Corey and Rushan leapt into the song playing it with vigour and intent. After so long it was like they had never parted ways, pretty impressive for rehearsing only the morning of the show. With this being the last incarnation of the band “Ashes” was dug out from the Tonka Tuff EP to a warm reception. Possibly the only show for another fifteen years the Kryptonics didn’t skimp on their back catalogue either. Favourites such as “The Land That Time Forgot” and “She’s Got Germs” were let loose in succession and the Rocket Room was almost in hysterics.
During the lifespan of the Kryptonics, the band consisted of an ever changing lineup. It became almost like a revolving door with all the comings and goings. Tonight was a chance to pay tribute to some of those members. Earlier this year one of those soldiers, Brett Ford, passed away. Ian Underwood asked all inside the venue to charge their glasses and remember. A sombre moment in amongst all the excitement but one that was truly justified. Brett was not the only past member to be recognized as former axmen Greg Hitchcock (Bamboos, You Am I, Monarchs and countless others) was called on stage to belt out the remainder of the classic “69” EP.
After the show I learned that Greg had not rehearsed earlier in the day with the rest of band he just stepped up and played straight off the hip. With a little help from Ken Watt’s Epiphone he launched into those gripping solos that he had been revered for and propelled the show to even greater heights. His short but sweet cameo was acknowledged by the crowd but there was more to come.
By this point the band had completely hit their straps. With guitars sounding raw but ever so clean and the rhythm section powerful yet precise it was a joy to watch. The audience in the palm of their hand was treated to searing renditions of “Baby” and “Bad September”. “Rejectionville” was used as the closer. An encore was surely imminent as the crowd grew restless. Returning just as quickly as they had departed with an interesting version of Glenn Campbell’s “Try a little Kindness” Ken Watt joined them for one last blast. What better way to end the show then than with “City Slang” fuelled by a triple guitar attack?
An amazing show from an amazing band. Let’s hope its not another 15-year wait till the next reunion.
