Friend of weheartmusic, Mr Graeme Hamer, moseyed on down to Spectrum on Sydney's Oxford Street to check out Brisbane's Jungle Giants and those kinds from Perth who seem to be everywhere these days, San Cisco.
While both bands were certainly polite, there was no awkwardness to be found when The Jungle Giants and San Cisco joined forces again at Spectrum last Saturday as they continue their tour of Australia. Although the bands are youngsters, both in terms of age of their members and the age of the band hemselves, the quality of performances was such that it was unclear who was the supporting band (assuming you could have a support act that comes after the main act).
The Jungle Giants performed known and new material, with frontman Sam Hales and bassist Andrew Dooris making the most of the tiny space that is Spectrum. Dooris managed to be everywhere at once and still play his instrument, while Hales delivered lyrics with precision and feeling.
Next up was San Cisco. The unassuming (i.e. the shortest) lead singer, Jordi Davieson, definitely took the awards for courage and determination, his voice clearly not at its best due to a minor cold (or too much "living the dream"?). Davieson revealed to the audience that he was onto the solution though, brandishing a bottle of honey and also suggesting that Ron Burgundy's (of the film "Anchorman") choice of scotch on the rocks was going to help. Did we mention these guys have just left high school?
San Cisco showed themselves to be reliable and versatile. Singing duties were shared around, with some indulgence of voice distortion for specific songs. Davieson retired his guitar at one point to take up a keyboard. Continuing his accelerating progression in the life of a rocker, he somehow managed to float off stage for a brief crowd surfing session, avoiding entanglement in the equipment suspended from the low ceiling, and being returned in time to finish the current song.
A few new songs from San Cisco were thrown in for good measure. Davieson informed that the band has been recording them in Melbourne, violating the golden rule of not mentioning the 'other place' in a positive or a neutral tone. Well, they're young. Next time, we're sure we will hear things of Melbourne that will send Victoria's tourism department into a spin. Ha!
Davieson's voice held up through the show, with the huskiness only really obvious when he related stories to the audience. After giving a solid performance of "Rocket ship" (scroll down to listen), we were certain that that was the end of Davieson's voice, and perhaps the end of the night. However, with true showmanship, the band powered to the end, finishing up with "Awkward". Scarlett Stevens on drums, hidden for most of the night, sang her part as sweet as ever. Towards the end of the song, it was time for a remix with some spacey synth interludes.
An earlier invite by the Jungle Giants for San Cisco to join them for a song was repaid not once, but twice. Such overachievers! Lost voices, crowd surfing, versatility in instruments, and now multiple guest appearances. At this rate, soon enough there may be little be left to attempt.
Overall, the only negative that could be maintained is that both performances were not out long enough, but that's more to do with a limited catalogue than anything else. No doubt they're working on it. Stay classy San Cisco.
If you missed this tour, never fear. San Cisco are pretty much heading straight back out on the road, this time with fellow Perth, kids the Voltaire Twins. So get in quick if you missed out!
The Rocket Ship Tour - Presented by Yen Magazine, Pedestrian, Beat, Brag, Rave and Db Magazine
Friday, April 27 - Mojo's, Fremantle www.oztix.com.au / 1300 762 545 / all Oztix outlets
Wednesday, May 2 - Corner Hotel, Melbourne www.cornerhotel.com / 03 9427 9198 / from The Corner box office directly
Thursday, May 3 - Fowlers Live, Adelaide [All Ages] www.moshtix.com.au / 1300 GET TIX / all Moshtix outlets
Saturday, May 5 - Groovin' The Moo, Bendigo
Sunday, May 6 - Groovin' The Moo, Townsville
Wednesday, May 9 - The Standard, Sydney www.moshtix.com.au / 1300 GET TIX / all Moshtix outlets
Thursday, May 10 - Elsewhere, Gold Coast www.oztix.com.au / 1300 762 545 / all Oztix outlets
Friday, May 11 - The Zoo, Brisbane www.oztix.com.au / 1300 762 545 / all Oztix outlets
Saturday, May 12 - Groovin' The Moo, Maitland
Sunday, May 13 - Groovin' The Moo, Canberra
Saturday, May 19 - Groovin' The Moo, Bunbury
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