Live Review: The Madden Brothers, Red Ink

Having between them hit success with Good Charlotte, The Voice and some peculiar KFC commercials, Joel and Benji Madden grabbed the past decade with all four hands. Handing Joel a ‘Most Popular New Male Talent’ Logie, Australia has embraced the Madden brothers for all they’re worth. Befitting their “prestige” status, Crown Theatre turned it on for the tattoo-and-leather-blazoned siblings. Kicking off this Greetings From California tour gig, Aussie rock hopefuls Red Ink amped up the selfie-obsessed crowd with energetic original tracks and covers. Thanks to lead vocalist John Jakubenko’s manic stage moves, Red Ink deserve a big tick across their work.

The stage lighting up with bursts of red, the crowd then went bonkers for the American duo’s awe-inspiring entrance. Fusing archival footage and bright colours over the backdrop, the performance carried a fond sense of nostalgia. Outlining the aura of the event, their latest tour transports us to California’s sunny climes, so delving straight into their Greetings From California album, The Madden Brothers strove to bring Perth fans in on their new adventures. As the crowd’s shill-ish screams and “I love you” shout-outs echoed throughout the Crown, the duo launched into bright-eyed hits Dear Jane and Brixton. However, despite the energy of the tracks, the duo’s stage presence remained subdued throughout the first hour.

Again, despite the stiff movements, the duo matched one anther beat for beat. Switching tempo throughout, their highly rehearsed style suited them. Between songs, the boys took time out to acknowledge their rabid fanbase. Infatuated with Perth, they described their profound love of the place and people. Their latest smash hits, You Are and Love Pretenders, were as well received as previous successes. Relying on audience participation at opportune moments, the duo knew how to rouse the already-berserk audience. Of course, Good Charlotte hits Girls & Boys and I Just Wanna Live were made to be blared through their high-pitched, nasally vocals.

Telling stories of adolescence, bad decisions, the music industry and Australia, the brothers’ bright sense of humour delivered many honest moments. Bringing on friend/musician Danny Ross, their covers of Free Fallin’ and Hotel California tugged at heartstrings and nostalgic vibes. Switching from electric to acoustic, their renditions of GC classics Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous, I Don’t Wanna Be In Love and Last Night showed a different side. The set’s final tracks delivered an ode to Middle America, with Brother boasting a harmonica-induced aura. Saving the best for last, California Rain and Bad tapped into their immense dynamism. Fittingly, the show ended with a rousing rendition of We Are Done. Don’t worry fans; they will definitely be back.