Live Review: The Tarantinos, Florelie Escano

There's a full moon shining on this Friday the 13th and even the skulls glaring across The LuWow's Forbidden Temple look ready to go slightly crazy. DJ Barbara Blaze channels the tiki vibe, playing surf-pop numbers that help people relax into their piña coladas. Florelie Escano funks things up immediately with her belting diva voice, sexy-short, pink one-piece and Foxy Cleopatra hairdo. She's backed by a damn good band that play relentlessly danceable beats and compel us onto the dancefloor, cocktails in hand. Two dressed-up, Men In Black-type figures go-go dance on the voodoo altars while Escano covers some James Brown, busts out a funky crowd-pleasing cover of Aretha Franklin's Think and shows off some very fine originals.  

The Tarantinos rise to the occasion all zombie-faced, blood-spattered and ready to do Quentin complete justice. Cruisy Bustin' Surfboards brings the Pulp Fiction vibe straight in with the tide while the rocking Tennessee Stud brings Jackie Brown to the house. But it's Son Of A Preacher Man that seals the deal early for The Tarantinos and the crowd is hooked, singing along with this old fave tarted up a little with rock.   

A weird-yet-wonderful moment begins when the drummer emerges from behind the kit, face obscured by a Hannibal Lecter-style mask, and swaps places with the lead guitarist. Next minute, he's performing the lead vocal on Stuck In The Middle With You looking every bit the insane psychopath. No one's freaked out at all since they're too busy belting out “Plee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ease”, happy-drunk style. You Never Can Tell then gets guys twirling girls around the dancefloor, Travolta-style, and everyone's twisting up a storm. Things get way, way hotter with Down In Mexico thanks to special guest Alana (aka Pink Minx), who struts and twirls in tiny, black sequinned hot pants, fishnets and luscious black hair extensions around the rocking-out guitarists. Everyone, onstage and off, is just loving it. Pink Minx comes back on later for Freedom and the male lead singer gets hot and sticky enough to shout, “I think I'm pregnant!”

An encore mash-up of Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon and surf-rock classic Misirlou finish off tonight's incredible show. The Tarantinos are tight, talented and totally fun. Full moon or not, they bring some crazy, amazing energy to lighting up our night. QT would be proud.