Live Review: Buckcherry, Palace Of The King, Electrik Dynamite

Keytar-wielding melodic metallers Electrik Dynamite arrived amid minimal fanfare. That wasn't to be misconstrued as a lack of confidence though, and the Melburnians' Maiden-inspired fare and overall showmanship appealed to the previously unfamiliar. A solid display ensued and they likely left with fresh converts.

Bluesy crew Palace Of The King have established some buzz recently, and the Melbourne sextet had the swagger, riffs and instrumental prowess to back up their smack, gleefully channelling Purple, Sabbath and The Doors. A drum solo during a support slot was a risky manoeuvre, but the widespread approval didn't seem to waver.

Buckcherry have long proudly flown the flag for rock fans whose idea of a balanced meal on a night out is a beer in each hand, and who likely own several AC/DC shirts. Therefore it was appropriate the Americans opened with Lit Up, an early breakthrough hit heavily inspired by Angus Young and company. The strong turnout bellowed along with gusto to the decadent lyrics.

Sufficiently self-assured to afford their latest disc a beyond cliched title (Rock'n'Roll) with barely a nudge and a wink, Buckcherry's authentic, earnest delivery remained one of their strengths, even when airing a cheesy track like Tight Pants or injecting tambourine — that and energetic songs, which despite not being rock-radio staples Down Under are anthems to the initiated. Heavily inked, inevitably shirtless vocalist Josh Todd exhibited experience in working a crowd, while new cuts like groove-laden Bring It On Back slotted comfortably alongside ballad Sorry (which incited a few actual lighters in the air, not just mobile phones), an extended jam of bona fide party-starter Crazy Bitch and Too Drunk.

An entertaining, if not life-changing set, Buckcherry provided the gig equivalent of an evening of fast cars and heavy boozing in strip clubs, all without having to leave the venue.