Live Review: Crystal Ignite, Acolyte, Verona Lights, The Deadlips

Melbourne-based band The Deadlips open this awesome night of local rock in fine style. The main feature of this band is the sultry vocals of frontperson Madi O'Shea, who is given very able-bodied support by a very tight three-piece band. That said, O'Shea can definitely wail - very melodically - when she needs to and when the song requires it. The music is mostly blues-based, indeed they get really loose mid-set, turning The Workers Club momentarily into a smoky jazz/blues club in New Orleans. Elsewhere, it's big, fat Zeppelin-esque grooves and funky shuffles all the way. A little more movement on stage and a few more sweet vocal harmonies would have been very welcome, but overall this band is quite delicious. 

Verona Lights explode onto the stage with their Deftones-influenced heavy rock, although replace Chino Moreno's caress with Brendan Davine's raspy howl. Davine is a hyperactive machine, stalking the stage and screaming with good-natured aggression, while the band behind him hit the mark dead on. Especially drummer 'Nath', who is very skilled at creating some interesting patterns and laying down the groove with precision and power. Verona Lights slowly but surely win over the growing crowd with the exuberance and sheer energy of their delivery.

A sweet symphonic wash heralds the arrival of the mighty Acolyte to the stage as main support. Frontperson Morgan-Leigh Brown certainly commands attention with her full-throated vocal histrionics and extrovert performance, and the band's lengthy, adventurous compositions are ever-compelling, culminating in soaring closer Perceptions. This band is now an absolute mainstay of the Melbourne and Australian rock scene and some new music from them would be embraced. 

After the disappointing break-up of her former band Bellusira last year, Crystal Ignite is more than ready to reignite her career as a solo artist. Opening with her old band's thundering Cachango, she lets the packed audience know that she is back in no uncertain terms. Her smile, her vibe and her energy are truly infectious, and the band she has put together for this current tour is slick, powerful and ultra-professional. This is especially true for former Superheist skinsman Benny Clarke, who moves like liquid energy and slams down the groove like a silken sledgehammer.  

The set consists of an approximately 50/50 mix of Bellusira tunes and brand new songs that will be released under the name Crystal Ignite. First single Everything You Break is an emotional slow-burner, and the remainder of the new tracks are the type of punchy, accessible rock that America still loves. The energy pouring off the stage from Ignite and her band of instrumental warriors is quite astounding. Take this show across the States and people won't fail to stand up and take notice. 

Yet another supremely entertaining night of home-grown rock.