Live Review: Everclear, The Motives, Glass Skies

Nostalgia touring has become big business these days. While not everyone’s cup of tea, it enables fans – particularly of ‘90s acts – the chance to see their favourite childhood bands perform greatest hits sets or tour their most successful albums, as well as make a shit ton of cash for the artists. American alternative-rockers Everclear are no different, in Australia to perform their debut album Sparkle & Fade in its entirety.

Touring without big support, Everclear enlisted local artists to play each state, with Glass Skies and The Motive handpicked for the Adelaide leg. Glass Skies’ ‘70s psychedelic-influenced rock had the older crowd heads nodding, but it was The Motive who really took things up a notch. Their brand of stylish Aussie rock thrilled the masses and it was easy to see why they’re gaining a reputation as one of SA’s best live acts.

Arriving 20 minutes late, Everclear jumped straight into Electra Made Me Blind, the first track off their famed debut. Sole original member Art Alexakis had the capacity crowd rocking out from the get-go, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Unfortunately the sound was horrendous, with the mixing at a level you’d expect at a high school battle of the band’s competition. While this did detract from the overall experience, hearing favourites like Santa Monica, Heroin Girl and Strawberry helped soften the blow.

Alexakis, rather gaunt and still sporting his trademark bleached-blonde hair, looked like an elder statesman trying to re-capture his youth, jumping about the stage and doing his best to keep the crowd involved. Never possessed with a great voice, he did his best to circumvent the sound issues, often getting the crowd to sing parts of songs.

The end of Sparkle & Fade signalled a short break before the band re-emerged for a hit-filled encore. So Much For The Afterglow, Everything To Everyone and Father Of Mine got a look-in, with I Will Buy You A New Life and Local God rounding out an entertaining night.

It may not have been the best gig, but this was more about the nostalgic feeling of listening to songs that soundtracked the audience’s youth, and in that way it delivered in spades.