Reviews / Live

Concluding their performance with a final song request from the easily impressed crowd, Lionizer and the preceding performers showed the true versatility of the Perth rock scene.

As they finally conclude their set around the 3.30am mark, DJ Premier and Pete Rock take the time to shake hands with and talk to fans while DJ Zimmie jumps back onstage to play out.

This set could have easily come across as kitsch in lesser hands. Robert DeLong, however, makes it feel essential and real. Let’s dance again soon.

The fluid and embracing time changes between songs let it be known that they’ve worked hard to construct a solid setlist, and while it would have been good to see a little more freedom on stage, the quality of Russian Circles’ music pretty much adds up to a pretty memorable show either way.

Favourites such as Barry Rich Made Me Cry and Never Know help fill the remainder of what is a totally fun, loose and wild set – such good times!

Note to tweens: please watch Stonefield instead of chicks writhing naked on wrecking balls. You’ll learn a thing or two about true talent and the raw beauty of rock.

The harmonies were fine, the songwriting was OK, and the room enjoyed it. This one was for fans only.

What better way to celebrate the album’s launch than by performing to a sold-out crowd?