Live Review: Nothing But Thieves, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

Riff lords? Undeniably. But at this point in time Psychedelic Porn Crumpets perform as if there's no audience and the door to their rehearsal space remains closed.

Technically, they are brilliant and regularly stop on a dime in perfect unison. But there's no interplay between the members; four separate musicians rather than a cohesive band. Frontman Jack McEwan's mumbled banter doesn't help, either. They may have "the best band name going 'round" (as Conor Mason, frontman for this evening's headline act later points out), but this promising Perth psych-rock outfit need to work extra hard to ensure their live show offers much more than just listening to their CD would.

We nervously guard our posi's while gazing stageward at the Nothing But Thieves backdrop, this band's name circled multiple times as if for emphasis. As soon as the UK quintet enter, Mason demands, "Straight away let me see you fuckin' move, come on!" and we score I Was Just A Kid for our opener. Yep, Mason showcases those mighty, lung-busting extended high notes from the get-go as we soak up riffs that beckon collective stank faces and nods of appreciation. Soda hits the spot ("I don't wanna be myself/Just wanna be someone else").

Mason then shares a sudden realisation that he ate too many dumplings in China Town pre-show, stifling a burp before Broken Machine. His voice is as majestic as on record, effortlessly jumping octaves, and we'd love to hear a sing-off between the Nothing But Thieves singer and Sebastian Bach. When Mason plays acoustic, there's a grand total of four guitars in use and all band members play off each other, expertly working the stage and facing inwards to lock into a perfect groove. He encourages us to jump during Live Like Animals' demented breakdown and we duly oblige. The chorus melody in Particles makes our hearts hurt. Midway through crowd favourite Sorry, we can barely contain ourselves while anticipating the song's plaintive plea, "I've been waiting SO LOOOOOONG!" (Which, thankfully, none in the crowd surrounding us try to replicate.) 

After the band leaves the stage, random punters start up a chorus of Bruce Channel's Hey! Baby in lieu of the 'one more song' chant to lure them back. It works and they all file out, Mason cheerfully observing, "I love that song!" He then promises Nothing But Thieves will return to our shores as soon as they can, adding they love Australia before claiming we're a bunch of "nu'ers". As the intro to Amsterdam eases in and James Price's snappy drumbeat takes hold we absolutely lose our shit. "SO I HIT MY HEAD UP AGAINST THE WALL!" We screech these chorus lyrics into each other's faces and careen all over the joint. What a tune! How could they not close on such a euphoric note? Assembling centre stage for an old-school bow, Nothing But Thieves leave us gobsmacked by their brilliance.