Live Review: Radio Birdman, Velociraptor

Local party-starters Velociraptor take the stage in a stripped back six-piece formation, attacking Ramones homage Robocop with typical gusto and joie de vivre to open. They've been quiet of late and seem happy to have the gang back together, airing a couple of strong newer songs early before the start of ongoing gear trouble begins to intermittently stall their momentum. They battle on bravely, their messy charm and camaraderie shining through as they deliver a string of catchy staples such as Cynthia, Sleep With The Fishes, Do The Ruby, Mystery Man, Sneakers, Monster Mash and Scientists, closing with a killer version of Ramona that finds Lauren Jenkins jumping joyously into the fray with her keytar to finish the set rocking among the crowd.

The sold out venue is packed and rowdy by the time the six predominantly black-clad members of Aussie rock pioneers Radio Birdman stroll into view to a heroes' reception and burst into Crying Sun, the sound immense and pristine from the get-go. Frontman Rob Younger jerks around like there's electricity coursing through his veins, his wrists loose like rubber, as the incredibly tight band around him — led by the ever-stoic Deniz Tek on devastating lead guitar — pummel through great song after great song from their inimitable catalogue: Smith And Wesson Blues, Do The Pop, Non Stop Girls and I-94 all fly by in a blur, each as powerful as the last. They throw in The Brotherhood Of Al Wazah from 2006's underrated second-phase album Zeno Beach — Pip Hoyle particularly animated as his keys weave through the song he penned — and following What Gives? they opt for a ferocious cover of Blue Oyster Cult's Transmaniacon MC. Another Zeno Beach song in the form of We've Come So Far (To Be Here Today) is slotted in, and then another cover — this time an incendiary rendition of Magazine's Shot By Both Sides — the band seeming to relish spreading their collective wings into new territory. They further confound expectations by smashing through a raucous take on The Beatles' Hey Bulldog (the high water mark of 1969's Yellow Submarine album), the years seeming to visibly strip away from members of the crowd as they dance and writhe delightedly, reliving their chequered pasts with relish. Yet it's originals like More Fun, Iskender Time and Anglo Girl Desire which really get the place jumping — these songs nigh on four decades old yet still so fresh and timeless — and when they close with a rollicking run through of the classic Aloha Steve & Danno the joy in the sticky air is palpable.

The Birdman well is deep and it's no surprise when they respond to the crowd's lusting braying for more, the legendary outfit hammering out Dark Surprise, Hand Of Law and the anthemic New Race in a display of unity and precision still incredible to behold after all these years. Another brilliant foray from one of Australia's greatest rock innovators, long may they continue to astound.