Live Review: Villainettes, New Gods, Soviet X-Ray Record Club

Ipswich five-piece Soviet X-Ray Record Club start off with brooding, atmospheric rock and then New Gods lift the mood with jaunty pop-rock. During On Your Side, lead vocalist Dominic Byrne stretches out his hand toward punters in a touching bit of stagecraft, while the banging riff on Razorblades catches our attention early on. There’s nothing like witnessing four dudes standing still at their mics, eyes closed, singing sweet harmonies as New Gods do during Klipse. When accompanied by tingling keys and a squealing lead guitar riff, it’s quite a special moment. 

Villainettes make a statement entrance when the stage curtains pull back to reveal a striking LED “V” behind the four-piece band. Blue light from the “V” ripples across the disco ball above, which adds extra sparkle to the visual spectacle. Starting with I See Your Face, Villainettes get the front rows heaving along to the gritty, intense rock track while the slower, moodier Death Notice shows off lead singer Michael Lindquist’s sweeter vocal abilities. Lindquist gives his thanks to all the sick punters present and encourages all to head straight to the merch table to “Get decked out in Villies and look cool”. 

Lindquist also introduces Existdance as a track that was destined to become a B-side before being picked up by triple j, which resulted in its redemptive inclusion on their EP. With eerie high-pitched synths providing all the depth, this track gets a huge response from dance enthusiasts who also sing along to the easy chorus lyrics, "I know, I know, I know/It’s alright.” Having thus far earned the row of shots laid out carefully along the stage, Villainettes are heartily cheered along by the crowd as they readily knock them back. The shots obviously help as next track Dark Clouds is played with an evident intensity and sexiness.

The title track from Love Cuts, the EP Villainettes launch tonight, offers a thumping bass and drum track that fires up lead guitarist Jonathan Reisacher enough to do some enthusiastic fist pumping. Lindquist finishes the set by knocking over his mic stand in order to rock out unencumbered by vocals and then furiously strums his guitar high above his head. The synths continue their high-pitched drone as the curtains close. Villainettes definitely kick arse tonight with their manic and forceful performance.