Live Review: Whole Lotta Love

On the whole, cover bands have a bad reputation and tribute bands are usually considered little better, but thanks to the talent it attracts and a well-crafted setlist, the annual Led Zepplin tribute extravaganza Whole Lotta Love stomps on these sorts of shitty preconceived notions.

Over the course of ten years guitarist and creative director Joseph Calderazzo and his band of hired guns — and mega-fans in their own right — have brewed a loud, vital, annual fixture on the calendar that brings fans of all ages out for a slab of much-loved tunes played just they way they're meant to be heard. And with the pomp and majesty of the State Theatre itself adding another element to the experience and the full volume of a massive PA, let us raise a cup to the gods of rock.

Hearing accomplished musicians belting out the songs that made them want to pick up instruments in the first place has an appeal all of its own. Rock goddess Sarah McLeod demonstrated this admirably when she opened the show singing Rock And Roll, a number that finished up with a big, crashing drum flourish.

Simon Meli was definitely channelling a '70s vibe, all long hair and chest hair on Communication Breakdown, while The Voice finalist Frank Lakoudis brought energy and finesse to The Wanton Song.

The mood became mellow with Dallas Frasca's stormy rendition of Going To California, lightened at the last minute by a bloke singing along who busted through the dramatic pause on the last line.

Carmel Mesiti rounded out the female contingent with What Is And What Should Never Be, introducing both her fabulous vocals and the first of her many wardrobe changes of the evening.

Frank Lakoudis returned for Immigrant Song, a number that I am now firmly convinced should only ever be heard live — heavy and visceral.

The band backing the vocalists, conjuring the thunder and adding the occasional shimmer to the lush arrangements, included Lucius Borich on drums, Jan Bangma on bass, Charmaine Ford on keys and Seb Bartels on guitar — a 23-year-old with a musicality beyond his years. The string section was led by violinist, Adrian Keating, with Nikkie Dobosi on cello and Rachel Thompson on viola. Rounding out the ensemble was tabla player, Maharshi Raval, the man whose instruments arrive 'on a magic carpet' joked bandleader Calderazzo.

The setlist scaled peaks and wandered valleys, generating clapalongs and the odd ardent fan shaking their moneymaker down the front, exhorting us all to "get up and dance!" Despite closing the show with Kashmir, there was no way the punters would be heading off without an encore, a highlight of which was Borich's extended drum solo on Moby Dick and a call-and-response with Raval. All vocalists and musicians returned to the stage for the finale — what else but a Whole Lotta Love — on stage and off.