Live Review: The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Raveonettes - The Astor

Australia seems to have a love for The Brian Jonestown Massacre that keeps bringing them back, already resulting in selling out shows in Melbourne and Sydney leading up to their Perth show at Astor. Upon arrival it was fans young and old that gathered together to witness the sounds of the San Franciscan psychedelic collective, now veterans when it comes to playing live. And you know you're in the right place when sitting pre-show, a punter comes asking if I had any acid, “no, I don't”, “someone will.”

This time the tour coincided with the band's release of new album Aufheben, bringing with them Danish duo The Raveonettes. They opened slow and softly, starting off with light tunes that showed off the duo's harmonies. From there, their set became progressively louder, nosier and gutsier, and by the second half it began to rub off onto the crowd. With a final rock out and noise frenzy, The Raveonettes showed pure class and some amazing tones in a stellar performance.

A total of eight members took over the stage to applause from the crowd, with The Brian Jonestown Massacre opening with new material in Stairway To The Best Party. The set became a mix of the new, slower shoegaze numbers and fast paced rock'n'roll, the latter definitely the preference of the audience. Songs from Aufheben were great to see with the full band, although they didn't quite rub off on the crowd who clearly were after the band's back catalogue. Matt Hollywood lead the charge with Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth and Oh Lord, just a few of which satisfied the crowd's appetite. Band leader Anton Newcombe jumped into most tracks, controlling the band from his side of stage, but it was twelve-string guitarist Ricky Maymi who's stage presence stole many eyes, not to forget Joel Gion strutting with his tambourine and maracas throughout. The finale came with Straight Up And Down, with an extended outro that saw Newcombe droning out his guitar with effects. At this point the band had been playing a full two hours - a testament to the group and Anton Newcombe that The Brian Jonestown Massacre continue to make valid music and attract large crowds after so many years, and are not just entertaining documentary subjects.