Live Review: The Dandy Warhols, Silversun Pickups, Los Campesinos!

After a lengthy soundcheck, Welsh band Los Campesinos! opened with frontman Gareth David apologising for the technical difficulties and introducing their now “28-minute set”. Playing their first gig in Perth, this seven-piece warmed up the quickly growing crowd with their indie-pop/punk-rock infused sound and a well-blended mix of three guitars, bass, drums, keys and vocals. David, along with the drummer and bassist, seemed to hold all the band's energy, and the set was finished nicely with You! Me! Dancing!

Silversun Pickups were next and boosted everyone into a joyful frenzy. Frontman Brian Aubert is extreme on stage, with a somewhat absorbing energy, smashing out Billy Corgan-inspired vocals and Pumpkins-enthused riffs. The set was a balance between progressive new material from their latest album Neck Of The Woods – including crowd favorite Bloody Mary – whilst still throwing in a few of the older classics. Despite being heavily pregnant, bassist Nikki Monninger was still in fine form, shredding catchy riffs in Panic Switch whilst Lester's hypnotising keys complemented Catch & Release and altogether putting on a great show.

The now very packed grounds of FAC came even more alive when the sound of Courtney Taylor-Taylor's Iggy Pop-like vocals oozed through the speakers. Headlining act The Dandy Warhols took to the stage their cool, calm and at-ease demeanor, busting out masterpieces from their early and best-loved albums including The Dandy Warhols Come Down. Even after Taylor-Taylor stated to the crowd on more than one occasion that he “had the dries, bad!” (and in between the cringing moments of feedback through the sound system), classic tracks We Used To Be Friends and Bohemian Like You went off flawlessly and were lapped up by everyone. All their greatest hits were played, from Godless to Get Off, and were evenly spread in-between songs from their latest album This Machine, including Mission Control and Welcome To The Third World. Disappointingly there was no encore, but instead keyboard player Zia McCabe invited the screaming-out “encore” crowd back to the after party. It's fair to say that The Dandy Warhols are beyond cool with a visual identity about them that is distinct and intriguing, and they still know how to put on a genuine and impressive performance.