Live Review: The Scientists, The Volcanics, The New Invincibles, Helta Skelta

When the original Perth line-up of The Scientists played at The Bakery in November, the gig felt both victorious (the sold out crowd was probably bigger than any crowd that line-up would've played to 35 years ago) and one of a kind; it was hard to tell if anyone would get a second chance to see this incarnation of the band again.

Thankfully, that second chance was granted on Saturday night, bringing many out of the woodwork who you wouldn't normally see at a gig too much anymore. The social vortex that is the Rosemount beer garden was host to a music scene from yesteryear who chose to spend the majority of Helta Skelta's set playing catch-up, but by the time The New Invicibles had hit the stage the band room was almost full. A perfect fit for a Scientists bill, they sounded like MC5 doing '60s garage and had no trouble winning the crowd over, dressed in matching maroon suits. Tristan Demmler's screaming Hammond organ cut through the onslaught nicely although David Brockwell's excellent mutton chops damn near stole the show altogether.

The Volcanics are a bit an institution in Perth rock'n'roll, and there was no denying that they tore the roof off the place. Big crowds suit this band; an otherwise fairly straightforward serving of rock'n'roll was injected with such charisma that no one could look away. By the time the horn section had appeared on stage for Get A Move On, they had us in the palm of their hands.

After a quick changeover, The Scientists were ready to get down to business. Blisteringly loud and deliciously sloppy, the band sound today even more invigorated than they did on record all those years ago. The Stones' Sympathy For The Devil was aired just two songs in, and Kim Salmon (vocals, guitar) cut Shake (Together Tonight) short at the start to make James Baker (drums) start it again saying “Shake it, Ronnie!!” as he did on the record. Frantic Romantic and Last Night were naturally the crowd-pleasers they should be, and the Beasts Of Bourbon's Drop Out (penned by Salmon and Baker) was also a treat to hear, further adding to the crowd's adoration of Baker, who also celebrated his 60th birthday earlier this month. Continuing to play every song they could think of – rehearsed or not – they may have gone well over curfew, but they could never overstay their welcome.