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THE DARKNESS
+ You Am I + DZ Deathrays
+ Cry Club
@ Festival Hall, Melbourne,
3rd February 2024
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow

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THE DARKNESS / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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I’ve been a fan of The Darkness since their “Permission to Land” album was released, especially since the debut of their song ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love.’ Yet, in all these years, this was the first time I had the opportunity to see them live. Melbourne hosted a special show on The Darkness’s Australian tour run. It wasn’t just one support act, but three.

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CRY CLUB / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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First up for the night were Melbourne’s own Queer pop-punk duo, Cry Club, with their electrifying, heavy pop-punk right out of the gate. This was my first time seeing them, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, right from the start, I was immediately hooked by their catchy tunes, funky outfits, and the lead singer’s dynamic stage presence. Cry Club, consisting of lead singer Heather Riley and guitarist Jono Tooke, along with a drummer, delivered a great performance, albeit short and sweet due to the number of bands on the bill tonight.

Next up were the dance-punk trio DZ Deathrays, making an immediate impact with their heavy sounds and crazy lighting, perfectly complementing the mood of the performance. This was my second time seeing them live, and once again, I was drawn in by their amazing guitar riffs and the bass player’s energetic stage presence. The drummer’s performance was particularly outstanding, with crashing cymbals and drums. They’re a band people need to experience live.

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DZ DEATHRAYS / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Following DZ Deathrays were Melbourne stalwarts You Am I, but tonight, they were also known as The Majesty of Tap, paying tribute to Spinal Tap by playing various songs of spinal taps. As the lights dimmed before their arrival, many didn’t know what to expect from their performance. However, as usual, they lived up to their reputation as a powerhouse in the local scene. Decked out in fancy outfits akin to Spinal Tap, their performance was even more remarkable. Smoke machines and colorful lighting added flair to their set. Tim Rogers’s vocals suited the Spinal Tap songs perfectly, and their tribute was spot on. At one point, Tim paused the performance to tell a story about the ‘Behemoth’ that is Spinal Tap, captivating the audience’s attention. They were up for the performance tonight, delivering Spinal Tap classics with gusto, even amidst the sad news of MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer’s passing. As they closed their set, Tim expressed his admiration for The Darkness, leaving the crowd cheering in amazement.

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YOU AM I / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Now, the time had come for what we were all here for: the amazing UK rock band, The Darkness. They emerged in crazy outfits perfectly complementing their performance. This tour celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their debut album, “Permission to Land.” Although they didn’t play the album from start to finish, that didn’t detract from the spectacle we were about to witness at Festival Hall. As they began with one of my favorite songs from “Permission to Land,” “Black Shuck,” I was immediately engrossed in what I was witnessing. Justin Hawkins, an amazing frontman, commanded the audience’s attention effortlessly. At one point, Justin called out someone in the audience filming the performance on their phone, sparking the age-old debate of ‘living in the moment versus capturing memories.’ Once the person complied, the performance resumed.

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THE DARKNESS / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Given the sweltering heat inside the venue, both the crowd and the band felt it intensely. Justin even partially pulled down his jumpsuit to cool down while performing. During “Givin’ Up,” Justin got the crowd clapping, which they happily obliged, ecstatic to see their favorite band live. As “Givin’ Up” concluded, the venue erupted in applause and cheers. Justin’s brother, Dan Hawkins, delivered a stellar performance on guitar, showcasing the band’s exceptional talent.

At one point, Justin acknowledged all the bands before them, especially praising You Am I for their Spinal Tap tribute. Even Tim Rogers stood at the side of the stage, momentarily a fan like the rest of us. The Darkness proved they’re seasoned entertainers, delivering an incredible performance. Their guitar tech even joined them on stage, seamlessly integrating as an honorary fifth member during “Friday Night.” The band then treated the audience to an amazing cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” followed by their hit “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.

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THE DARKNESS / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Mid-song, Justin, Dan, and Frankie came together to jam, delighting the audience. Justin even remarked that tonight’s venue was the biggest they’d ever played while touring Melbourne. As the band left the stage, chants for an encore filled the air. They returned, all wearing bathrobes, with their guitar tech seated at the synthesizer. They performed Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” giving Rufus Taylor a moment to shine with a phenomenal drum solo. During this set, three of the band members swapped instruments, showcasing their versatility.

Justin acknowledged the bands once more before concluding the night with “Love on the Rocks with No Ice.” During the song, Justin ventured into the crowd on someone’s shoulders, playing his guitar, eventually returning to the stage. Back on stage, he engaged the crowd in a repetition exercise, adding an interactive element to the performance.

Overall, tonight was a fantastic night with all three supporting acts, especially You Am I with their Spinal Tap tribute, and of course, The Darkness with their incredible performance and stage presence. If you haven’t seen them live before, they should be on your bucket list for the next time they tour Australia.

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THE DARKNESS / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE

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Follow THE DARKNESS
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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THE DARKNESS / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Press Release 2nd December 2023 (below) HERE

THE DARKNESS
announce VIP upgrades for
Australia and New Zealand shows!

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AMNPLIFY – DB