Band of Skulls in Sydney – review and photos
Philip Erbacher fought his way to the front to photograph/review the Southampton-based trio on their recent jaunt to Sydney:
Band of Skulls first came to my attention shortly before they toured Australia for the release of their second album Sweet Sour. This one’s a personal favourite, yielding such nuggets as The Devil Takes Care Of His Own, You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Goin’ On and the title track Sweet Sour. Actually, every song on that album is ripping, in my opinion, but anyway…
Even back then, they had no problem filling a solid venue. In that instance, the Factory Theatre. Full. A year later, they played at the HiFi at Fox in Sydney. Again, full.
After it was announced Band of Skulls was playing at the spectacular and intimate Oxford Art Factory, I nearly wet my knickers with joy. This ensured an atmosphere of sweaty sardines crammed into what is probably my favourite venue in Sydney. They book amazing acts, the staff are wonderful, the sound is almost always on point and the place seems to naturally repel fuckwits.
Hot off the back of an appearance at Bluesfest and god knows where else, Band of Skulls smashed out an amazing eighteen-song set. Covering each of their albums generously, hitting several high notes and engaging the audience totally, all present were led on a well structured journey with the band bringing more physical energy and presence than previously.
The thing I appreciate the most about Band of Skulls is their ability to traverse seamlessly between gentle, strummed out moments with harmonised vocals right into abattoir level beefy rock. They brought it all along with them for the evening and I walked home, reassuring myself that I’m not pretty, but boy do I got it goin’ on. RATING: Two Horns Up!
A full photo album with heaps more shots from the night will be going up on Facebook tomorrow. Follow us to see it.
Words and pictures by Philip Erbacher.
