Live Review: DM3, Aborted Tortoise, Hussy

On Saturday night The Rosemount's Four5Nine Bar saw WA legends DM3 celebrate the release of their first recording together in over 18 years, Monsters.

Hussy opened proceedings with a great set full of light and shade. Moments of beautiful harmonising reminiscent of The Clouds, punctuated with bursts of thrashed out garage noise. Great stuff.

Aborted Tortoise crammed their five energetic personalities into the small stage of Four5Nine and exploded into life, at times blurring into one solid object. Jangly garage punk played at breakneck speed with the chance of a stray guitar headstock to the mouth really warmed up the room. Powerful display.

Sightings of DM3 these days are as rare and special as spotting a platypus in the wild, and what a privilege it is to see them in full flight! Appreciative fans, friends and family welcomed the power pop trio of Dom Mariani, Pascal Bartolone and Toni Italiano to the intimate stage for the debut of the new single and a laid-back journey through DM3's extensive back catalogue.

A show comprised of two sets gave the threesome a chance to play all the fan favourites; Foolish, One Time, Two Times Devastated and a few lesser-played gold nuggets like Augustine. The new single Monsters was unmistakably classic DM3 and enjoyed by all who witnessed the debut.

An especially warm welcome was received when guitarist John Mariani took to the stage with his father to complete the show as a four-piece. The addition of John's guitar to the band gave Dom the opportunity to get off the chain and freestyle some of the tastier guitar licks and riffs DM3 songs are renowned for.

Italiano's bass work and harmonies with Dom are trademark DM3 and saw him take over singing duties on Dial 04 Josephine. The light-hearted banter of Italiano and Dom between songs was enjoyable and emphasised that more than being a great band, they are great mates. The casual atmosphere of the night even prompted another rare sight, the usually reserved and ever-professional Bartolone letting his hair down for an enjoyable drum solo between songs, highlighting once again how super talented this trio are.

DM3 practically own the power pop genre in Australia with sublime songwriting, catchy hooks and talented musicianship. This was all on display tonight and fans loved every minute of it!