Live Review: Everclear, The Dead Love, Wasters

Wasters sauntered onto the stage and softly began tuning their guitars ahead of what proved an explosive performance, taking indie rock to new heights with apathetic vocals and piercing guitar that left lingering soundscapes. They had a certain nostalgic quality the punters revelled in as powdery guitar licks would veer off-course into screeching solos. The bass and percussion were a perfect marriage that became tighter as their set closed in.

Loud, boisterous and swigging wine from the bottle, The Dead Love took no prisoners. They remind of a multitude of bands before them, such as AC/DC, early Silverchair and Motley Crue, and yet they maintained a gritty originality – you could bathe in the vocals. Screaming louder as each track wore on, lead vocalist Stevie Knight knew how to growl to compliment the bashing of the drums and playful screeching of guitar.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of their trail-blazing album, Sparkle & Fade, Everclear played the record in its glorious entirety. A set for die-hard fans the set began with Electra Made Me Blind and then Heroin Girl. Both tunes sent the scorching Los Angeles sun into the eyes of the throng.

Santa Monica was met with excited shrieks as Art Alexakis enjoined everyone to sing along. The guitarists tore shreds off each other as they swung around together throwing their bodies in the air.

Summerland followed with its thrashing guitar licks, raucous percussion and angst-filled vocals from Alexakis. After apologising to all four of his ex wives, he launched into My Sexual Life, creating an atmosphere that could only be described as erotic melancholy.

The encore truly the set night alight. So Much For The Afterglow featured skittish guitar and retro drums. However, Everything To Everyone proved the crowd favourite as they mashed their torsos together in adoration.

Wonderful made a predicted appearance as heartbreak was smeared across the guitar strings and rage reverberated from the drums.

Local God incited joyful rebellion as the band strutted around stage exuding arrogance and pride, using their instruments as weapons held in front of them and leaving the crowd feeling wounded and delirious.