Live Review: The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Michael Savage

Psychedelic legends The Brian Jonestown Massacre were back in town once again to promote the release of their new album Something Else. With a career spanning almost 30 years, it was anyone's guess what bandleader Anton Newcombe and co had in store for the Perth audience this time 'round.

The sole support act for the night was singer-songwriter Michael Savage, who delivered an energetic set of songs from his new album Won't Die Wondering backed by his five-piece band. The title track from said album and Nothing Good were highlights of the set, with Savage's well-crafted pop sensibilities evident in his music that elicited an incredibly positive reaction from the audience during their eight-song set. From the shimmering George Harrison-esque slides to the beautiful harmonies and great skill of the musicians on display, it was evident Savage has a winner on his hands with this new album. 

Anton Newcombe and The Brian Jonestown Massacre arrived on stage just after 8pm with one band member waving incense around the stage space. Newcombe started talking by about the impact his band had on prolific Australian bands like Tame Impala and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard as well as his love for local legends The Triffids, which got a nice cheer from the audience. The band then kicked things off with slow-burner We Never Had A Chance before launching into a blistering performance of Whatever Happened To Them?, which got the crowd moving and dancing to the drone-laden, psychedelic sounds all punctuated by percussive tambourine played by the impeccably cool Joel Gion.

The band delivered an incredible 18-song set including Hold That Thought and Who Dreams Of Cats? from the new album and live staples Pish, That Girl Suicide and Anemone. Overall, it was a great performance from Newcombe and the band that had the audience mesmerised throughout and proved the band have still got a lot to say after performing together for all these years.