Live Review: The Datsuns, The Volcanics, The Caballeros

New Zealand rock-metal behemoth The Datsuns, gliding from one Australian town to another for their Deep Sleep tour/album release, are happily spreading the silver fern across said island nation. Indeed, the group’s biggest West Australian gig, at Mt Lawley’s prestigious Astor Lounge, had the potential for tour-defining greatness.

First up, support troupe The Caballeros was tasked with revving up a steadily increasing Astor crowd. Its 20-something band members – thanks to frizzy hairdos, facial fuzz and matching outfits – come off like the Silicon Valley crew. However, thanks largely to lead singer Jake “Dr Green” England’s manic stage presence, the group sold itself from opening number Lovesick Casanova’s first note. The group’s tight, mood-setting set – defined by I Got The Blues, Keys To The City and Last Chance – displayed many enjoyable rhythms, steely vocals and strong group dynamics. 

Next up, underground smash-hit rock-metal ensemble The Volcanics led with a grizzled, true-blue appeal. Lead singer Johnny Phatouros’ peculiar persona and sharp vocals elevated spirited renditions of Don’t Take My Word and Hold It Down. This Ramones-esque troupe – bolstered by scintillating guitar riffs, thumping drum solos and brass twang – charged straight through fan favourites Get Soul, I’ll Make You Happy and Get A Move On.

The stage having been warmed up by two brilliant support acts, The Datsuns stepped up to the plate with a significant amount of charm and enthusiasm, working to an adorably frenzied crowd. Each band member’s flowing brown hair added to their commendable stage presences. Sadly, as they started playing, something became abundantly clear. The group’s pacy, aggressive rock sound smashed against the claustrophobic venue walls. Trapping the sound inside, the venue’s acoustics overshadowed the group’s haunting lyrics and Rudolf de Borst’s Led Zeppelin-esque vocals. The reverb, though perfect for head-shaking mosh-pitters, nearly eviscerated our eardrums.

Despite this, The Datsuns’ raw energy and electrifying set-list succinctly highlighted their nuanced rock-metal style. The group’s blood-sweat-and-tears approach bolstered spirited renditions of edgy hits Bullseye and Gold Halo. The band, delivering a worthy mix of old and new tracks, livened up the ‘excitable’ audience easily. Tearing chunks off Cruel, Cruel Fate, Harmonic Generator and That’s What You Get, searing guitar riffs and drum solos bolstered the group’s passionate dynamic. De Borst’s charisma kept the crowd motivated, calling for singalongs and crazy mosh antics throughout.

The second half, diving headlong into Deep Sleep’s seminal hits, made for several lively renditions. Goodbye Ghosts and Helping Hands were set standouts, depicting the group’s wall-of-sound-and-fury vision and inescapable determination. Fusing ‘80/’90s-style rock-metal with modern jaunty tinges, the group’s newer numbers delivered several refreshing (quieter) moments. Soulful versions of Claw Machine and Looking Glass Lies captured their mind-of-a-Supervillain aura. Encore performances of Solo and Freeze Sucker sent the mosh into hand-waving, head-banging overdrive. Despite the technical snafu, the mega-successful Kiwi group made some new Aussie friends. Amen, brothers.