Live Review: The Snowdroppers, Gun It, Cosmo Thundercat

The Snowdroppers return to Adelaide triumphantly after a lengthy hiatus in support of their recently released third album, Business. Having not been in SA since 2012, they received a warm welcome from the crowd.

Local three-piece Cosmo Thundercat opened up the proceedings. While they definitely gave it a red hot go their whole shtick was just a bit lacklustre, starting on a low note and not specifically developing into anything, with energy levels staying constant the entire way through. A few melodies stood out here and there, but the band could really benefit from the addition of keys to thicken their sound out.

Gun It are one of the most impressive local bands Adelaide can lay claim to. The combination of ferocious guitar riffing (riddled with solos and Slash-like abandon), off-kilter vocals with a similar poetic grace to The Smith Street Band's Wil Wagner, and relentless bass lines down tuned to just the right tone (think an anchor hitting the ocean floor) were all tied together by some no-leaks drum work. Certainly a hidden gem on the Adelaide live circuit and some of the most enthusiastic players on stage.

The Snowdroppers. What a band! Old school blues rock compositions laden with rich storytelling and seamless execution. Drummer Cougar Jones laid down the foundation, never wavering as Nick London (bass) and Pauly K (guitar) worked hand in hand. Their onstage mix was close to perfection, blending the musical elements seamlessly, but it was Johnny Wishbone who was the star of the show. He is a contemporary performer with hints of Elvis Presley. For The Snowdroppers it's almost as much about the banter between songs as it is the music, both of which complement each other beautifully. It's the articulate voice of the Australian everyman's plight spread delicately over juicy, blood-pumping blues riffs. Wishbone was enthralling on stage, his charm and impressive vocality intertwining merrily — he even pulled out the ol' harmonica. It was a long time between drinks but we can only imagine The Snowdroppers will be back soon even stronger!