VI Spotlight: Wolfmother @ Mercury Lounge 2/20/06
Wolfmother played to a sold out Mercury Lounge as if it was the Big Day Out in Sydney, but instead of 55,000 raving lunatics screaming in response to their stadium-sized performance, the band heard a devoted chorus of a few hundred. No matter, though; playing those venues States side is only a matter of time for these larger than life Aussies.
Mercury Lounge was a fascinating place to see an arena ready band like Wolfmother; singer/guitarist Andrew Stockdale kicked, jumped, and maniacally grinned all while sounding eerily like Ozzie at his finest. Bassist/keyboardist Chris Ross joined in the act, pushing and pulling his keyboard and pressing himself flush against his amp between romps across stage, all while locking in with Myles Heskett's Bonham-fueled drum fills. Wolfmother live is every note of their record replicated perfectly, with an added sense of urgency and grandeur.
When I first received Wolfmother's EP in the mail I thought it was a well performed update on Sabbath, something that would surely find nostalgic fans (that wouldn't include me). After having "Woman" run through my mind a few days on, I returned to realize that the music this band makes is, though obviously influenced, incredibly refreshing and just plain fun. I doubt that Wolfmother's early 70s hard rock sound will lead a wave of imitators, but if it does, it won't be done any better than by this Aussie trio.
Go here for my conversation with Andrew (and some MP3s), and take the jump for more pics and a complete setlist...
this band seems like they would be an amazing amount of fun to see live!! i wonder if they are the same amount of fun to listen to without watching...
Posted by: sarab | February 21, 2006 at 01:29 PM
I thought the show last night was fun, eventhough I was way in the back. However I don't think these guys are that great. The energy is there and sound is there but the songs are jsut kind of middle of the road.
Posted by: danfun | February 21, 2006 at 02:45 PM
The songs may grow on you Dan, as they did me. Or not, I don't know. I thought the same thing as you, but I found myself excited for the show and the concensus up front (as it usually is around the stage at any show) was that they brought it. Not for everyone, but it'll find an audience.
I saw your Broken Social Scene piece, we agreed there...
Posted by: Amrit | February 21, 2006 at 03:11 PM
I saw them at northsix on sunday.....the songs grow on you in a big way. Woman drew me in....but songs like Gnomes and White Unicorn keep ya.
Posted by: jrapps | February 22, 2006 at 01:57 AM
I agree that the show was fun, I just think the songs a little generic. But I do dig the sound so I hope they can write a few songs that sound fresh.
Posted by: danfun | February 22, 2006 at 03:10 PM
I hear you on that front dan, that was my gripe with them too. I don't know why, but the MSTRKRFT remix made me see all of their stuff differently. Regardless, damn good show.
Posted by: Amrit | February 22, 2006 at 09:07 PM
Glad to hear the Northsix show was up to snuff, jrapps.
Posted by: Amrit | February 22, 2006 at 09:08 PM
It was an interesting mix of folks. Wolfmother crosses a few genres, so we had some metal heads. You really cannot beat their stage presence. Bowery Gig should be a blast with that huge stage.
Posted by: jrapps | February 22, 2006 at 09:39 PM
I was so bummed to have to miss that show. i only have a few of their songs but wow do they rock. great review, once more
Posted by: wes | February 24, 2006 at 04:45 PM
Cheers Wes. Thanks for the words, really appreciate it. Was a great show, definitely make it out to Bowery--and head to the interview w/Andrew for some more mp3's for your ears!
Posted by: Amrit | February 24, 2006 at 05:04 PM