PERTHBANDS.COM

FRIDAY 30th March 2007

BATTLECAT,

HAILMARY

OPERATION BEEHIVE

RAVIOR

Friday the 30th March was a special night for the local music scene. BATTLECAT launched their debut self titled EP at the Swan Basement, which, as a result of the overwhelming support, numbers and mood, was a night to remember, as well as a solid indicator of future success. The determination and dedication the four Battlcat boys have poured into their craft, is demonstrated in their solid, tight, indestructible presence within a room, a unit not to be reckoned with. From the start of the evening, when numbers were already considerably high for the Swan Basement at eight thirty on a Friday evening, one knew the night was going to hold great, great things.

..The first band to warm up the evening were Ravior. Ravior presented a standard rock set with a slightly raw edge which gave them a fashionably unkempt feel. Lead singer 'Froggy' implemented some familiar Butterfly Effect like, moves, poses and singing techniques, as well the old style microphone for further effect. Vocally Ravior were not as strong as the other artists throughout the night, but they were a good warm-up to easy the gathering crowd into the musical temptations of the night.

Following Ravior, the audience was pleasured b..y the uniqueness of Operation Beehive. Clayton Smith on lead guitar and vox provided an intense connection with the audience, presenting songs with maturely toned vocals complimented by Thomas Cecins on guitar, who displayed some phenomenal guitar technique and delivered some intense solo moments. Elliot Smith mastered the solid drum backing this outfit has, to pull its delicate moments together tightly with the often explosive moments into eclectic rock. An instrumental piece, played by Operation Beehive, entitled instrumentality, absolutely blew the mind of many listeners [especially this reviewer], such a wonderfully crafted, delicate song which had an epic emotion attached to it as it grew, and climaxed, was adored, and respectively conveyed in the large applause received on completion of the craft. Much respect gained for outfit, definitely a top five on the bands to watch grow list, especially as they are gearing up to record later in the year with Adam Spark, so anticipate wonderfully great things in the future. Operation Beehive were a wonderful selection to include in the line up for the night, as they inspired, were appreciated, and left the audience wanting more.

..Hailmary were next to grace the stage. Hailmary have played many former shows with Battlecat, so it was pleasing and respected that they were there to share in the warmth and good feeling that seemed to fill the room from the beginning of their set. The numbers within the room seemed to swell dramatically, as their hard rock persona, fronted perfectly by Kevin Curran, wound up the crowd in anticipation for the main event of the night. Hailmary connected with the audience through their resonating guitars, and fat heavy passionate riffs. The perfect style of sound, created the perfect mood, for what felt like the perfect evening for the launch of a heavy rock EP. Hailmary indulged in the crowd, played to them with electricity and passion, and were loved for it. Hailmary are playing again this Wednesday 11th April at Mojos, This reviewer strongly suggests you get on down and check them out. For the more support shown, the more desire will be able to be met with the release of an EP of their own, fostering and growing the local music scene even greater...

And so came the climax of the night. The lights were set up. The Swan Basement was absolutely packed beyond the point of being able to move fluidly across the dance floor. So much anticipation, warmth and good will filled the room, as the Battlecat boys grouped to the right of stage, in what felt like a moment of realisation for them, this is what they had been working for over the last months. Every gig was one step closer to this launch, the official launch of their musical identity, to take an actual presence in the marke..t of the local music scene as the unit that is Battlecat. They took to the stage, and the response from the crowd could not prevent a single person from glowing inside with pride, it was honestly an amazing moment, one that this reviewer had not experienced at any other local launch. Christian's powerful vox penetrated the wall of solid heavy rock, complimented by harmonies from Rosie, who when combined, had a simply awesome resonance above the power that was the music. Scotty Chapman poured his heart and soul into every single drum beat, which was in turn felt throughout the audience. The interaction between Rosie and Scott, the pure expressions of breathless, sweat drenched enjoyment as they played engaged the audience further.

..Kent 'Ox' Dolling's antics on the bottom end provided a further point of connection with the crowd at front of stage. Kent plays right to the people, draws them in, and expresses his feelings of fulfilment and gratification as a result of the music he is immersed in, through facial expressions which are both enthralling, and readable, encouraging you to feel what he is feeling. The whole outfit is then balanced by the power stanza of Christian Parkinson, front and centre. His nonchalant command of stage is so natural, so respected. When he sings, he sings with power, with gusto, with a tone and timber that is undeniably powerful and unlike anything else in the lo..cal scene. As their last song drew to a close, the audience didn't want it to end. The energy and excitement BATTLECAT stir when they play is like a drug that you never want to leave your system. As the lights faded and they departed the stage, making their way through the crowd, people swamped them to shake hands, pat backs and embrace these four accomplished musicians, whose sweat poured out their bodies, like the music that they played.

..Every individual present had the debut EP included in their door price, so all left with their little piece of audible BATTLECAT [as well as the tailored BATTLECAT stamps on their wrists]. Another aspect of the night which confirmed the sincerity of these guys, was the acknowledgement of their managers hard work and efforts. Tanya was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and thanked publicly mid set, which again lifted the spirits of the audience, and the guys, and just absolutely made the Swan Basement on the 30th of March, the place to be. BATTLECAT can be experienced next in Mandurah at Players Bar on the 12th of April, and in Bunbury at the Prince of Wales on the 13th of April.  

This reviewer would like to thank Christian, Rosie, Kent and Scotty sinc..erely, for being themselves, and for the music they add to the most isolated city in the world . For not following trends, for playing the music that is within them, and offering it up to the local scene. Rare is it common to see genuine rockers, playing the music that they love, and not altering it, themselves or their image  in a way which sacrifices what they stand for, or who they are, for the sake of 'acceptance' by mass audiences. BATTLECAT need not contemplate such tactics, for what they are, is what they are loved for. Congratulations BATTLECAT, may the good times, and the good tunes roll.

Reviewed by: Sarah.