There are bands who crank their amps up to imposing levels and then there are bands whose enormity of sound is so subtle and pervasive it’s not until you get home that you realise you’ve succumbed to a solid dose of tinnitus. Melbourne six-piece Palace Of The King fall into the latter category. Two guitars, bass, drums and organ coalesce then fracture while Tim Henwood’s incredible voice soars over the top, creating a full force rock’n’roll experience in the vein of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
Opening the night was Sydney rock’n’roller James Van Cooper. The skinny acoustic performer had a rich voice and thick guitar lines, which set the mood perfectly for the full force rock’n’roll that was to follow. Primary support act The Vendettas played a heavy style of rock’n’roll that was tempered by the almost operatic squall of vocalist Stevie Reds.
Despite the unassuming nature of the Prince Public Bar’s low stage, headliners Palace Of The King brought some bling in the form of tube lighting. However, the band’s one hour of music was so enthralling that the real gold was coming from inside the six musicians on stage – Henwood on vocals/percussion, Leigh Maden on guitars, Matthew Harrison on guitars, Andrew Gilpin on bass, Anthony Troiano on drums and Sean Johnston on keys. The song Ain’t Got Nobody To Blame But Myself was an outstanding highlight, as the many textures of this rock assault battled over Troiano’s flawless drumming.
BY DAN WATT
Loved: The sound.
Hated: The tinnitus.
Drank: Whatever the fuck I wanted.
