On the same weekend that gambling debts and alcohol will tear Australian families apart, a four-piece from Leeds, whose name is an allegory for the aforementioned societal corruption, came to Melbourne and demonstrated what a formidable rock outfit they’ve become.
However, before we dissect Pulled Apart By Horses’ set, an honourable mention must go to primary support Heads Of Charm. The three lads were dressed as convicts and slayed through 35 minutes of undeniably Australian, dystopian rock. The set was reminiscent of the confessional rawness of highly regarded three-piece The Nation Blue.
A large portion of Pulled Apart By Horses’ fans were switched onto this band via their 2010 breakthrough single High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive. For those who haven’t heard the song, it sounds a bit like every sub-genre of hard rock eloquently kick-flipped into an enthralling two minutes and 54 seconds.
However, the set that was played tonight was a classic heavy metal set. The riffs were thick and the chord progressions fast as the band moved through material mostly taken from their last two records, Blood (2014) and Tough Love (2012). Acknowledgement of the bands true rock roots came via a crushing rendition of Iggy Pop’s I Wanna Be Your Dog.
The set had been so much hard rock and not at all punk that I almost would’ve been content if they hadn’t even played the aforementioned High Five, Swan Dive, Nose Dive. But of course they did and, of course, it was incredible. After a long break after walking off stage, the house music came on suggesting no encore. However, the backstage door crept open and Pulled Apart By Horses saw that not a soul had left, so they returned for two more.
BY DAN WATT
Loved: When the allegory between the bands name and the negative societal impacts of Melbourne Cup Weekend dawned on me.
Hated: That Gandalf isn’t the real Secretary General of the UN.
Drank: Whole world.
