Dallas Frasca’s fast rock’n’roll and throaty blues vocals were a logical choice to open the show at Ding Dong Lounge tonight. Having been performing for the better part of a decade, the Melbourne three-piece know what they’re doing and they did their best to prepare the stage for the main act, with the set’s final song All My Love a particular standout.
From the moment The BellRays took the stage it became apparent they’re a highly original unit who can effortlessly pack an enormous sonic punch, but also that they were holding something back. The fellas in the band put their heads down and went to work, with the bassist immediately inciting those up the front by moving to the front of the stage and rocking out, while guitarist Bob Vennum pulled some Pete Townshend-esque jumps to accentuate the big chords.
Although they sounded terrific, there was a definite vibe missing; an energy that should have flowed from the band to the crowd and back again was not connecting, and this was clearly frustrating frontwoman Lisa Kekaula. She didn’t exactly blame the audience so much as attempt to hype them up by reminding them that, “This is Saturday night people.” But she was obviously exasperated at the lack of energy in the room, and was further thrown off by some technical issues. “I know you think this is the time for talking, but it’s not,” scolded Kekaula. “I’m giving you everything and that is a rare thing.”
Soon, however, came a moment of revelatory cohesion, when the band started to fire on all cylinders. This was especially true during Black Lightning, when Kekaula turned and smiled at husband Vennum as if it to say “We got this”. Power to Burn was followed by a BellRays-ified cover of Whole Lotta Love, which had heads nodding in appreciation, while Anymore proved the band are just as capable at smouldering soul as high octane rock.
The drummer was solid and energetic, while the simple, often repetitive guitar and bass riffs provided a bed for Kekaula’s huge voice, generating a sound akin to the MC5 fronted by Tina Turner. Dallas Frasca returned to the stage to help with the encore, a furious duet of Stevie Wonder’s Living For the City, that showed even on an off night The BellRays are an incredible band.
BY ALEX WATTS
Loved: The BellRays. In a general and platonic sense.
Hated: The bouncer wouldn’t let me stand on that step next to the bar.
Drank: One pint of the cheapest please.
