The Southern River Band Live at the Think Tank, Newcastle 22nd November 2024
They may have been left hungry by a long and fruitless wait for food in a local Thai restaurant but not only did this seem to fire the Aussie Rockers up even more but provided a great source of banter from the stage throughout their set.
There`s something undeniably lovable about Aussie Rock `n`Roll. It`s fast, it`s furious and the simplicity of it is totally addictive but above all, it`s just good fun and that`s what music is all about, having fun and this evening, there was a lot of fun to be had.
‘Cigarettes (Ain`t Helping Me None)’ kicks things off in rambunctious style with lead singer/guitarist Callum Kramer, he of the flying mullet and fine tache, an absolute firestorm of Rock `’n Roll energy and a star in the making.
The slower Boogie of ‘Watch Yourself(You`re Going To Get Hurt)’ gave a moment to catch the breath before the onstage banter came thick and faster and came back from the crowd too much to the clear delight of Kramer. When bassist Pat Smith asked in bafflement why Newcastle is called “Newcastle-upon-Tyne” and then suggested that Newcastle in Australia should be called “Newcastle on the Beach” it was a moment of genuine hilarity in its timing and delivery. If the door to the delights of Rock ‘n’Roll slams shut, there is surely a place in the world of comedy for these affable chaps.
Such was the connection between band and crowd, a punter walked through the packed venue with a tray of Fireball shots for the band and proceeded to drink a toast with them on stage.
It wasn`t all jokes and banter though as were plenty of seriously hot Rockin’ tunes to keep the temperature at boiling point with ‘Let It Ride’ and an absolutely frantic ‘Stan Qualen’ sending the Rockometer through the roof.
‘Vice City II’ with it`s nice Lizzy-esq harmonies took the show into the final straits while ‘Chimney’ a song about smoking and drinking, delivered the Rock ‘n’Roll coup de grace. Catch these guys while you can as they won`t be inhabiting small, sweaty clubs like this for long.
Review and Photos By Mick Burgess
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