We Don’t Want To Party (Party) Tour
This was pretty much the most insane gig I've ever been to.
Kicking off the show was Art Rush, who simply used his voice, a ukulele and a computer. His quirky songs and dance moves had the audience interested and giggling (though not necessarily his intention: see an in-depth interview here) - especially with 'I Spin Bland Beats'.
Next were the The John Steel Singers. Their pounding notes soon drew a large crowd, who by the end of the set were dancing along to those infectious drumming beats. 'Masochist' particularly resonated with the crowd, producing loud cheers and enthusiasm for more. Props have to go guitarist Scott Bromiley. No wait, keyboardist. No wait, trumpeter. Hang on, aiding drummer? That guy was pretty cool. Entertaining and catchy, The John Steel Singers are a fantastic live act.
After what seemed an eternity, the stars of the show, Philadelphia Grand Jury (or Philly Jays) arrived on stage; and to what a response! Thunderous applause and cheers erupted as the trio emerged.
On a national tour and the second to last chance to catch the guys in Sydney before they head off to the UK, Sydney's audience were in for something nothing less than spectacular. And spectacular is was. The set was absolutely incredible, and the Philly Jays certainly lived up to their outlandish reputation.
MC Bad Genius © Faster Louder
From the onset, MC Bad Genius (Joel Beeson) was in fine form, adopting an almost animal persona and tearing up the stage with every song. With his beard more like the mane of a lion, and rabid eyes, combined with shouting lyrics, MC Bad Genius' behaviour on stage could be described as madness. But no, that's just Bad Genius in top form. As if becoming possessed when taking the stage, equipment or personal safety take a back seat and the animal within is unleashed. Utterly fantastic.
There are always stand-out songs, and on this particular night they were: 'Going To The Casino (Tomorrow Night)', 'Ready To Roll', 'The Good News', 'I'm Going To Kill', and 'I Don't Want To Party (Party)'.
The brutality of 'I'm Going To Kill You' and shouted lyrics in both it and 'Going To The Casino (Tomorrow Night)' enable the crowd to scream along; always a highlight in shows.
Calvin © Faster Louder
Before 'The Good News', Calvin Harris on drums launched into what would have been a 5 minute straight drum solo, wowing the crowd and producing even more cheers for the ever popular American lord of drums. All Calvin needed to do was stand up and beat his drumsticks together, or to simply walk onto the stage for the crowd to cheer in a frenzy.
The absolute standout however, went to 'I Don't Want To Party (Party)' closing the set. Everyone went mental! MC Bad Genius managed to weave his way through the crowd, screaming "I DON'T WANT TO PARTY!" Berkfinger (Simon Berckelman) too was fantastic, shredding on the guitar and (literally) engulfing the microphone. Quite ironic how a song condemning partying makes people do the exact opposite. Too good.
Berkfinger © Faster Louder
After hoping to get tickets and coming to the city on a whim that there would be any left, to finding wifi and checking the website and seeing that no tickets were available, to then seeing that extra door tickets were being sold, and then checking my email to see that I had won tickets to the show, producing a massive smile; that night was pretty hectic. This gig was one that I really didn't want to miss out on, so I'm really glad that I was able to experience the intensity of Philadelphia Grand Jury.
As soon as they left the stage, Sydney was screaming for more Philadelphia Grand Jury. Again, rapturous applause and cheering greeted the band as they returned. With MC Bad Genius now on guitar, Berkfinger launched into Jay Z's '99 Problems' - first covered on Triple J's Like A Version. This generated a huge response and greater cheers erupted when Berkfinger announced he would join the crowd to sing. I was right next to Berkfinger as he belted out '99 Problems', creating a mosh as everyone wanted to be close to the action. And such energy! Berkfinger was then lifted and shortly crowd-surfed before being returned to the stage and finishing the set with fans dancing on stage and guitars and drums being played with such exertion.
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