Live Review
Junkyard Diamonds & Dead Wolves
Saturday night at Ric's; the place is packed with a mega crowd of loyal supporters who have come out to hear their favourite garage bands Junk Yard Diamonds and Dead Wolves smash out their sets. The display of support and allegiance infuses the crowd resulting in a party mood that infects all present.
Junkyard Diamonds are first to take the stage. Their look could be described as “flair and hair”; smart suits and hard rock do's. I'm loving this five piece from Morningside who are doing Brisbane proud with sounds that would please any fan of heavy, grunge rock. The band has been playing together for two years and have taken their sound interstate with spots in Sydney and Melbourne. The dirty resonance is polished by smooth guitar licks and sheer musical talent. Junkyard Diamonds really have their sound together and it's a sound I'm keen to hear again. It's ridiculous that music of this quality (that is also accompanied by pure entertainment value) is available for free. Junkyard Diamonds could easily be headed for big things, making them one of those bands you will be saying “I used to see them for free at Ric's” in just a few short years.
Dead Wolves are leading the pack when it comes to DIY music marketing. Their brand new, self titled EP is sure to be a howling success. Seven thumping tracks that leave you wanting more. Dead Wolves are relative newcomers, pouncing onto the scene in December 2011, although each member of this throbbing four piece are no strangers to performances in other arrangements. The lead singer, Bones, has stage presence to spare. He is captivating and agile, leaping speaker stacks and bar canopies in a single bound without missing a note. The wolf masks were a nice touch too, bringing a taste of pageantry to the performance. Bones explained to me before the gig that Dead Wolves is all about doing it now because it feels right. The band is here for a good time and hopefully a long time. It is this essence that pervades their music, making the whole production even more enjoyable.
Dead Wolves will definitely mature with more exposure, but for now their raw quality, complete with psychedelic guitar, shredding bass, strong, commanding lead vocals and thought provoking lyrics leave an indelible paw print in the ear of the listener. Dead Wolves are sure to gouge themselves a respected place in the Brisbane hard rock scene. Hunt them down for a guaranteed good night out at their next appearance.
Janelle Salmon.