4ZZZ launched its glorious tradition of counting down listeners' 100 favourite songs on New Year's Day 1977. More than 10 years later, 2JJJ in Sydney (which employed many ex-Zed staff) began conducting its own Hot 100. Because 4ZZZ held the rights to the name Hot 100, there was a little bit of legal biffo when TripleJ became a national broadcaster, so they changed the name of their survey to the "Hottest 100".
The Kill Devil Hills at The Zoo
I arrived at the Zoo found feeling welcome and in good company, much to the credit of being put on the door thanks to Zed’s S&P department. Blackwater Fever kicked the night of with some gnarly foot-tapping numbers that accompanied a tight game of pool ending with a crushing defeat. This was made easier by Shane Hicks’ rubble-vocal style and sincerely accurate guitar wailing.
Mexico City followed, starting slowly and peaking with several numbers including ‘Ain’t No Lie’ and ‘Raised an Empire’ that turned the dancefloor into something resembling a hoe-down blended with moments of hend-banging bliss. Frontman Adam Poole charmed the audience by pointing out the Kill Devil Hills’ ability to draw such an attractive crowd. This followed with more heartfelt tunes played with a professionalism that earnt the group the Courier Mail’s People’s Choice Award at the QSong awards last year.
- Pete Skism
Taking the stage to the sounds of a looped violin, The Kill Devil Hills take the stage & immediately launch into one of a number of raucous, country-infused rock numbers. They mainly showcase tunes from their new long-player, ‘Man You Should Explode’ and track such as ‘It’s Easy When You Don’t Know How’, ‘Siam’ & ‘Cockfighter’ have new energy breathed into them as the band and crowd swelter. As turns their work is both beautiful & brutal & the band delve into older material tonight as well, with the stand out being the bar-room singalong ‘Drinking Too Much’. Unfortunately, incessant crowd chatter drowns some of the quieter material, however after a solid hour and forty minute set in the most oppressive of heat, the Kill Devil Hills triumphantly absorb the rapturous applause from the satisfied crowd.
- Jay Beatson
