EPICURE, LO-TEL, & THE SUPERJESUS
Geelong, VIC
22 Nov 2000
Amity

Seemingly unnoticed, Epicure took the stage and began the evening with an amazing rendition of the beautiful ‘Calm’. Distinctive slide guitar and the gentle vocals of front man Juan Alban made the opener an instant highlight. With a rousing reception from the crowd early on, Epicure continued through their set showcasing their unique sound and musical ability - something unfamiliar to many in attendance. Playing tracks off their debut album ‘Fold’, the band exhibited a maturity uncommonly found so early on in a band’s history. Alban sings with a striking intensity, feeling the music and moving with it. He has that something special which emerges onstage, capturing an audience. As a unit, Epicure are comfortable performing live, adapting to the many individualistic sounds featured on their album. Other highlights include ‘Lights Out’, ‘Johnny Venus’ and ‘Bottom Of A Well’. Finishing the set with the Triple J favourite ‘Feet From Under Me’, Epicure thanked the appreciative crowd and departed the stage. Hailing from small town Ballarat, this band are destined for big things - keep your eyes and ears out for them.

Next on the evening’s agenda were Sydney band Lo-tel who recently completed a national tour with Oblivia and Pretty Violet Stain. Setting the scene early with ‘Genre Casting’, they played a set typical of the Lo-tel sound - dominant keyboards, heavy bass lines and mediocre vocals. Crowd highlight was the predictable finisher ‘Teenager Of The Year,’ with onlookers more than happy to join in on the trademark “ooh oooh’s” in an almost mockery. Being my third Lo-tel gig, I went with an open mind in hope they may be better third time around. Not to be.

After what seemed like an eternity between sets, The Superjesus finally made their way onto the small stage and rocked like only they know how. I don’t think I’ve seen a crowd anywhere near this raucous since Shihad’s Pacifier tour. Squashed like sardines in a tin, people struggled, elbowed each other and leaned on many a pole just to get a glimpse of the band. Topic of the night from front woman Sarah McLeod was if the people at the back could actually SEE anything. Need she even ask? I don’t think a giant would have been able to see over the masses.

Only familiar with radio friendly Superjesus material, I was looking forward to experiencing a more complete sound live. To be honest, I was disappointed. Song after song blended into the next creating overall, a fairly monotonous performance. Don’t get me wrong, they’re a great band - they just don’t have a sound that can keep me interested.

Having been two years since the band made their last trip to Geelong, the arrival of the new look Superjesus was well overdue. Overall, a decent nights entertainment from three of Australia’s latest talents. Epicure were easily the shining star of the lot - a mixed bag of goodies with a bright future ahead.