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24 June, 2009
Low Speed Bus Chase -12 Below 13 June
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I quite like the name, Low Speed Bus Chase. It is subversive and it goes against the grain, I like that. Just the sight of a low speed bus chase itself is hilarious. On Saturday the 12th of June Low Speed Bus Chase had their album release gig at 12Below. The band is composed of five members, they being BB Hart (rhythm & lead guitar, vocals), Jack Parker (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jeffrey Bartels (bass guitar, vocals), Oliver Sunley (lead & rhythm guitar, vocals) and Sam Rogers (vocals, rhythm & lead guitar). “Five blokes on guitars” is the best way to describe them as that is what they are. That night they had Marcel Rodeka on drums and Ross McNab on keyboards. They are on the verge of hopping across the ditch to Melbourne with their recently gained BMus’ in hand (for which they featured on the front cover of the ODT at one point) to try their luck with the music scene over there. I wish them the best of luck in Oz, it’s a big pond over there.

It was their very first live gig ever and I think the venue didn’t really do the trick. There were 7 people up on small stage which could have been too unwieldy and cramped. It was hard to hear the keyboards at times but the vocals were good though and easily discerned above the instrumental. The place was full though without it being too cramped and it was heartening to see a debut Dunedin student band have a full house.

They are talented and competent musicians who obviously have great fun and thoroughly enjoy what they do. Their last song was a cover of Hotel California and two guitars playing the solo in the middle of it was pretty cool and something I haven’t seen before.

I think their showmanship to some degree overwhelmed the musical aspects of their performance. Since they had sold out 12Below, I believe they would have been much more at home on the spacious stage of Sammy’s or the Regent Theatre as their set was very theatrical. Now I am not trying to discount the element of showmanship within a live musical performance, it is essential. But there needs to be a good mix of good musicianship and good showmanship. But they did live up to what they reckoned they sounded like with “rich vocal harmonies, distinctive arrangements, catchy hooks, and epic guitar solos, all set to the backdrop of their chilled out, song-based rock.” The element of fun they were having with their music was infectious and I reckon they will have to keep up the good work if they are going to make it across the ditch.

AK
Posted by scott

Posted by scott
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