Saints, sinners, devout music fans and industry peeps alike poured into the house of God last week to witness the holy resurrection of The Vines. After a couple of years off the radar, the Australian-hailed rockers are back on the promotional trail for their fifth album Future Primitive and proved they are still one of the most electrifying bands around town.
Opening with rousing newcomer Gimme Love, Craig Nicholls led his preaching pack through a homily of much-praised hits and new-fangled material. The Vines revealed their brand new single and title track Future Primitive, which their legion of followers rejoiced in just as much as they did with old favourites Get Free, Ride and Outtathaway. Fans at St Stephen’s Church in Newtown were even treated to a heartwarming acoustic rendition of the rather obscure Amnesia, which The Vines delivered faultlessly.
Renowned for raucously trashing the stage and their uncontrollable public meltdowns, the garage grunge band were on their best behaviour for the nationally televised show and clearly channeled the visceral energy into their music instead. Nicholls’ violently raw vocals, undulating eyeballs, guitar playing antics and innocent smile were enough to maintain the audience’s undivided attention and admiration. Meanwhile drummer Hamish Rosser and guitarists Ryan Griffiths and Brad Heald supplied the spine of electric power and growling backing vocals that left the chapel’s congregation in a haze of echoing feedback.
One by one the patrons of Live At The Chapel forwarded out of the house of worship with a bottle of Russian Standard Vodka in hand and a grin from cheek to cheek. Without departing too much from their signature musical style, The Vines have bestowed fans with an undoubtedly impressive record and the whirlwind 40-minute concert was a testament to their undying ability to excite a crowd.
