SXSW will have the pleasure of entertaining the Love Junkies next week, and for a Perth band that’s been known to impress, this comes as no surprise.

Part of the leadup to SXSW were a few fundraising shows and the band’s local support was obvious as the Astor slowly filled up through the supporting acts.  In fact by the end of the night, one couldn’t help but feel the satisfied and eclectic vibe that only a Love Junkies performance could produce. The audience were treated to an impressively energetic mix of alt-rock, ear splitting grunge and the docile blues of Mitch’s vocals. They played an extensive range, with gems from their new full length LP ‘Blowing on the Devil’s Strumpet’ and gave the Astor a performance that left many fan girling hard.

The night started with a modest hello and thanks to the supporting acts, whistles and cheers booming from an already the enchanted and excited audience. In return the audience were treated with the single ‘Television’ from their new LP, a jazzy melody that leaves you wanting more. We were than taken for a ride into the past, a pitch perfect rendition of ‘Baby Came Home’ and other classics from ‘Maybelene’, definitely setting the vibe that we were at the right gig for the night.

Slowly but surely the crowd picked up the pace, swaying and loosening up to the brash tones of the Love Junkies newer tunes’, giving the band its cue to dive into songs from their new LP with unhinged ferocity. Hearing the lyrics “Fuck me like you hate me” from the first track ‘Mausoleum’, sets the mood of the darker and harsher feel of the new LP. That said it wouldn’t be a Love Junkies performance without their characteristic catchy charms, indie riffs and mellow instrumentals. But this was short lived, with the headbanger of a track ‘Blowing on the Devil’s Strumpet’ sending the audience into a banging frenzy of “She sucked the life blood outta me”.

All up, the night was loud, messy and energetic. A well-tuned performance from their lively classics to their newer eclectic rock proves their uncanny ability, amongst very few other local bands, to flawlessly recreate their album in a live gig. You could see the audience feeling, reacting and nodding their heads to the love. They’ve set the bar high, proving how well grounded they are whilst still pushing the boundaries of local brewed talent. In fact, nothing short of what was expected for a hometown show, paving the way for what seems like a pretty solid year to come and confirming their place as skillful, modest and refreshing talent.

I give this Devil’s Strumpet 4/5