LIVE REVIEW: Big Scary bare all with their fiery best
The forecast was gloomy, with temperatures soaring below double digits (shock horror, people of Perth, I know) and torrential rain imminent. However, the last show of Big Scary’s Animal tour held the promise of grandeur worth trekking for, as it refused to let even the elements rain on its parade.
That’s not to say that Big Scary, however, was to be deemed the only highlight. With Melbourne DJ CC:DISCO! spinning some groovy-ass tunes, she was undeniably the unmasked heroine of the night. Her set was a montage embracing soul, boogie, and house — as well as some unforgettable old school tunes.
Photos courtesy of Adrian Thomson
Second support Cub Sport, on the other hand, graced us with their angelic presence in a more profound performance. The band’s recent single ‘O Lord’ made a special appearance for the night, of course. What was beautifully evident was how frontman Tim and Sam (on keys) were paying homage to each impassioned verse, in perfect harmony with one other. Moreover, Cub Sport’s set consisted of them unleashing a couple of new songs — exciting stuff for fans! — alongside a few favourites from their last album This Is Our Vice.
Dapperly dressed and right on time, Big Scary had made their grand entrance and were ready to hit the stage. Their performance was eccentric, to say the least — in the intro was a flight-like intermission, cleverly incorporated and interspersed to the effect of 'Organism'. Raw and almost sinister-sounding, the darker undertones of Animal had been brought out in a live setting, leaving fans a little overwhelmed. The kind of musical cacophony, to my surprise, was less jarring and infinitely more zestful. With Tom on keys/bass/guitar, and Jo's fiery drumming, the duo outdid themselves song after song.
Photos courtesy of Adrian Thomson
Throughout Big Scary's set more soft and poignant tracks were also played, such as 'The Opposite of Us' and 'Falling Away'. However, the transitions between songs of such contrasting nature was not dramatic, as each had followed along the similar line of poetic introspection. Tom and Jo respectively took to centre stage, to showcase some solo flair amidst all that was happening. The audience was endlessly stirred all night, thanks to the harmonious culmination of both intense vocals and melodies.
Photos courtesy of Adrian Thomson
In the final traces of their set, a keyboard malfunction had ensued and saw the duo and their supporting members pull through magnificently. It is truly during times of technical difficulty where artists earn their crowning moment — and Big Scary were the very exemplar of undeterred, talented musicians. Gus (on the sax) was a particular show-stopper, adding to warbled and opulently layered niche of Big Scary's music.
“It just goes to show the you can disco your way through any issue,” as Jo remarks. (I think I'm inclined to agree.)
The duo tied up the evening with 'The Apple Song' — an audience request but nonetheless, an old and fervid favourite. All in all, Big Scary had delivered a fierce show unlike any other. It really was an honour to have the likes of Big Scary bringing the heat to one of the coldest nights in Freo.
