LIVE REVIEW: Last Dinosaurs defy the ages on their 'Yumeno Garden' tour
With all the dates of their Yumeno Garden tour sold out, Last Dinosaurs proved to fans old and new that their timelessness is not to be undermined.
‘Twas a crowded Friday night at Jack Rabbit Slim’s, where many supporters had their love of the band revived (with myself included). However, this was not without Melbourne band RAThammock first hyping everyone up prior to the trio arriving on stage. Their lo-fi pop/rock was refreshing to say the least, and provided plenty of musical reason to headbang along to.
While the sound system initially drowned out Sean Caskey’s vocals, this became a very minor flaw by the time the boys hit the chorus of ‘Evie’ in time with the audience. With ‘Time and Place’ lined up next, it was a fantastic throwback to their debut album before they presented their new songcraft. Verses from ‘Non Lo So’ and ‘Forget About’ off Yumeno Garden were helped out by lead guitarist Lachlan, who lent his vocals for the dreamy duration of each track. (Notably, it seems there’s a gift in the Caskey family for all things music related.)
Yet, regardless of whether you have been listening to Last Dinosaurs from the beginning, you’d be easily struck by their references to bygone love. Coupled their dreamy melodies and striking guitar riffs, the lyrical laments of ‘Sense’ express the vulnerability of a breakup — a subject that could bring anyone to a standstill. For Last Dinosaurs, the emotions painted in this song were reflective of both old romances and their resilience as a band.
On a lighter note, nostalgic favourites ‘Weekend’, ‘Andy’ and ‘Zoom’ made their way onto the setlist with punters shouting along word-for-word. it was between sweet moments such as these that even the frontman himself had to stop to take a swig of honey. (Yep, from an entire bottle in hand.) Much like the wholesome and harmonic vibes of the night, ‘Bass God’ found its peace with all by bringing everyone together to smile and groove in unison. With the shared sentiment of fallen love and chaotic first-world times, there was something for everyone listening.
Cue the encore and roars of utter enthusiasm, which saw a few punters even launching themselves up onto stage for a smooth serenade of ‘Honolulu’ and ‘Apollo’ — the latter of which had climbed triple j’s 2015 ‘Hottest 100’ chart. While this wasn’t exactly the wisest of moves considering the nearby security guards, siad punters were met with the room’s galactical energy and subtle nods from Last Dinos themselves.
And for those who were determined enough to remain at the merchandiss stand, they had the privilege of being able to meet the talented yet humble band — who, for those spectating, represented one sheer night of bliss.
