The Red Paintings - Fowlers Live, Adelaide
15th January 2011
Words: Rob Lyon
Words: Rob Lyon
Expect the unexpected! There was nothing conventional about The Red Paintings as they brought their unique show to Adelaide. Branded as ‘Orchestral Art Rock’, they have based themselves in the US to work on a new album The Revolution Is Never Coming, and their live show gave punters a preview of what’s to expect.
Adelaide has not been a happy hunting ground for The Red Paintings with their fair share of disasters happening whilst here. Most notable was having all their equipment stolen two tours in a row and front man Trash McSweeney vowing never to return. Fortunately, a change of heart has made for one of the most interesting shows for 2012.
As the lights dimmed a video projection was beamed onto a large screen simulating a voyage through space. The darkness took the focus off the distinct lack of punters in the venue, but nevertheless, the scene was set. The band took the stage dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from geisha outfits and alien costumes, to giant robots. To top that off, there aren’t too many shows that boast human canvases on stage which were being painted as the show progressed.
Opening with It Is As it Was, the band hit full throttle with Trash stopping briefly to address the singing along crowd “I didn’t think anyone knew our lyrics, which get’s me really excited.” I’ll Sell You Suicide packed plenty of punch and concluded with Trash questioning the audience “Do you love me?”. With minimal response he joked that it was the end of the show. Taking the humour further with a touch of smart arse, he continued to chat, asking whether anyone was going to steal from them this time around. A punter at the back yelled out “already have.” It was a nice moment, connecting artist and audience somewhat intimately.
Adelaide has not been a happy hunting ground for The Red Paintings with their fair share of disasters happening whilst here. Most notable was having all their equipment stolen two tours in a row and front man Trash McSweeney vowing never to return. Fortunately, a change of heart has made for one of the most interesting shows for 2012.
As the lights dimmed a video projection was beamed onto a large screen simulating a voyage through space. The darkness took the focus off the distinct lack of punters in the venue, but nevertheless, the scene was set. The band took the stage dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from geisha outfits and alien costumes, to giant robots. To top that off, there aren’t too many shows that boast human canvases on stage which were being painted as the show progressed.
Opening with It Is As it Was, the band hit full throttle with Trash stopping briefly to address the singing along crowd “I didn’t think anyone knew our lyrics, which get’s me really excited.” I’ll Sell You Suicide packed plenty of punch and concluded with Trash questioning the audience “Do you love me?”. With minimal response he joked that it was the end of the show. Taking the humour further with a touch of smart arse, he continued to chat, asking whether anyone was going to steal from them this time around. A punter at the back yelled out “already have.” It was a nice moment, connecting artist and audience somewhat intimately.
There was a tremendous amount of adulation and praise aimed at front man Trash from the ladies, requesting his love and even his jocks, drawing the shotgun response “I’m in love but I’m too sweaty to make out with you”. The band's set was littered with great songs that have largely been overlooked by the mainstream, which, in reality, is unfortunate. Dead Adults, The Riots and The Mercy Seat were top notch and as good as anything around today.
The Tears For Fears cover Mad World was given a good going over before big Triple J hit Walls was introduced by Trash. He recalled his now infamous meeting at the radio station, and subsequent bagging “there used to be a station called Triple J, Robbie Buck back announced me as weird cos I rocked up in a alien outfit”. By this stage Trash had given everything and looked near total exhaustion, but tracks Hong Kong and a rocked up version of The Streets Fell Into My Window rounded out the set.
The band return for an encore with Fuck The System and Black Eyed serving as closers. There's no doubt the night’s show left punters scratching their heads in wonderment and sparking some interesting conversations on the way back to their cars.
The Tears For Fears cover Mad World was given a good going over before big Triple J hit Walls was introduced by Trash. He recalled his now infamous meeting at the radio station, and subsequent bagging “there used to be a station called Triple J, Robbie Buck back announced me as weird cos I rocked up in a alien outfit”. By this stage Trash had given everything and looked near total exhaustion, but tracks Hong Kong and a rocked up version of The Streets Fell Into My Window rounded out the set.
The band return for an encore with Fuck The System and Black Eyed serving as closers. There's no doubt the night’s show left punters scratching their heads in wonderment and sparking some interesting conversations on the way back to their cars.