Reviewed onSaturday December 3
Dallas Frasca are a band with a sound like no other – captivating, raspy female vocals, unfiltered old-school guitars, and classic rock-inspired songs with a 21st century twist, all sparking the urge for swigging on Jack and Coke at their shows. It’s just that kind of vibe.
And yet, it was an utter shame the atmosphere was so incredibly subdued at Newtown Social Club, in a show that saw supports The Lockhearts rock it harder and receive more of a reaction from the crowd than the headliners – they really did local music proud.
That said, it was in a state of sheer exhaustion that Dallas Frasca came to town, fresh off a nine-country tour inclusive of 45 shows. Perhaps the schedule was too ambitious a feat, as the band appeared tired, failing to get half the crowd moving with them until well into the night.
Still, chill as they were, the Melburnians enjoyed their performance; that much was obvious. Frontwoman Dallas Frasca persevered through her lack of sleep, drawing on what little energy she had to get the crowd involved in the music. She had everyone crouched down on the floor, united and equal for a round of call and response vocalising, with no phones allowed on account of them ruining the moment. It was a lovely touch that showed the musicians really did want to give it their all.
Revitalised with the communal pow-wow, Dallas Frasca ripped into ‘Success Is The Best Revenge’, which stands out as one of the best songs in the band’s catalogue and paved the way for a gritty remainder of the set, including an instrumental that guitarist Jeff Curran had written exclusively for and about Newtown. Knees bent in time ahead of each sexy and sleazy song that followed, before the crowd finally got moving and jumping.
Get some sleep, Dallas Frasca; you’ve partied hard and you’ve earned it.
