br3ad_man
01-04-2006, 03:29 AM
Held at the Judith Wright Centre, The Nightmare Before Xmas was probably the most highly anticipated Red Paintings show in the band's history. The Nightmare Before Xmas was a tribute to the films of Tim Burton, specifically The Nightmare Before Christmas. Upon walking into the venue, audience members were greeted by a dazzling display of lights and large figures of characters from Tim Burton films, all set to epic Danny Elfman music played over the PA.
After a long wait, The Electric Spurs opened up the night. They played a very lengthy set and were well dressed for the occasion. Their sound combines a range of influences, sounding like a mix of Led Zeppelin, Joy Division, Pere Ubu with the noisy experiments of Sonic Youth thrown in. The Electric Spurs were musically sound, with time signature changes and a relatively focused sound. However, an otherwise decent set was ruined by the band's melodramatic vocalist, who seemed to think the world was coming to an end. With some less dramatic vocals and more audience focus, The Electric Spurs could be quite something.
After a long wait, The Red Paintings finally took the stage, all of them entering in wierd and wonderful ways and dressed as Tim Burton characters. Lead singer/guitarist Trash McSweeny's entrance was particularly great, climbing out of an onstage coffin before running to the front of the stage in full costume. The Red Paintings played a diverse set with heavy songs at the start and towards the end. The middle of the set was dominated by acoustic numbers with Trash even staying out on stage by himself to do a few songs solo. The sides of each stage had painters who made some excellent artwork under the influence of The Red Paintings' music. The set was somewhat let down by an unecessary intermission which really destroyed the flow of the gig. The band closed with their cover of "Mad World" inviting the audience up onto the stage while artificial snow fell all around the stage.
It's easy to see why The Red Paintings are so popular. Their stage presence is exceptional and their use of props brings a theatrical quality into their performance. Live, there are few Brisbane bands who can put on a more interesting show. With their incredibly devoted fanbase (most of whom came dressed as Tim Burton characters), it's clear that The Red Paintings are headed for big things.
After a long wait, The Electric Spurs opened up the night. They played a very lengthy set and were well dressed for the occasion. Their sound combines a range of influences, sounding like a mix of Led Zeppelin, Joy Division, Pere Ubu with the noisy experiments of Sonic Youth thrown in. The Electric Spurs were musically sound, with time signature changes and a relatively focused sound. However, an otherwise decent set was ruined by the band's melodramatic vocalist, who seemed to think the world was coming to an end. With some less dramatic vocals and more audience focus, The Electric Spurs could be quite something.
After a long wait, The Red Paintings finally took the stage, all of them entering in wierd and wonderful ways and dressed as Tim Burton characters. Lead singer/guitarist Trash McSweeny's entrance was particularly great, climbing out of an onstage coffin before running to the front of the stage in full costume. The Red Paintings played a diverse set with heavy songs at the start and towards the end. The middle of the set was dominated by acoustic numbers with Trash even staying out on stage by himself to do a few songs solo. The sides of each stage had painters who made some excellent artwork under the influence of The Red Paintings' music. The set was somewhat let down by an unecessary intermission which really destroyed the flow of the gig. The band closed with their cover of "Mad World" inviting the audience up onto the stage while artificial snow fell all around the stage.
It's easy to see why The Red Paintings are so popular. Their stage presence is exceptional and their use of props brings a theatrical quality into their performance. Live, there are few Brisbane bands who can put on a more interesting show. With their incredibly devoted fanbase (most of whom came dressed as Tim Burton characters), it's clear that The Red Paintings are headed for big things.