TheSuperjesus, Violetine – The Gov – Saturday 7 September 2019
Words Geoff Jenke
Superjesus are a hard-working band who are seriously loved by Australian rockers. You know they are going to put on a great show every time they come to town, especially Adelaide, Sarah’s home city. The real bonus on this tour is, they have dragged old touring mates Violetine out of retirement for the occasion.
Violetine joked on stage about touring their new album, ironically called “The One That Never Came Out” as it was recorded 20 years ago. The band released several singles in the mid to late 90’s and introducing them this evening they joked. “Here is our hit single. It reached number 465 on the Billboard chart with a bullet…. Because it had risen from 500 the week before”. The said singles, Birminghamand Any Dayhad a few people in the know singing along, including one fan who got on stage to sing a chorus. The band were having a great time on stage and the audience was right behind them for the whole set. A couple of instrumentals set a very high standard for the set. Let’s hope they stay around after the tour and release some new songs. Impressive.
Superjesushave a new double album live album out (“Released yesterday” Sarah told us during the set) called simply, Sumo 20 Live. They also have a new song out called The Impossible, available through download and for view on YouTube. The band appeared on stage dressed in white, with Sarah wearing the NASA white jump suit she wears in the video clip for The Impossible.
The band hit the stage running with Shut My Eyesfrom the debut 1996 EP Eight Step Rail. They followed this up two songs later with Ground, also off the E.P. In between the band had the audience bouncing with Over and Outand Manicfrom the Rock Music album.
The set was well rounded with tracks of each album, Down Againand Saturationfrom Sumowere followed by a blistering version of the new song The Impossible, quite incredible considering it was only the third time it had been played live.
The band were hot, despite a guitar malfunction during one song. “At least you know we are playing live” commented bass player Stuart Rudd “and there’s not just a tape playing”. Sarah introduced Love and Violenceas “our punk song” but then ironically soon after told us all her first concert was Kenny Rogers and “you never forget your first. I still have a thing about Kenny”. Alas no Kenny Rogers cover.
Gravity closed the main set out, complete with audience sing along.
We did get a cover of Kylie’s Confide in Meto kick off the encore. I am sure Kylie would approve of their brutal cover. The set ended with Enough to Knowand Dead Ended, but Sarah said “the band want to do one more song”. The opening chords of Highway to Hellsounded out and the band kicked into a loud, take no prisoners version of the song.
Superjesus are not a nostalgic trip, the new song is proof of that. They can still pack The Gov and will do so for many years to come. And by the time we got to merch area straight after the show, the band were there to have photo’s taken and sign memorabilia. They truly do love their fans.
No Comments