Midnight Juggernauts @The Corner Hotel – Photos by Mark Stanjo
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_02.jpg] 15 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_03.jpg] 14 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_04.jpg] 14 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_05.jpg] 15 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_06.jpg] 13 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_07.jpg] 9 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_08.jpg] 5 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_09.jpg] 7 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_10.jpg] 9 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_11.jpg] 7 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_12.jpg] 8 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_13.jpg] 7 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_14.jpg] 7 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_15.jpg] 3 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_16.jpg] 4 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_17.jpg] 6 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_18.jpg] 2 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_19.jpg] 4 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_20.jpg] 5 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_21.jpg] 4 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_22.jpg] 4 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_23.jpg] 5 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_24.jpg] 5 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
[img src=http://www.theripe.tv/wp/wp-content/flagallery/midnight-juggernauts-the-corner-hotel-photos-by-mark-stanjo/thumbs/thumbs_25.jpg] 7 0 SONY DSC
SONY DSC
It’s been roughly three years since the last Midnight Juggernauts show in Melbourne and with a sold out Corner Hotel on Anzac Day eve, I was excited to see the trio back in action. With stellar sets from Golden Plains alumni Client Liaison and Yes You , the band room was buzzing with anticipation and the vibe was definitely that of an all out party. There was no holding back for the return of Melbourne’s dance-pop heroes.
Barely navigating their way through the smoke and strobe lights, front man Vince Vendetta surfaces and thanks the crowd for coming back after such a hefty break, shortly followed by a welcome plunge into ‘ Shadows ’, one of the more recognizable hits from 2007 debut Dystopia . The crowd has no hesitation in voicing their love for the familiar tune, and a full on dance party breaks loose before my eyes. Through an extended drum breakdown we enter into ‘ This New Technology ’ from the bands 2010 Sophomore album The Crystal Axis which, unsurprisingly, hits the right spot for a few of the older looking fans in the room. Moving through two songs from the new material, a mysterious fourth member takes to the stage without any introduction, and sleeks back into the darkness to play guitar as the 2013 reincarnation of the Juggernauts sound washes over the room filling us with satisfaction and relief that we again have the chance to witness their renowned live show.
Two new tracks follow, sounding fresh and vibrant, but it’s always hard to tell how a new album shapes up from a first listen. Next up we receive an assault of older material beginning with the most well received and crowd surfed song of the night, ‘ Into the Galaxy ’. 2005’s ‘ Raised by Wolves ’ follows in tow, the band reminiscing about playing the song at 161 many years ago to a petite audience of 13 people. It’s during this that there’s a real contrast between the older material and the new direction band has taken. Exchanging heavier dance-punk vibes for more delicate synths woven with airy guitars, there’s been a very clear progression of sound, which, unfortunately, was lost for some on the last release.
We’re treated to ‘ Ending of an Era ’, ‘ Road to Recovery ’ and a beautifully drawn out version of ‘ So Many Frequencies ’, which featured an inspired breakdown and furious drum solo from Daniel Stricker . The crowd is left reeling from the visual assault of the strobes as the band heads offstage for their encore.
Returning with an extended intro into new single ‘ Ballad of the War Machine ’, Vendetta sports a Russian fur hat that reminds us yet again of what striking imagery the band chose for the new single. The room responds to the instant familiarity of the song, which is one of the tightest sounding renditions of the night. They certainly seem ready for the upcoming Tame Impala support slot. Finishing the night with personal favorite ‘ Vital Signs ’, the boys seem genuinely humbled by the appreciation of the crowd, it seems they’re back and more ready than ever to recommence their journey as one of Australia’s most forward-thinking pop acts.
WORDS BY Scott Armstrong
Comments
.