Review: West Thebarton @ Crown & Anchor 02/06/23
West Thebarton proves why the seven-piece garage rockers are one of the most spoken-about live acts in Australia.
Words Zara Richards // Image Nash Blight
West Thebarton is one of few bands that can capture quintessential South Australia in their lyrics while also making music that appeals to the rest of the nation. So, when the garage rock outfit finally announced the release of their new EP, Victory, and long-awaited accompanying tour, the whole country showed up with fervent intensity.
But the energy and love for West Thebby really hit its apex when the band rolled through their hometown for two sold-out shows at beloved watering hole, the Cranker.
The Note is catching the seven-piece band on the first night of their back-to-back appearances at the Grenfell Street pub. Even before the night kicks off, there’s an excited buzz among the after-work punters crowded around the plastic outdoor chairs and tables, waiting for Adelaide rock royalty to arrive.
We prime ourselves with several good beers and get into the groove with opening act, Junk Harmony. Space-like electronica fills most of their dreamy set, and we love feeling bamboozled by the ever-emerging sounds and loops from the artist. Next, The Empty Threats take to the stage. Their fuzzy post-punk noise and eccentric performance sees the room quickly fill with an eager audience ready for an enjoyable ear assault. Any Empties show is one we wish we could savour forever, and this support slot did not disappoint.
Then, as the clock ticks past 11pm, it’s time for the main act. West Thebby’s crowd mainly consists of people who enjoy smashing their bodies against strangers in a sweaty mosh. And from the opening chords of ‘Humble Heart’ the busy pit starts bumping at the front of the cramped stage.
That energy keeps building as the seven-piece masterfully moves through their 60-minute set. Any doubts the band may have had about their new music would’ve been instantly quelled by the crowd’s appetite for louder and larger tracks. Equal love is given to fan-favourite songs like ‘Stuck on You’ and ‘Bible Camp’, as well as new pieces like ‘Nothin to Do’ and ‘George Michael’. So long as the beat is fast, Adelaide is ready to give a riotous energy.
Seven players on the tiny Cranker stage can be a challenge at times, but after jamming together for almost a decade, West Thebarton knows the ins-and-outs of how each member likes to move. The four guitar players riff effortlessly while drummer Caitlin Thomas holds pace with speed and skill; frontman Ray Dalfsen commands the attention of the entire audience as he stands centre stage, nonchalantly propping one foot up on a speaker while holding his balance against the low Cranker ceiling. We assume his Cheshire cat-like grin, effortless charm and mad moves can only mean he’s stoked to have such a warm response from his hometown crowd.
Before we know it, West Thebby are closing out their sweaty set on triumphant track, ‘Moving Out’. Parting the crowd like the Red Sea, Ray moves from the stage to the centre of the mosh, pacing up and down the Cranker floor while eager bodies begun bumping on the fringe of the space he’s cleared for himself. When Ray gives the green light, dozens of people then bash together with an energy that can only emerge from die-hard supporters proud of their favourite local band.
It’s true, West Thebarton are on top. June 2 proves why the seven-piece garage rockers are one of the most spoken-about live acts in Australia. The gig is victorious. Let’s hope they grace us with another one soon.
