Saturday 2nd October, 2010 – Review by Katie Rolston

When LITTLE RED plays a show its as if the season is changing and Saturday October 2 at the Astor Theatre was no different. The stage was graced by the five Melbournians whose songs are fast becoming an addition to any summer soundtrack. Touring to promote the release of its new album ‘Midnight Remembered’ the band will head east before returning to Perth in November to support BLONDIE and THE PRETENDERS.

The Astor Theatre’s dimly lit surrounds went from basically empty to almost full within ten minutes. Supporting act SPARKADIA hit the stage immediately, taking advantage of the energy of the newcomers. The group belted out songs from its upcoming album, including the triumphant single ‘Talking Like I’m Falling Downstairs’ (referred to as the “new song fast becoming new-old song” by frontman Alex Burnett). By the end of the band’s set the standing area was filled to the brim and only lone figures were in seats. Sparkadia didn’t do Little Red any favours by setting the bar so high.

The wait for Little Red was a mere 20 minutes, filled with a few drunken versions of Midnight Remembered’s lead single ‘Rock It’. Starting on time the crowd gave chilled out cheers with leftover enthusiasm from the previous set. The band spoke little to the crowd and seemed tired. Frontman Dominic Byrne, confirmed it saying the band would love to play all night but had stayed up until four am the previous morning.

It was obvious punters turned up to hear popular hits ‘Coca Cola’ and ‘Rock It’ but definitely got more than they bargained for. The band’s mellow brand of pop was something people took a while to adjust to. But they were soon won over by sound vocal harmonies and a slapping disco bass.

Nevertheless, changeovers seemed to take forever leaving some annoyed. The crowd’s energy dropped, but the group was so rich in pop hooks and infallible upbeat tempos that its faults were overlooked most of the time. The dynamic of Little Red’s performance was complimented by varietal vocals from the deep love-making voice of Tom Hartney to the teenaged teeth baring sounds of Dominic Byrne. Ears also welcomed sounds from the harmonica, tambourine and rattle claps.

Although visibly tired (minus the grinning drummer Taka Honda) the group got into the swing after the first few songs had been played. They shared mics and Byrne swung his in circles, strutting around, before he poured water over his mane of curly hair and gave it a good shake. The highlight was those crisp opening chords of single ‘Rock It.’ The audience instantly recognised it, clapping in time with drummer Honda who stood on his kit in power stance – a feat unto itself.

After that final burst the band left the stage, but the more than audible sound of the audience stomping made the guys come back on for a groovy encore jam. This time round a rogue chick hopped on stage, but was carried off bear-hug style by security, kicking her legs.