Salmonella Dub hit the Hifi
Words: Leah Holdsworth
Picture: Courtesy of Salmonella Dub
Saturday November 28
Salmonella Dub is a band that sure has good word of mouth. Branded as a band that defies the label of yet another alternate Roots group, at the Hi Fi in West End last Saturday evening Salmonella Dub sure showcased a splendid blend of roots and rock, mixed in with some electronic elements. It was perhaps these electronic elements that took me most by surprise. While it was clear the band would have a defined roots-based sound to their music, I was not so much expecting the influences of trance and dub. The deep bass rippled from the stage through to the crowd, who bounced off the energy created, reacting in funky dance moves and sheer energetic enthusiasm.
An interesting element to the band was the lack of frontman. Since former frontman Tiki Tanae left the band a couple of years ago in search of his own solo career, it seems guest appearances from singers have floated in and out. And certainly, this is what occurred throughout the evening’s performance. It kept the songs fresh and interesting, as each guest singer lent their own individual slant to the band’s music. One particular band mate stood out for me the whole evening. The keyboardist, Andrew Penman, was not only striking looking with his bright pink spiky hair, but his enthusiasm for the music was also truly contagious. I have never seen another keyboardist hit those keys with more gusto or passion. His presence was uplifting for his fellow band members as well as for the crowd.
The Hi Fi seems to be a venue that attracts fervour. Nestled in the middle of the main street of West End, it perfectly suits bands that don’t quite meld into the mainstream music scene of other Brisbane venues. Indeed, Salmonella Dub had attracted a crowd that was an eclectic mix of the eccentric, the tipsy and the music savvy. Everyone was there for a good time. The goal for the night appeared to be to listen to some sweet tunes, groove along to the beat and of course drink a couple of beers while doing so. Salmonella Dub achieved this ten times over.