Sascha and the band balance understatement with intensity — an interesting juxtaposition that works well with Ion’s vocal stylings and the general vibe of the band. The main chorus hook is catchy and memorable, built around the line “bring me light / bring me thunder / all day long.” There’s a slight scowl in the delivery that gives her voice a real edge. Special mention to bassist Liam Coffey for some excellent lines that wrap around the guitar work.
The trio have found a nice groove pocket, and this is another example of the blues-influenced alt-rock that hits the spot.
Sascha Ion and The Elements launch Cross Your Bones (Bring Me Thunder) this Saturday arvo (May 2) at The Bird. Get down early.
We’re out in the suburbs on this rainy Djeran Friday night and luckily, we are inside and dry with a strong lineup of bands gracing the mammoth Milk Bar stage.
First up, The Off Set and the rotating 4-piece delivered the melody-rich jangles they do so well. The rotation is seamless between the three frontmen — switching instruments and singers while maintaining a great flow of catchy tunes. Zac Yusof’s turn was a particular highlight of the set, and the ear worming single The Places She Only Wished That She Could Go.
Next up Lake Mammoth, playing the lock-in jam-session-style psych rock we love them for. Some of the guitar sounds from the back-and-forth conversation between Jason and Steve are out of this world. Lighter on the usual percussion, the band were tight and suited the larger venue and lightshow. There are so many pockets through the sprawling set, the guys clearly relish jamming, and it comes across on stage
Little Things were a new experience for this reviewer, and once again, thank you Perth/Boorloo for continuing to turn out quality acts. These guys have some serious supergroup credentials, and it shows in the grungy, 90s rock-ish songs. The edge comes from Chris Cruickshank (krʊkʃæŋk) with his violin, playing it about as close to punk rock as the stringed instrument can be. It’s always nice to see a violin up there tearing it up with the rock band.
It was left to Sascha Ion and her Elements to close proceedings, and the diminutive riff demon did what she does best — firing off lick after lick in her understated but powerful way. The band played heavy and tight with an ease that camouflages what is seriously intricate instrumentation. With a range of songs from the folkier Lilliana to the grooving, riff-based The Groove, they just kept coming at you and building that bluesy alt-rock wall.
A seriously good lineup on a Friday night, and it’s good to see these bands out there playing regularly and putting out a steady flow of records. It shows, with a combination of bands, friends, and fans filling the venue. Stay off that dancefloor!
Sascha Ion has picked up the acoustic guitar for her latest single Lilliana. The song explores the sense of displacement that can comes with making a big move.
Stripped back compared to previous single The Groove, the track allows the vocal performance and visual lyrics to take centre stage. Ion repeats the chorus hook “what does your heart ache for”, her voice almost breaking at times, it suits the pang perfectly. The harmonies when she sings “should I stop now, or is it too late” work wonderfully.
The song builds from acoustic guitar and shaker to a driving pop song that wouldn’t be out of place in ’60s Kinks era. Credit to the band for their restraint early on, letting the song breathe before expanding into its finale. Andrew Lippiatt’s drumming is tight and economical, opening up as bassist Liam Coffey joins Sascha with some lovely backing harmonies for the strong ending.
