Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Friday 30 August 2024, The Gov, Adelaide, South Australia
Electric Six, the band that brought us iconic tracks like ‘Danger! High Voltage’ and ‘Gay Bar’, stormed (literally, it’s shitty weather right now) into Adelaide with their infectious blend of dance punk, rock, and absurdity, delivering a show that left The Gov buzzing long after the final chord of ‘Dance Commander’ was struck.
The Governor Hindmarsh, adoringly known as The Gov, is one of Adelaide’s premier live music venues. I have seen only too many insanely wicked shows here. In fact, my first was Renee Geyer, a good few decades ago. It’s intimate yet spacious, with a pulsing charm that makes every gig feel like a special event. The Gov’s reputation for hosting eclectic and energetic acts made it the perfect setting for Electric Six. As the crowd filed in, the buzz was ‘love and good vibes only’ – a mix of seasoned fans and welcomed newcomers, all ready for a night of unadulterated fun. It was had.
The Performance
The moment Electric Six took the stage, they commanded the room with their high-octane energy. Frontman and VERY charismatic Dick Valentine, with his trademark deadpan humor and theatrical delivery, was the perfect ringleader for the night’s antics. He moved effortlessly between his wry, sardonic commentary and belting out lyrics that had the crowd dancing and singing along. He literally counted out his set-list, it was super enjoyable.
The band kicked off with the pulsating banger ‘Turquoise’ (From the new album ‘Turquoise’ released in September 2024), only setting the tone for the evening. The thumping basslines and razor-sharp guitar riffs had everyone on their feet, turning The Gov into a pulsating and fist pumping dance floor. Tracks like ‘Down at McDonnelzzz’ and ‘Danger! High Voltage’ followed, each one hitting with the force of a nostalgia-fueled adrenaline shot.
‘Naked Pictures Of Your Mother’, brilliant. And, ‘Synthesizer’, exceptional. It was difficult to wipe the smiles off anyones face. But, why would you even want to, right?!
What makes Electric Six so captivating live is their unique ability to blend humour with musicianship. The absurdity of their lyrics, paired with seriously tight instrumental work, creates a unique live experience that is as entertaining as it is musically satisfying. During ‘Gay Bar’, the energy reached its peak, with the entire venue erupting in a collective shout-along, every lyric dripping with irony and glee.
Electric Six are masters of crowd engagement. Valentine’s banter between songs had the audience in stitches, and his ability to read the room kept the energy levels consistently high. Whether it was a quick quip or a more involved story, he made everyone feel like they were part of the show.
The crowd, an eclectic mix of old-school fans and newer faces, fed off the band’s energy, creating a feedback loop of enthusiasm. There was dancing, there was shouting, and most importantly, there was a sense of shared joy that only a live concert can deliver.
BUT, the encore!! It delivered the freaking best cover I’ve ever heard of Sophie Ellis Bextor’s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ – Dick nailed it. It climaxed and the stage was packed down after ‘Dance Commander’. Command they did. Then Dick and the guys mingled in The Gov’s courtyard until the wee hours.
Final Thoughts
Electric Six’s performance at The Gov was everything you could want from a live show: high-energy, entertaining, and utterly unique. They managed to walk the fine line between parody and homage, delivering a set that was both a celebration of rock excess and a satire of it. For those lucky enough to be in the room, it was a night of dance punk revelry that they won’t soon forget.
If you get the chance to see Electric Six live, especially in a venue as perfect as The Gov, don’t hesitate. It’s a show that promises to be outrageous, hilarious, and above all, a damn good time. I have a sneaky suspicion they’ll be back in 2025. Stay tuned.
Image gallery here from the evening!
Keep up with Electric Six here…
