:: Kings Of Leon / The Mess Hall / The Subways - The Palace - February 2006

By: Mark Rasmussen

Tonight's gig had all the hallmarks of being a truly great one. Firstly, you had three awesome bands on the bill, two of which recently rocked the Big Day Out - Kings Of Leon and The Subways - plus my favourite Australian act, The Mess Hall. Not even the $6.50 bottles of beer could take the shine off that.

Right from the start we were treated to a wall of sound – LOUD in every definition of the word as The Subways ripped straight into it. With every song, they won over the three quarters full (and filling fast) crowd with a blistering set of rock'n'roll. This British three piece tore their way through their songs at a frantic rate, with their female bass player Charlotte, barely keeping still the whole time. It was a fantastic way to open up proceedings and one the audience fully appreciated.

Every time I‘ve seen The Mess Hall, they've blown not only every one away but the acts they're supporting. Tonight they certainly had their work cut out for them. They started somewhat slowly with a few technical and tuning issues but by the fourth song were starting to find their rhythm. By the time they reached the end of their set with 'Lock And Load’ and ‘Disco 1’, Jed and Cec had hit their peak and were absolutely sizzling. The crowd responded by clapping, cheering and whistling as loudly as they could. Not as tight as usual, they still demonstrated why they've become one of this nation's best live bands.

And so onto the Kings Of Leon. Striding out to a piece of classical music like Gods… Rock Gods, Caleb, Nathan, Matt and Jared eased into the first song before beginning the ritual that is an insane rock show. These Southern fried, garage rock, boozy blues and alt-country boys were simply superb. The very full house lapped it up, whooping and hollering and jumping up and down in time to every song the Kings threw at them.

Despite the fact this had to be the tallest gig I‘ve ever been to (and I'm 6'1"), every song was sung with real intent, from 'Holy Roller, 'Novocaine’ and ‘Molly's Chamber’ to name but a few, the Kings Of Leon were just mind blowing! So as I turned to face the cool night air, after an encore that turned the place upside down, I knew I had just witnessed one of the best gigs I've seen in ages. Well may I say, long live the Kings!