:: Late Nite Access - Esplanade Hotel (Gershwin Room), St.Kilda - August 2008

By: Z. Manton

With the amount of touring Late Nite Access (LNA) has done over the past couple of years, it is little wonder that every time they play in their hometown it feels like a special event. This night saw these globetrotters head back to Melbourne’s favourite rock venue the Esplanade Hotel. The Gershwin Room of the hotel can be a daunting place to play at the best of times, mainly because it’s such a massive room. As I walked in 45 minutes before LNA was scheduled to hit the stage, the support band was just finishing their set and there was plenty of room to move.

With all the hype and fans this Melbourne rock trio has built up over the last three years I was somewhat surprised there wasn’t a massive queue stretching down the street. Little did I need to worry as within the next 30 minutes the crowd built up enormously, timing it to perfection so that when LNA walked on stage, they were greeted by a packed room. Launching into the raucous ‘Kid In A Candy Store’, the excitement and enthusiasm displayed by the band members - Mick (vocals/bass), Kim (drums) and Pete (guitar), was mirrored by the crowd. Without any respite, they kicked into the frantic ‘Insane’, followed by crowd favourite ‘The Money’.

Engaging in constant banter throughout the show, Mick and Pete involved the audience at every opportunity. When they mentioned, somewhat tongue in cheek, that tonight was “ladies night”, the girls dancing up a storm in the front row erupted into applause. It was also a nice segue into the catchy single “Pretty Little Face”.

It has been quite a while since I last saw this band play and I must confess, I had forgotten just how tight they are live. For a three piece to pull this type of sound, which can only be described as big, they still maintain a very raw, organic feel. While LNA has built a reputation on a phenomenal stage show (it’s easy to get hypnotised by Kim’s crazy antic’s on the drums!) what is not always discussed is the quality of their songs. Tonight they indulged the audience with a number of new ones and, after hearing these, it appears that a constant touring schedule has actually enhanced their ability to write great music. While debut album ‘Kid In A Candy Store’ was a brilliant introduction to this band, one can’t help but feel their next recording may catapult them to another level entirely.

LNA finished the set with another new song called ‘Sweet, Sweet Love’. While the audience didn’t need any encouragement, Pete instructed everyone to put their hands above their heads and clap along with the band. I must say it’s the first time I’ve seen the Gershwin Room rock like this! With more international tours planned for later this year, let’s hope Melbourne doesn’t have to wait too long to show LNA some more ‘sweet, sweet love!’