:: The Shimmys & The Booby Traps - Exile on Smith Street - May 2007

By: Mark Rasmussen

It had been rumoured that The Shimmys were a great, fun act that I simply had to see, so when I found out they were part of the ‘Blow Up’ bill at Exile, I grabbed my coat and dashed out the door pronto. Roping in another friend of mine, we made our way there with the first surprise of the night being a raffle ticket upon paying the cover charge with the promise of prizes. Unusual way to begin a night but was happy to go along with it, this was a Blow Up gig after all.

As The Shimmys took to the stage to turn up the heat on this cold Saturday night, where I am sure they raised plenty of men's temperature as they strode confidently through the crowd in sexy leopard skin dresses and knee high boots, the all girl group set about that task.

With cool old films and cartoons being shown on the screen above, Suzi Watusi, Kitty Deluxe and Babs Dior, ripped through a tremendous set of old school ‘60s rock'n'roll with plenty of sass and humour. Lead singer Watusi (with legs all the way to heaven), belted out some fine tunes, including those from their new album 'Shake! Stomp! Shimmy!’ It was a great demonstration of what happens when art, rock and chic meet to produce mouth-watering results.

They kept the crowd entertained throughout the entire set, even allowing the passers-by plenty to admire as they walked past the only exposed window. And like those who stood and watched, it was impossible not to fall under the spell of this dazzling three-piece - fun, music, legs and all.

Next up were Sydneysiders The Booby Traps, and if The Shimmys raised the temperature, The Booby Traps raised it even further. This electric five-piece soared, climbed and tore through an amazing set that was impossible to ignore. Every one in the audience felt the Booby Trap groove, some even dancing up their own electric storm. The more they played the better they got. Working incredibly well and playing nice and tight, this was a gig that easily shook off the Autumn cold.

Fitting the bill and the night perfectly, The Booby Traps conquered the venue and the crowd. There was even time for an encore as the enthusiastic crowd shouted, clapped and hollered to show their appreciation for a band that really made their music count!

I didn't think it was possible for the night to get any better but it did. Those raffle tickets that we were given at the start of the night ended up winning both of us a complimentary CD. Now this really was a gig to savour. Take it from me, if you ever happen to see either of these great Aussie acts on a bill, cancel all appointments and get yourself there - because these bands won't disappoint.