Review by Simon Bell, Images by Jordan Newton
This night had been a long time coming., Dirty Honey was finally playing live in Australia! After a release of their EP and just wrapping up playing at Bluesfest in Byron Bay, was time for their first headlining show in Australia.
But first up it was homegrown Sydney talent, The Black Cardinals to open the night and warm up the eager crowd.
The Black Cardinals (Craig Cassar, Eric Wong, Jonny Goldrick, Andy Lawrence and Evan Hughes) are the perfect opening for Dirty Honey. And the size of the crowd indicated many had seen this talented, and hardworking, band previously. For those not in the know The Black Cardinals bring an energetic set of blues rock delivered, as always, with plenty of swagger and attitude. Tracks, ranging from party anthems to the more personal, consistently hit the right note for all.
Having only the one support meant an extended set of 10 songs from The Black Cardinals. The crowd showed their appreciation, both old fans and an increasing number of new ones as the set progressed, singing back lyrics, fist pumping, dancing, and head banging.
It's tough to pick highlights. Gravity, Broken Man, Love on the Rise, and Give Me Something all have to be in that conversation for me. But this time around I'm gonna give it to Beatles cover. Come Together. It's the second time I've seen it live and The Black Cardinals version is an absolute corker! Get out there and check out The Black Cardinals, you won't be disappointed.
After a short break to fix some technical issues, apparent through the Cardinals set, it was time for the main course, Dirty Honey. The room has filled, close to capacity, and anticipation levels are high
Dirty Honey, now L.A. locals, enter the stage with the confidence you'd expect from a band with plenty of recording experience, and a reputation for putting on a great live show honed through the last couple of years touring extensively through the USA, the UK and Europe. Playing classic 70s inspired and infused blues rock, and dressed like they had just stepped out of San Francisco or L.A in the 70s, Dirty Honey hit hard from the get go.
Marc LaBelle, John Notto, Justin Smolian, and relative newcomer Jaydon Bean open with California Dreamin' from the 2021 album, signature Dirty Honey and that, just
enough dirt and grit, voice from LaBelle.
It's into a couple of tracks of the 2019 EP from there with Heartbreaker and Scars. These are followed by the first of the tracks off new album, Can't Find The Brakes, and we are left with no doubt as to Smolian's off stage pursuits as LaBelle introduces Get A Little High.
Tracks continue to bounce around from the 2019 Dirty Honey EP, the 2021 Dirty Honey LP, and the 2023 Can't Find The Brakes as we get Tied Up, Don't Put Out The Fire, The Wire, and Another Last Time.
The crowd intensity and participation is brought all the way back up with the biggest single, charting at No1 on the US Billboard Main Rock Charts, When I'm Gone. It's a clear favourite tonight as well given the audience response. It is an absolute killer track.
How do follow that? Well, just crack out an AC/DC cover with Girls Got Rhythm. It's a great homage and tells you that these boys have spent a fair bit of time in Australia and have some love for one of our greatest musical exports.
There's time for Won't Take Me Alive, the most played track from the new album, You Make it Alright, also from Can't Find The Brakes, and a finish with Rollin' 7s from all the way back on their 2019 debut EP.
Dirty Honey have played tracks off the whole catalogue across the gig and proved they have the chops to play modern blues rock with an originality which also gives more than a respectful nod to the 70s and the great artists that preceded them.
I'd hope they are back soon. A packed Crowbar is testament to the fact there are plenty of Australian fans who are eager for them to return.
Mate, photos are awesome! Geez, that bloke writes OK as well! ;) Seriosly, what a great night. The Black Cardnals were awesome as always, and so good to finally be able to see Dirty Honey live.