Jet
W/ The Blue Van
Nov 26, 2006
The Guvernment

It’s been a while since I’ve experienced a really kickn’ rock n’ roll show that infuses you with a profusion of energy and leaves you tingling all over… orgasmic. Alright, maybe not all that but the night ranks very close to the big “O” or maybe it just made me want “it” really, really bad.

The Blue Van, a foursome from Denmark, provided a very heated foreplay. Steffen Westmark’s strong vocals led us through some powerful tunes, comparable to the Kinks and Cream. From Steffen’s jaunt up the speakers to the bassist, leading the crowd through a clap back, these guys are obviously very comfortable on stage. The infusion of the Hammond organ played outstandingly both frontward and backwards, through it all back to the free love, sex and hallucinating drugs of the Doors era.

As the crowd and anticipation grew during the half hour intermission, there was a sense that this was a really big band putting on a really big show but all crammed into a smaller venue and we were the lucky few to make it in. As Jet hit the stage, it was all confirmed, we were the privileged ones.

From the moment the boisterous frontman, Nic Cester bolted on stage and let out a lung busting scream, he had us rapt and didn’t let us go until he was certain we were completely sweaty and satisfied. Nor, did Nic waste any time with idle chit chat, focusing instead on pleasing by engaging all our primary inborn senses.

The set was an eyeful of brothers, Nic and Chris as they switched up lead vocals on heavier tunes like “Cold Hard Bitch,” “Rollover DJ” and their newest “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.” Nic’s boundless energy as he scampered across the stage and clamored up equipment, even the drums at one point, was infectious. Not to mention the fab light show that flashed behind the band all night.

If their stage presence didn’t grab you, their sound had to. It was right on. Guitarist, Cam Muncey provided lots of guitar hooks, incendiary riffs and picks on tracks like the anthemic “Stand Up” and “That’s All Lies.” And who could miss the bass beat of Mark Wilson on “Are You Going to be My Girl” which had everyone singing along. Nic’s younger bro, Chris, has the same intense pipes but can still drum like Keith Moon. Is there anything hotter than a singing sweaty drummer? Sizzle.

Being a sucker for anything acoustic, I quivered as Chris crooned through the stripped down “Move On”, which showcased Jet’s earnest softer side. Their big ballad of 2003, “Look What You’ve Done” turned into a crowd sing song with eyes closed and everyone embracing the moment.

The encore pulled out two more new tracks from their new CD, Shine On, the heavily Beatles’ influenced “All You Have to Do” and the epic title track. As Nic confessed to “Shine On” being a “very special song for me”, he launched into an emotionally stirring rendition of yet another powerful ballad…beautiful.

Just to assure everyone that this was a rock concert, Jet rammed it in with one last blast of in ya face rock, “What’s Your Name.” Ending in wicked guitar riffs, tambourine jamming, pounding drums and seeing more virgin crowd surfers being precariously held up to the front of the stage, left no doubt.

Leaving us, sweaty, spent and completely satisfied, Jet pulled out. Cigarette anyone?

- Lisa Kerr

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