DINOSAUR JR
MAKING MAGIC
Dinosaur Jr. emerged from the indie scene of the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on the alternative rock landscape. Formed by J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph, the trio's innovative fusion of punk energy, melodic sensibility, and Mascis's distinct guitar wizardry redefined the boundaries of the genre.
I had the pleasure of capturing their magic. Thank you to Frontier & Dinosaur Jr.
Words + Images by Day West
As the room swelled with eager patrons, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and the SOLD OUT sign seemed almost to pulsate with energy. Fidgeting with excitement, I awaited the arrival of the legendary guitar band of all guitar bands. But nothing prepared me for the jaw-dropping sight that greeted my eyes: a pedal board of coffin-like proportions dominating the stage, its cables sprawling like vines across the floor, a monstrous testament to sonic potential.
This was no ordinary gig; it was an auditory assault in the most exhilarating sense, a night where forgetting your earplugs would be a sin forgiven only in the aftermath of pure sonic bliss. From the sparsely stocked merchandise stand (seriously, Brisbane, step up your game) to the densely packed crowd, every detail screamed that this was more than just a concert—it was a celebration, a homage to thirty years of 'where you been.'
Marking the longevity of such an iconic record isn't just any milestone—it's a monumental occasion. I've had the privilege of attending many 'first shows' commemorating landmark albums, and there's always an ineffable magic in the air. To witness the artist perform amidst a sea of fans who found solace and kinship in their music during their formative years—it's a surreal and enchanting experience. And what warmed my heart even more was the diverse tapestry of ages within last night's crowd, a testament to the timelessness of great music and its ability to unite across generations.
In a reverent homage to their seminal album 'Where You Been,' Dinosaur Jr. graced the stage of The Tivoli, Friday 23rd of Feb.
From the opening chords of "Out There" to the final notes of "Get Me," Dinosaur Jr. embarked on a sonic journey through the hallowed halls of 'Where You Been,' infusing each track with a renewed sense of vitality and urgency. J Mascis's guitar riffs soared and swirled with an otherworldly intensity, while Lou Barlow's bass lines pulsed with an irresistible groove, and Murph's drums thundered like the beating heart of the universe itself.
As the band breathed new life into classics like "Start Choppin'" and "What Else Is New," it was evident that 'Where You Been' had lost none of its power to captivate and enthral. Each song unfolded like a chapter in a beloved novel, drawing the audience deeper into its sonic tapestry with every passing moment.
But it wasn't just nostalgia that fuelled the performance; it was a celebration of resilience and longevity, a testament to the enduring legacy of Dinosaur Jr. as innovators and trailblazers in the world of alternative rock. As the band traversed the highs and lows of 'Where You Been,' they did so with a sense of reverence and reverence, honouring the album's impact on their own lives and the lives of their fans.
And yet, amidst the familiar refrains and anthemic choruses, there was an unmistakable sense of spontaneity and improvisation—a reminder that no two Dinosaur Jr. performances are ever quite the same. Whether it was an extended guitar solo or a sudden change in tempo, the band kept the audience on their toes, ensuring that each moment was filled with excitement and unpredictability.
As the echoes of 'Where You Been' faded into the ether, Dinosaur Jr. seamlessly transitioned into the second half of their set, plunging headlong into a a new landscape populated by deep cuts and fan favourites alike. With an energy that showed no signs of waning, the band launched into "Garden," the opening salvo of what would prove to be a breathtaking display of musical prowess.
From the infectious groove of "Been There" to the blistering intensity of "Wagon," each song crackled with an electrifying energy that pulsed through the venue like a bolt of lightning. J Mascis's guitar work reached dizzying heights of virtuosity, his fingers dancing across the fretboard with a fluid grace that left jaws agape and hearts racing.
But it wasn't just Mascis who commanded the spotlight; Lou Barlow's bass lines throbbed with a primal energy, anchoring the songs with a sense of weight and purpose - moving around with childlike excitement which was deeply joyous to witness….while Murph's drumming drove the music forward with an unstoppable momentum.
Highlights of the second half of the set included the searing intensity of "Little Fury Things," with Mascis's vocals soaring to stratospheric heights amidst a swirling vortex of distortion, and the haunting beauty of "Feel the Pain," which washed over the audience like a wave of pure emotion.
And then there was "Gargoyle," a towering monolith of sound that served as the perfect encapsulation of everything that makes Dinosaur Jr. such a force to be reckoned with. From its thunderous opening riff to its cathartic crescendo, the song left an indelible impression on all who bore witness, a sonically monumental moment.
As the night drew to a close, Dinosaur Jr. treated the crowd to a one-two punch of musical brilliance that left no doubt as to their status as rock legends. First up was the iconic "Freak Scene," a song that needs no introduction—a blistering barrage of distorted guitars and primal energy that ignited the venue in a frenzy of headbanging and fist-pumping.
With each thunderous chord and defiant lyric, Dinosaur Jr. transported the audience to a place where time stood still, where the only thing that mattered was the raw power of rock 'n' roll in its purest form. J Mascis's vocals soared above the cacophony, his words a rallying cry for misfits and outcasts everywhere, a reminder that it's okay to be different, to embrace the freak within.
Dinosaur Jr. delivered one final surprise—their iconic Cure - cover: "Just Like Heaven". The shockwaves of euphoria rippling through the crowd was palpable. The only way to end out a night of guitar and musical madness.
Opening the night with a burst of raw energy, Melbourne's own Stepmother took to the stage, delivering a powerhouse performance that blended bluesy grooves with rock 'n' roll grit. As a three-piece outfit, they wasted no time in captivating the audience with their infectious rhythms and electrifying stage presence.
