KEY POINTS:
Goose bumps prickle my arms and a slow shiver ascends my spine as Ed Knowles frantically screams out the chorus to Oh Please. As my head tingles and my ears rejoice, I inwardly scold myself for ever doubting the magic of The Checks.
Once a regular fixture on the local music scene, The Checks have been M.I.A since they relocated to London last year, to work on their record with British producer Ian Broudie. Back in town for a brief homeward visit, the boys kindly agreed to do a few local gigs - the second of which was at the Masonic Tavern in Devonport on Friday night.
Since their move to London, there's been little news of blues-fuelled rockers, so it was with slight apprehension I headed Shore-wards on Friday night. What if the boys had become too cool for little old New Zealand? What if they'd been converted into a highly polished stage act, losing their raw rock 'n' roll energy? What if...?
Fortunately, for all parties involved, my consternation was completely unfounded. Knowles' notorious stage antics were more maniacal than ever and the band slapped the audience with their pure, frenzied power.
Far from living high life in London, the boys have clearly been hard at work and took the opportunity to introduce the audience to their newly extended repertoire. Tracks like Hunting Whales, Take Me There and Butter Boys revealed a new depth to the band's sound, while retaining its signature brand of blues-driven rock.
These latest additions also showcased the band's ever-improving songwriting skills, while Knowles' vocals took on a more controlled, melodic quality than those exhibited in earlier forays.
Despite the unfamiliar new material, the audience lapped up the music, unable to resist the intoxicating rhythm and smooth bass lines.
By the time the band came to their rousing finale - comprising the classic tracks Tired from Sleeping, Oh Please and What You Heard - the crowd had reached fever pitch. Sweat-ridden bodies were sent flailing into the air in a scene more suited to stadium gigs, than a small local pub.
It wasn't just the punters invigorated by the evening's set. The Checks have never been known to play a down-tempo gig, but Friday's venture took it to a new level, making the most of their home-crowd advantage.
* The Checks play with Conan and the Mockasins at the Kings Arms, Saturday, January 20.
