Live Review: David Liebe Hart, The Gizzards, Sonny Yang, Ermine Coat,

The night was promising to be a good one when this scribe stepped into a burger joint to grab a bite to eat before the night’s gig and who should be sitting in the window waiting for his food but David Liebe Hart himself. He was signing cards to slip inside the covers of cassette tapes he was selling. He greeted me jovially and hoped I enjoyed the show while he proceeded to eat his burger like any other Fremantle local. 

The night's performances began with Perth performer Ermine Coat, whose startlingly chaotic lo-fi experience had the audience questioning whether he was part of the real show while laughing out loud at his onstage antics, black onesie and song dedications to the one, Mrs Hilary Clinton. Next up was Sonny Yang, an American comedian who played up big on his deadpan voice, his hair that tells a sad story of depression and suicide, and his take on employment injustice. When locals The Gizzards adorned centre stage – the frontman with a custom NES guitar and a red and black cape – the image was quite dramatic, as was his unique and flawlessly executed mix of indie punk electronica.

Finally the time had come for the long awaited comedy genius of the one and only David Liebe Hart. Hart was finishing off his Australian tour for his 2015 album Astronaut in Perth, which bought to the stage all the familiar psychedelic stylings of the Tim And Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! that fans were desperate for, as well as a personal touch with all of his self-written spoken word style songs, hand signed merchandise and his willingness to interact with the audience. The show consisted of a combination of music, comedy, live art, ventriloquism and skits about his personal life. His interesting and bizarre lyrical arrangements that cover a wide umbrella of topics – from his love of trains, UFOs, extraterrestrial life, ex-girlfriends, failed love and a heart broken by an alien mistress to heavy hitting topics like God and his strong founded faith – had the audience laughing hysterically, listening intently to his pre-song stories and explanations and singing along proudly as Hart finished out the night with a crowd favorite Teleportation Thru Space.  The night was a truly unique experience, Hart was open and honest with his fans both on and off stage and it won’t be a night the audience will soon forget.