Tonight’s support act for the Rogue Traders is Dizzy Days an all-girl pop band, formed in Brisbane in 2021. Lead by Aisling O’Byrne on vocals, Bridgette Dabinett on bass, EJ Carey on guitar and Mikaela Swan on drums.
Dizzy Days reminded me of Disney princesses raiding an early 80’s wardrobe and performing modern pop on rock instruments. They play music that is chirpy, high energy with funky beats which is focused on original song writing.
They are confident and playful on stage, but don’t be misled these women know how to play their instruments, backed up by tight musicianship and a standout vocalist, Dizzy Days bring both talent and infectious fun on stage. They’re also building momentum with their upcoming release of the EP “Tunnel Vision” due out 26th June. Dizzy Days powered through a 40-minute set packed with mainly original songs, leaving the stage with the crowd dancing along.
DIZZY DAYS GALLERY
I have to confess this was the first time I have ever seen Rogue Traders. I had heard of them and knew their radio played hits, but I didn’t really know what to expect. “The Anthem’s 21st Anniversary Tour” is high energy and non-stop. Rogue Traders banged out a 17-song set with a 2-song encore. The set is full of old hits, new music and a couple of covers all in 90 minutes. This show is a huge bang for your buck and the ticket price is great value.
This line up of Rogue Traders has the beautiful Natalie Bassingthwaighte on vocals, Tim Henwood the guitar master, the hard hitting Cameron McGlinchey on drums and not forgetting the founder of Rogue Traders James Ash on keys/synthesiser. Rogue Traders roots are based in electronic rock and it is evident in the synthesiser work, but add in driving electric beats, powerful drums and signature guitar riffs topped with Nat’s raw almost grungy vocals and energetic stage prowling and you have a formidable combination.
Rogue Traders came on stage at 9.30 and burst into “Watching You”, but oops no lead vocals, after a few seconds of panic and a mic change Nat’s edgy and commanding vocals came through. Nat asked the crowd should we start again? To a loud roar of Yes! They kicked off again to a perfectly run show for the rest of the performance. I thought Nat would have a pretty princess stage musical voice, but her voice as the lead of Rogue Traders is sultry, punchy and full of attitude.
Tim’s guitar playing is hook driven with aggressive strumming patterns and jagged power chords topped off with Cameron’s high velocity heart beat drumming. With James keys and synthesiser sound it is a marriage of a DJ and a rock concert. Rogue Traders have a one of a kind sound that is truly theirs. The 10th song of the night “In Love Again” was dedicated to James’s extended family with his 84-year old father rocking out in the crowd. Through out the set the crowd were lucky enough to hear some new music and be able to pre purchase their new vinyl “Midnight Alarms” (to be officially released digitally on the 5/06/26).
This past weekend, starting Friday was the first time in 18 years they have hit the road with this kind of tour. So if you love Rogue Traders I suggest you check the gig guides and buy a ticket you won’t be disappointed. And if you are a big Nat fan remember you can see her starring in the musical “Waitress” playing now at the Her Majesty’s theatre in Melbourne or buy her new biography “Love Like This”.
Ozgreeny photography and myself would like to thank The York on Lilydale for making us so welcome. Tony Kopa, Tim Henwood and The Rogue Traders and Dizzy Days for the wonderful media access.
All photos by Ozgreeny Photography.
ROGUE TRADERS GALLERY
