The House Jacks in Singapore!!

Review:

Our local percussionist star, Peter Huang opened the show for the House Jacks (HJs). He introduced a song or 2 from his debut solo album which the instruments were vocalised by him using layering to create a 'band sound'. However, the audience didn't take to his performance. It was grating to the ears when he made certain sounds: more like noise than music to the ears.

There was a slight limp in his leg since his recovery from an accident, which prevented him from dancing around the stage too much. I think it's better that he sticks to his vocal percussion than his weak singing or hiphop rap. People were more impressed with his percussion than him singing or rapping.

Good & tight harmony I would say. If you have heard Wes Carrol, the group percussionist, Peter Huang seem amateurish. Real solid vocal percussion from Wes. The bass is Bert Bacco, showing off his really deep rumble. Next is Deke Sharon and Garth Kravitis, the group's vocal instrumentalist which can imitate the saxaphone, electric guitars and whtaever sound effects you name it. Last but not least, the lead of HJs is Austin Willacy, with his charming tenor voice.

However, disturbing to the eye was the inbalanced height of the group's standing position. The tallest lead Austin stands in the middle, while Deke Sharon & bass Bert Bacco who were both medium-height stand on the left & Garth Kravitis & Wes Carrol (the 2 short ones) stand on the right of the stage. However, their pop songs were like typical US groups style of singing a cappella. Not that I am impressed of.

However, as the show proceeds on, the audience slowly began to warm up to the HJs. What really impressed the audience was their rock songs which is actually their specialty. Each of the HJs took lead in 1 song which actually shows the flexibity of the group. The HJs also took in 3 song requests from the audience and sang it spontaneously. The chemistry between the group was mind-blowing as they came up with the harmony within seconds!

To end off the show as encore, the HJs got the audience closer by asking to come nearer to the stage and singing on the platform just off the stage without mics and sang a slow ballad. It was good though despite Bert singing louder than the rest of his group member at times. The show was good but not making me to want for more of the Housejacks. Rating: 3/5


The Band Without Instruments. Book thru Sistic.

Date: 26 Mar 2005 Sat

Time: 7.30 - 9.30 p.m

Venue: Fort Canning Park

Prices: Standard - S$35, At the Gate - S$40

(pls add SISTIC fee of $2 for tickets above $20 and $1 for tickets below $20.)

Charges include GST where applicable.

Free admission for infants and children below 7 years. Children aged above 7 years must purchase ticket for admission. No Video recording is allowed for this event ! Bring your own food & beverage but no glass bottles allowed.

Nearest MRT Station: City Hall / Dhoby Ghaut

By Public Transport:

• Stamford Road
  
  -> SBS 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 97, 124, 131, 147, 162, 166, 174
  
  -> Tibs 77, 190, 103, 167, 171, 857
  
  -> CSS 603,605, 607 and SIA Hop On
  
• Hill Street -> SBS 2, 12, 33, 51, 62, 81, 147
  
• River Valley Road -> SBS 32, 54, 195

Promoter: The Go-Getter Private Limited