For the uninitiated, Aussie rock band Motor Ace formed in 1998 and disbanded in 2005, having released three albums that saw the band put their definitive stamp on the Australian rock scene at the time. This DVD release showcases the bands final performance on 23 December 2005 in their hometown Melbourne, played in front of a packed house at the Hi Fi Bar.
Having personally witnessed one of the bands earliest performances in 1998 supporting Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes at the Mercury Lounge, watching this DVD sure brings back a flood of memories of the 7 years the band were in existence. Reflecting over the 2 hours of this DVD, whilst feeling the loss of a band that provided a soundtrack for 7 years of my life, I also can’t help but marvel at the evolution of the band from the monstrous rock of their debut EP, the hook infested rock of the likes of ‘Death Defy’ and ‘Hey Driver’ to the majestic soundscapes they left us with on their final album ‘Animal’.
More than just a live concert, blended amongst the songs there is candid footage from Japanese and USA tours and other bits and pieces. Throughout their 20 odd song set, the band traverse from the blistering rock of 'Chairman Of The Board' and 'Criminal Past' that brought them to the attention of many when out touring with the likes of 28 Days, Machine Gun Fellatio and NoKTuRNL in the very early days, which is a stark contrast to where the band had matured as evident on songs like ‘Not So Blue’ and ‘A Little Closer’ from what ended up being their final album 'AnImal'.
Equally as compelling as the footage itself is the liner notes, which provide a fascinating insight into not only the history of the band, but also in the band’s own words, a summation of the events that led to their demise. Two Top 10 charting albums, tours with international acts such as Blink 182 and Oasis, having your music featured all over Australian TV, numerous Top 40 singles and if there was such a “prize” for your quality of songwriting, then Motor Ace surely would have also received those in spades. Look no further than the song lead singer Patrick Robertson boldly states as “this is our best song”, which is ‘Siamese’ which is then followed up by the equally spine tingling version of ‘Lorenzo’.
Even the best part of five years on, the bands legacy lives on here in Melbourne with up and comers Celadore citing Motor Ace as a key influence to their songwriting, with their debut EP ‘Distance Is A Gun’ even capturing the attention of, and mixed by, Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters) who mixed the Motor Ace debut CD 'Five Star Laundry'.
As much as it is a sentimental trip down memory lane for all Motor Ace fans, this ESSENTIAL DVD is as much an introduction to potential new fans who may have missed the band during their existence in the late 90's to mid 2000's. Motor Ace....may the legacy live on!
