DIRT PLAYGROUND
SA.  Progressive Rock

Seen at the WA Scorcherfest show held at the Rosemount Hotel during the Perth leg held on Sunday March 7, was GTN band, Dirt Playground.

Hailing from South Australia, Dirt Playground bought the goods with them and put on a brilliant show.Their leading lady, Betty, has one of the best live rock voices I've heard in a long time and doesn't shy away from the big notes, in fact, nails them with conviction. Pitch perfect, strong and most definitely enough light and shade to keep the progressive ears very happy. This lady is a progressive rock siren who, with band, delivered a blistering version of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" to keep the Metallers extremely happy (in fact the crowd was bordering deafening with their yells and cheers of approval) in amongst an inspiring set of Dirt Playground prog rock music. A really enjoyable journey for the relatively short time they were on stage.

Dirt Playground were received by rapturous applause at the end of their set. We hope they will return to Perth soon. If you have the opportunity to see them live, do it. If you have the opportunity to get them on a bill with you, do it. These guys are made of the right stuff - professional, great people and all for the music.
Their latest offering is "Phantoms of Yesterday" which is on their myspace player along with "Staring Down the Barrel of a Gun". Phantoms of Yesterday is in more of a progressive vein and you will hear more of 'the meat' in Betty's vocal in Staring Down the Barrel of a Gun. Also included on the new EP, recorded at The House of Sap (by Darren Hicks) is "Echoes From The Deep". All songs were performed during the band's set and received by a very pleased audience (yes, it's understated.)

The band as a whole are a tight outfit who give plenty and have plenty more to give. There is an intriguing chemistry between Betty and bass player Necto, which creates something of a mesmerizing, tangible electricity and onstage energy but that is to be said for the relationship between all of the members on varying levels.

Necto is a combination of fierce and inviting energy onstage who sits right in the pocket with Kon dictating on drums. Together, Kon and Necto create a rocking visual show and 'speak the same language' at all times. Joining them is Johnny K on guitar and vocals. Johnny K is the prog rock contradiction - the reserved gentleman who delivers a huge sound, a solid stage performance and couples it up with unexpected displays of technique and melody that we would hope to see, hear and feel. Add to the mix the other melody maker - Steven on keys - who revs up the crowd with his onstage antics and who's synth sounds place Dirt Playground into the progressive arena it is clearly a part of - we have the complete package.
At no time are any of the band members disconnected from one another. There is a constant connection between all of the members as they rock hard through every song. A totally enjoyable prog rock experience. (Should I repeat myself.)
While the sets of all of the bands were held to a reasonable minimum due to time constraints, it is known that Dirt Playground's longer sets also see Betty on the kit! Yes - this is another one of those times where we see a drummer come out from behind the kit to perform vocal duties. Another band that springs to mind where this was the case was Perth Metal legends, Allegiance.

Dirt Playground have started 2010 in great style. If this is what they have to offer in 2010, look out 2011.
www.myspace.com/dirtplayground