Live Review: Voyager
17 June 2023 at the Magnet House, Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
“This is Voyager, Australia’s next Eurovision contestant…I just love this song, it’s a great song, I just love the mix and the lush melodies…it is great that Australia is participating in this terrific show, and the band is showcasing Western Australia to the audience across Europe, and now to the rest of the world…”
Anticipation brews, as the recorded consolidated remix of several media identities echoes across the floor.
The announcement of Australia’s stance is read from the PA, propelling the fans back to May 13, 2023 when the band from Perth was introduced onto the world stage.
“Twelve points goes to…Australia.”
Celebration erupts at Magnet House, as if the crowd are learning about the results for the first time.
On May 10, 2023, Voyager embarked on their journey through the wormhole and launched into the final of Eurovision 2023 by that weekend, finally settling on a top 10 finish with their hair raising (literally) performance as adjudicated by 160 million viewers across the continent.
The hypersonic reverberation continues, sparking pockets of fans across Australia and Europe, culminating into a cult like spectra of an eclectic demographic. Nevertheless, it was unsurprising that the tour across Australia has been a sold out not long after going on sale. The original location, Rosemount Hotel, was going to be tight, thus shifting the venue to Magnet House or the former Globe Nightclub, which was also sold out within minutes.
Based on tonight’s chapter, Voyager of Perth Western Australia is one of the best live acts in showbiz – not a bad feat considering the performance was without the fancy, fiery props that are normally afforded by the mega bands. And here’s why…
At nine o’clock on a cold winters night, Voyager stormed onto the stage with the single Hyperventilating, followed by Misery Is Only Company and Momentary Relapse of Pain. With hair defying gravity through neck breaking speed – a scene remisnescent to a shampoo ad on nitrous oxide, lead vocalist and keyboard player Danny Estrin set the benchmark for the night and ultimately for their musical progenies in the audience, drawing an unbridled fanfare across the floor among the metal heads and the curious through an enigmatic stage presence and animation in the likes of the young Paul Stanley, Axl Rose, Jagger and friends – but engraved with a metal signature.
Three songs in, newbies like this writer/photographer were deeply rooted and enthralled by a professional, well-oiled machine. Afterall, they have been around since one minute to midnight before the turn of the millennium – although with lineup changes through seven albums.
The crowd already knew they were great, but the live manifesto drew spine tingling and goosebumps sensations. From the keytars to the bass, drums and guitars, every member drew an equal attentiveness from the audience. And despite the exuberant showmanship of Estrin – who is a well renowned immigration lawyer by day – there were no egos; just stage presence of the animated kind from every member.
Voyager has the sexiest rhythm section – sonically. The plummeting of the drums and kicks, the boomy and thuddy sound was generated by the rambunctious Ashley Doodkorte, striking his instrument with the ferocity of a maniacal fighter. The bassline by Alex Canion is rich, and connects well with the his fellow instrumentalist.
Pocket rocket Simone Dew on guitar ripped the stage with her seven strings, often oozing a facial countenance that screams pain and ecstasy, shredding the energy through an animation that can only be matched by fellow guitarist Scott Kay, together charging ahead into an addictive end to end chunky riffs.
Together they formed a decade of playing experience, powering through with water tight synchronicity. Their sounds are made for the arenas and stadiums – as where they belonged.
Tracks across seven albums were played througout the night, such as Dreamer, Submarine and Ascension but the pleasant surprise of the night- and somewhat incongruous to metal – was the performance of Darude’s Sandstorm. Such is the sonic dexterity of Voyager. And with a flick of the switch, Magnet House had turned into an underground rave festival, as the floor reverberating from the stomps and jumps and hands in the air moments, while the green hues swept across the floor, painting a visual spectacular. It was a booster shot for some.
Estrin was nevertheless playful on stage, often utilising props such as the 80’s stylistic LED colourful glasses, like the one worn by Star Trek’s Geordi La Forge. He also brought the replica of the winners cup that was bestowed by some fans of Eurovision, unofficially declaring them as the winner. He also showcased a King Neptune prop during Submarine.
The track synonymous to Eurovision Voyager – Promise was the most anticipated. The synth driven metal concoction, the melodic framework, groovy basslines and bombastic drum plus the keytar (which is becoming the signature instrument) became the pinnacle of the night – by default, given there were many highlights throughout the night. It was an absolute belter. There was also a sense of patriotism and WA pride, with one fan carrying an “Australia” banner. The only prop missing was the retro Toyota MR2.
“We played in front of 162 million people. You know as what people said, ‘This is fu#king great! I like this, I like metal now’. And to all of those who are new to metal, new to Voyager, and new to heavy music or whatever you wanna call it – welcome. Because this is an amazing community. Recent article showed metal is good for mental health”.
“Fk yeah!” yelled someone from the audience with utter conviction and solidarity.
The night ended with White Shadow. But the journey of hyperventilated fanfare doesn’t end at Eurovision. Sure, 160 million spectators was a priceless exposure and a perfect re-launching platform, but it may not necessarily be the culminating moment for their band – a seminal piece of their history perhaps – as we think they’ll perform in arenas, but rather we’ll enjoy a renewal of metal music among the contemporary and mainstream listeners – which will generate a sustainable future for the Perth iconic band. Perhaps that’s the legacy of Voyager.
On that note, we can’t wait for Voyager’s eighth album – Fearless in Love to be released on July 14th and is available for pre-order. The band is touring across Australia and Europe. Visit their website for details.
Sheldon Ang Media expresses their gratitude to Voyager and Revolutions Per Minute for the Press Accreditation.
About the Writer/Photographer: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have photographed and reviewed most the hottest acts in Perth including KISS, Rod Stewart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Kid LAROI, Sting, RnB Fridayz, Backstreet Boy, with reviews shared by the likes of UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Fabulous Caprittos and Synthony on social media. He has interviewed rockers Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS), Floor Jansen (Nightwish), Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) and forty other legends.
