Mackay comes across as a cross between two late and great rock icons – INXS frontman (and Aussie demigod) Michael Hutchence and Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain – a powerful presence who won’t be ignored.
Flailing away on his Fender, which he often thrusts into parallel position, Mackay stays in perpetual motion. His shaggy hair often hides the face of a masked man pouring out his heart and soul to the audience while wearing out his vocal cords.
As sweat dripped from his T-shirt sporting a black panther (the animal, not the party), Mackay let out a whale of a climactic wail on “Fire Engine,” showing no mercy in leading the trio’s all-out assault on their instruments. The thrash-and-burn finale (also from We Three, Brave And True) was a fitting way to exit the Mild, Mild West. Departing behind a wave of distortion and feedback, Children Collide carried out a well-executed sneak attack before heading east.
Now Denver knows what the rest of America might soon discover: Children Collide have arrived.
Extras
• For Children Collide news, videos, concert dates and more, go to their website or MySpace page.
• For a limited time, go to universalmusic.net to get a free three-track download (“Social Currency,” “Economy” and “I Am Sold”).
• See the National Rugby League’s opening sequence for Friday Night Football that features “Social Currency” below:
• See a video clip of Children Collide playing “Fire Engine” at the Marquis Theater in Denver:
Article comments
1 - suzanne
Good review. Was one of the few to see them and I did enjoy them, especially when they would almost COLLIDE on stage.However, Earplugs are needed for their performance.
2 - Michael
Thanks for the comments, Suzanne. They are a loud band, but also have a lot of musical talent, too. I'll be surprised if they don't eventually catch on in the U.S.