It was a concert we were looking forward to with great anticipation as Starbenders is one of the best rock n’ roll bands out there, having managed for a decade to stir the (almost) stagnant waters of the industry. We are sure that you have read a lot of articles about them here at Rockpages as we believe that those who are looking for the next big thing in rock n’ roll should invest in Starbenders. The show in Athens was a first class opportunity as this would be their first headlining gig in Greece (after two fantastic opening slots with Palaye Royale in 2023) in front of their very own hardcore audience.
Bad Habits or if you prefer the best local rock n’ roll band…kicked out the jams and honestly I couldn’t imagine a more fitting support act as the energy and the undeniable talent of the guys “warmed up” the crowd that slowly filled the venue. With a revamped line-up – a new guitarist and a new bassist – Bad Habits not only gave us the impression that the new line-up has “bonded” incredibly well but at the same time they seem unaffected by the recent changes in their personnel. In their 35-minute set that they had at their disposal the guys played some of their best songs while they didn’t fail to present a new song which was in a more mid-tempo form reminiscent of Ozzy 80s period…at least that’s what I got. Looking forward to their first full length album.
With the schedule adhered to in full, Starbenders took to the stage to a general roar from the crowd. I honestly hadn’t seen such a very vocal and young audience in a long time, who didn’t stop singing the lyrics and actively participating throughout the show. Obviously most of the attention was on the explosive frontwoman Kimi Shelter who was truly sensational with the whole stage presence, her overall performance and we have to emphasize that her Greek is flawless! Equally impressive were the rest of Starbenders’ members with guitarist Kriss Tokaji and bassist Aaron Lecesne “roaming” the stage and new member, drummer Qi Wei, playing like there is no tomorrow! The emphasis was on the latest (excellent) album “Take Back The Night” which the crowd obviously likes as they knew all the lyrics to songs like “Cherry Wine”, “Sex”, “We’re Not OK” etc. by heart. The performance of “Bitches Be Witches” was also fantastic and I gotta say that this is a song that it should be considered a classic by now. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Starbenders also played a brand new song called “Tokyo” which was in their familiar style.
After 80 minutes Starbenders bid us farewell…until next time. Because we are sure there will be a next time! Before the concert we had the chance to talk to Starbenders (in a video interview that will be published soon on Rockpages) and we emphasized that Rock N’ Roll not only is not dead but is everywhere and always active! Indeed Starbenders’ performance at Temple was a literal apotheosis of rock n’ roll that will be remembered forever. Many congratulations to the promoters for a flawless event on all levels.
Sakis Nikas
Photos: Yiannis Dolas
