The Saints

Photo by Sandy Carson

The Saints

Those who came to see the punk side of the Saints were most likely disappointed. In the brief 40 minutes they were allowed, Chris Bailey and friends threw many styles into the mix, from raunchy blues to something that resembled a power ballad, but with only a modicum of success. The Aussie trio started off in punk mode with "I'm Stranded," which had some of the faithful smiling, but the rest of the set concentrated on their latest, Imperious Delirium (Wildflower). "Enough Is Never Enough" was a lurching good time with bassist Caspar Wijnberg adding lots of flair, and "So Close" borrowed a page from the rage and melody of late-Seventies Elvis Costello. There was even a dose of power-pop that brought to mind fellow Aussies the Hoodoo Gurus, but the set-closing blues chug and the attempt at a guitar solo by Bailey seemed unfocused at best. Perhaps he was uncomfortable with the midafternoon slot, having described the relatively mild day as "a sauna." Next time, a late-night gig at an air-conditioned pub might be in order.