As the 5.6.7.8’s took their places on the infamous stage of Melbourne’s iconic Tote Band Room, the sold out audience was rife for the distinct brand of powderpuff rockabilly the Japanese rockers are known for.
The 5.6.7.8.s
The trio, comprised of Yoshiko “Ronnie” Fujiyama, Sachiko Fujii and Akiko Omo unleash short sharp jabs of rock n’ roll fury. The jammed Tote Band Room may not have been conducive for comfort but the venue was the perfect venue for the group’s garage punk aesthetic.
To the casual listener, yes The 5.6.7.8’s are that band that featured prominently in the grandiose revenge saga Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol.1 – even performing three songs on camera. While this was no doubt the introduction point for many fans, prior to the film the act had released four albums and now hold a total of eight releases under their bouffant hair styles.
Yes, and it is that overt style that is such an important part of The 5.6.7.8’s master plan. While they managed hit the surf sound spot, it’s the style in which they do it that really transport listeners into a ‘60s realm of drag strip anthems and deliciously primitive dance parties… and the audience just go wild for it.
Set highlights included a killer rendition of the ‘I Walk Like Jayne Mansfield’, the eternal crowed favorite ‘Woo Hoo’, which of course whipped the room into dancing frenzy.
While The 5.6.7.8’s may not be the greatest musicians of all time, the band does excel at creating the hip-shakin’ elements of surf, rockabilly and garage rock and stripping it down to its bare bones. Even with minimal or sometimes hard-to-decipher lyrics the message is clear – they are a surefire hit of bubblegum fun.
