Snarky Puppy – Astor Theatre Show Review

Hey PopRockers, we just hit up the Astor Theatre in Perth to see Snarky Puppy, their last show on the Australian leg of their tour.

For those who don’t know, Snarky Puppy is an American Jazz Fusion band. Jazz Fusion is a musical genre from the 1960s that combines improvised Jazz, Rock Harmony, Funk, and R&B, pushing the boundaries in Instrumentation and Composition.

Grievous Bodily Calm kicked off the night.

Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Grievous Bodily Calm is a five-piece instrumental collective known for their genre-blending sound and electrifying live performances. Seamlessly fusing IDM, beat music, and jazz improvisation with cutting-edge electronic production, they’ve carved out a distinctive space in Australia’s music scene.

With a reputation for high-energy shows, Grievous Bodily Calm has shared the stage with some of the most influential names in music, including Tame Impala, Black Midi, The Avalanches, Hiatus Kaiyote, Pond, and the legendary Mulatu Astatke. Their dynamic presence has earned them spots at major festivals and a series of sold-out headline shows, cementing their status as one of Perth’s most exciting live acts.

The Lads from GBC didn’t disappoint. Being brand new to this genre of music, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but their show was a whirlwind of sounds, instruments fighting for space, yet coming together in perfect chaos. It was a great experience for both noob’s like myself, and the jam packed crowd at the Astor Theatre.

We strongly recommend checking these guys out. Especially if you like the collective sounds of Jazz Fusion!

After a short break came Snarky Puppy.

SNARKY PUPPY

Jazz Fusion isn’t like your usual pop songs that last three minutes and wrap up quickly. Nope. Snarky Puppy takes their time, letting the music build, shift, and surprise you. At their recent show at the Astor Theatre, the first three songs lasted about 30 minutes—around 10 minutes each! But trust me, you don’t feel the time passing. Every track pulls you in like an adventure, with different instruments leading the way.

The band was in Australia and New Zealand, celebrating their legendary 2013 album We Like It Here. But they didn’t just stick to the classics—they mixed things up with tracks from Empire Central (2022), Culture Vulture (2016), and Immigrance (2019). Then, they threw in another one from Empire Central just to keep us hooked. Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t know all the song names (still a newbie to the genre!), but it didn’t really matter. The music had a life of its own.

The Band and Music

Each player in Snarky Puppy brings something unique to the mix. Michael League holds it all together with his bass grooves, while Bob Lanzetti shreds on guitar. Bobby Sparks II and Justin Stanton work their magic on the keyboards, with Stanton also jumping in on the trumpet alongside Jay Jennings and Mike “Maz” Maher. Chris Bullock switches between tenor sax and flute, and Bob Reynolds adds layers with his tenor and soprano sax. Over in the rhythm section, Nicky Glaspie keeps things tight on drums, while Marcelo Woloski throws in percussion flair that makes every beat pop.

The energy in the room was electric. The crowd, packed with WAAPA students and some of Perth’s top jazz musicians, was fully locked in, nodding, clapping, and dancing to every twist and turn. At one point, I even bumped into Queency (if you don’t know them, check out our interview!). It wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of music that takes you places, whether it’s a decade you never lived through or a country you’ve never visited.

Snarky Puppy’s show wasn’t about flashy solos or predictable beats—it was a full-on conversation between instruments, like they were talking to each other. The whole night felt like a rollercoaster of sound, reminding everyone why live music is such an unforgettable experience.

More About Snarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy is a dynamic and innovative American jazz fusion band that has captivated audiences worldwide with its genre-blending sound and virtuosic performances. Originating from Denton, Texas, the band was founded in 2004 by bassist and composer Michael League. Over the years, Snarky Puppy has evolved into a collective of exceptionally talented musicians, drawing influences from jazz, rock, funk, and R&B, creating a distinct and exhilarating musical experience.

Jazz fusion, the genre that Snarky Puppy expertly explores, emerged in the late 1960s as a ground-breaking style that fuses the improvisational nature of jazz with the harmonic depth of rock, the groove of funk, and the soulful elements of rhythm and blues. By incorporating complex instrumentation and innovative compositions, Snarky Puppy continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz, offering listeners a fresh perspective on modern music.

Snarky Puppy Musical Roots

Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Texas, Snarky Puppy has become renowned for its electrifying live performances, intricate arrangements, and a deep sense of collaboration. The band’s ability to merge diverse musical styles has earned them critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying their place as one of the most influential jazz fusion ensembles of the modern era. Whether performing in intimate jazz clubs or on grand festival stages, Snarky Puppy consistently delivers a mesmerising musical experience that keeps audiences engaged and inspired.

Their Texas roots, combined with a global approach to music-making, have allowed Snarky Puppy to develop a sound that is both sophisticated and accessible, appealing to jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike. As they continue to evolve, their impact on the jazz fusion scene remains undeniable, making them a must-listen for anyone eager to explore the cutting edge of contemporary music.

Thelma Plum

We were lucky enough to see Thelma Plum at the Rechabite in Perth as part of her ‘I’m Sorry, Where Is That?’ regional tour. We know Perth isn’t regional, but it’s far enough away from the other capital cities that other artists just don’t turn up, so we were pretty lucky to have Thelma come to us.

It was Tuesday night, Remember when Tuesdays use to be the night to get all your specials, Tight Arse Tuesdays’ was a thing, because generally it’s the quietest day of the week for socialising, but not tis Tuesday it was a packed house at the Rechabite.

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