Wired For Raw Energy

THE raw and energetic blues of The Vasco Era has attracted plenty of attention and earned the band an impressive touring schedule including Big Day Out, The Falls Festival and East Coast Blues and Roots Festival. The trio has also racked up support shows with The Black Keys and a national tour with the Violent Femmes. Now the group, comprising drummer Michael Fitzgerald with brothers Sid O'Neill (vocals, guitars) and Ted O'Neil (bass, vocals), is gearing up to make its own mark.

The Vasco Era is on its biggest run of headline shows since forming three years ago.

Following its recent show with The Violent Femmes at Newcastle Panthers, The Vasco Era return to perform at the Northern Star Hotel on Friday night.

Often compared with the likes of The Black Keys and The White Stripes, it will be a real treat for blues fans.

The tour follows the release of new EP Wires. Despite having previously released material, Ted O'Neill said he considered it the band's first ``real'' EP.

``This is the first one we have been really happy with,'' O'Neill said.

``It captures what we sound like on stage. We don't want people to listen to our EP and then come to our show and hear something else.'' The Vasco Era will be supported by Rob Sawyers. Tickets $8.