The Many Faces of Dave Bleus

Review by Jimmy Wah | Sense Music Media

Since writing about Glenn Esmond and his wonderful contribution to music in Sydney and online, I’ve been eager to share the stories of other musicians leaving a similar legacy who are right under our noses. So let me introduce you to Dave Bleus, a prolific Sydney musician who has made his prominence known for nearly 20 years and who many of you may already know.

I first came into contact with Dave Bleus by listening to his music. While riding the wave of progressive rock that was flooding the Aussie music scene in the mid 00’s, I began listening to a band called SUPERB LYREBIRD upon suggestion of a friend, a band who ticked all my artistic boxes. I was one Progfest too late to see SUPERB LYREBIRD live; but before I knew it, another Sydney band hit the scene to carry the progressive rock flag called SELF IS A SEED - and this band I did get to see live. With their uniquely flavoured rock n roll energy, fans were immersed in a progressive surge that saw the band dominate the Sydney scene. Their front-man seemed strikingly familiar, not just because I recognised his voice but his sheer talent and stage presence seemed embedded, like he was already famous. That man was Dave Bleus. Needless to say I was drawn to just about every show SELF IS A SEED I could get myself to in Sydney with my camera strapped to my arm. From the Sydney staples like The Annadale, The Bald Faced Stag (now the Crowbar) and The Metro Theatre, to The Sando, the Burdekin and the Roxy, SELF IS A SEED were known everywhere by everyone; playing with bands like MM9, DEAD LETTER CIRCUS, KARNIVOOL, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT and even international acts like HELMET and ROYAL BLOOD. They unexpectedly disbanded in late 2015 following the release of their debut album Siren in 2013.

Upon returning my focus back behind the lens on the music scene last year, I was not at all surprised to come across Dave Bleus, who I contacted through Facebook and who immediately started talking to me about his studio, his new projects and gigs he was playing which never seemed to stop. When I commented on how unbelievably busy he was he told me ‘That’s what you gotta do to earn a crust doing what you love!’. That stuck with me.

One of the many gigs he was playing was the debut of one of his new projects, a band named QUADZILLA who I decided to pay a visit with my camera at Frankie’s Pizza By The Slice. When I arrived and was greeted by a towering Dave with an equally proportioned smile, I felt as if I was a long-lost brother, an effect he has on everyone. It didn’t take long to convince me that this guy was the rockstar I always knew him to be. When QUADZILLA hit the stage and the crowd grew exponentially, the energy they created was unbelievable.

Since keeping a close eye on Dave, I noticed that he was playing at least 2 gigs per week as either solo performances or with his reputed cover band, COVERPALOOZA. With that, I decided I had to check him out. One December evening in the fading afternoon sun, I wandered into The Australian Arms in Penrith to be greeted by that familiar smile and some solo acoustics that proved why Dave was such a success. When he pulled out a solo rendition of Stinkfist after a few people in the pub chanting Tool, I couldn’t help but wonder why the crowds weren’t bigger. Following that I’ve been to see Dave playing similar gigs in places like the Bayview Hotel in Gladesville, the Moorebank Sports Club with COVERPALOOZA and the Crows Nest Hotel with MATT JONES LIVE. Needless to say, every stage he plays on (even if it is the floor of a pub) is brought to life with his presence.

Most recently, I was lucky enough to be asked behind the cameras and switching console for Ezekiel Ox’s 24 Hour Self Isolation Variety Pandemic; a monumental undertaking by Ezekiel Ox from the one and only MAMMAL to provide 24 Hours of entertainment, interviews with leading global figures and live music played alongside Skarlett Saramore, Ava Noir and – you guessed it – David Bleus. The title of the event was no lie, they played on and off for 24 hours straight and kept the pace up right to the end! This was my first time inside the famed Studio Bleus and I could see why it was so successful. Dave’s professionalism not just on the stage but behind the scenes is second to none. If his unstoppable musical repertoire wasn’t enough, his management of sound, production and performance consistency is definitely evidence of his success.

The great news is, David Bleus is making his own contribution to keeping the music alive while we’re all in lockdown. Of course he is! Tomorrow night is his first complete set being live streamed from Studio Bleus at 7pm. Tune in to enjoy some great music in support of our wonderful musicians and when this is all over, get out there and see him live at one of his gigs!

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