Midlake, 31/ August (the Metro, Sydney)

I ran through the light rain to reach the Metro, nice and early to set myself up in a good spot for the night, and lucky I did too. I am a fan of a good view (which the Metro definitely caters for) but amazingly for a band that has been off the radar of mainstream their whole lives, the theatre was crammed full by the time Midlake hit the stage. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the folk/ hippy/ country rockers, the crowed was lulled with the sweet sounds of Big Scary to launch the night. Neither big nor scary, the duo from Melbourne left the crowd with haunting acoustic versions of their heavier pieces, masterfully demonstrating their finesse with multiple instruments, in particular the piano, finishing with two tracks receiving air time on the Js; Autumn and Falling. I absolutely love their stuff.

This was a fitting introduction for the band of the evening, a hush descending over the crowd before Midlake’s arrival. Easing into the night, with the obvious reverence of the crowd, Midlake traversed tracks from all three albums. The band proficiently defines beautiful and classic rock, reminiscent of The Eagles and a mellow and folky Jethro Tull. Midlake develop that sort of sound into something more organic and more poignant, adding a couple of flutes will do this! Yet you would think that for a band of seven, with 5 guitars (wow) some flutes, a keyboard, drums and a tambourine there would be this cacophony of folky sound, an assault on your eardrums. It is definitely not the case here; the band is focused with apparently sporadic instrumentals moving with a strong direction in a coherent yet adventurous way. The bearded and relaxed crew are true to their hometown of Denton in Texas, eager for some good ole country rock. The tracks are humbly sung and the general feeling is being swamped in 1890’s folk traditions, with lyrics inspiring imagery of distant times. Audacious guitar solos get appreciation from both the greying hipsters and the younger revellers. In fact the crowd can only be described as a weird sort of blend between the youngin’s delving into niche subgenres and the oldies that have grown up loving the sound of solid and vociferous rock.

Crowd favourites like Roscoe, Van Occupanther and Young Bride displayed the complete ease at which beautiful harmonies and quiet musings ooze from the group, and how likable their music is. What was clear was the absolute joy that the band had while playing. Members seemed genuinely interested in the others on stage, and would share coy smiles and nods between one another. The throng of people were especially admiring, hushed for the quiet intros; nothing but the keys or the flutes floating about the room and nestling deep within the crowd. Sharing some stage banter and joking with members of the audience, singer Mackenzie Smith confessed their concern that no one would come to see them. He also joked that they may have put on a few pounds since we had last seen them, (we don’t mind! It adds to the brilliant illusion that you have been holed up inside a dwelling somewhere south, making music and growing you beards!).

Finishing with their encore of Bandits and Branch the band really hit home an amazing show. Such humble and genuine guys, Midlake really struck a chord with the Sydney audience, pulling off a beautiful performance. Thank you, wholeheartedly, Midlake, you will be missed!


xx

Band of Horses (29/July, Enmore, Sydney)

Ohhh, so that’s what Band of Horses are like when they play a good live show. Sucks for me to admit it, but Adelaide really bummed out in this department, as Sydney hosted an absolutely amazing performance. For starters, the guys had an awesome turn out, much bigger than Adelaide which probably led to the increased enthusiasm, energy and awesomeness. Playing at the Enmore Theatre created a sweet vibe, the retro theatre along with its sloped floor and majestic balcony drawing out the real Band of Horses.

The set list was entirely different, which was refreshing for any of us seeing them multiple times over this month and the location was incredible. Behind the band on a massive white screen were pictures depicting landscapes, still life, snaps taken by the band and moving scenery, projected to gorgeous effect. Capturing a remote country vibe with these shots really enveloped the audience visually and emotionally with the band, and the boys were a lot more confident for it. Lead singer Ben Bridwell went as far as to have a ciggy on stage to prelude a song, while performed some lyrics offstage as he wandered about the set.

Crowd members were also treated to a new song performed by Ryan Monroe (keys, voice) which had a few people dancing along despite the unfamiliar tune. A highlight for me was Bridwell encouraging the old school every-one-hold-up-their-lighters thing - oh so cute- with no lame mobile phone lights like you sometimes see these days. Very fitting for a country sing-a-long to 'older'.

Alas, with all my shameless screaming and bouncing on the spot, I was deprived of the tack Monsters yet again. Oh the tragedy. It will forever haunt me now that they have done this twice to me! Despite shaking an angry fist in their direction (and probably in time with the music), I can’t believe the difference between the shows. So very glad I made the trek from Adelaide for this one, and sadly I’m sure I’ll be along for any other of their shows in the future (maybe just to hear them play monsters!). Well done guys, you definitely redeemed your Adelaide show in my eyes, and in the shining eyes of those witnessed your show it will be one to remember.


xx

Band of Horses (22/ July, The Gov.)

The air at the Governor Hindmarsh was somewhat subdued, as the crowd began to assemble on a cold Thursday night for the first Adelaide performance by Seattle legends, Band of Horses. A good turnout considering that other folk stars, Mumford and Sons, were playing over at the Thebby. Kicking off the night Aussie band Mike Noga and the Gentleman of Fortune had a pretty good crack at bluegrass country-esque tunes to a quiet and waiting audience, garnering appreciation, despite the lack of knee slapping and heel stomping.

I may be a little bit biased reviewing a show by Band of Horses as for me this is like a 12 year old yankie getting tickets to the Hannah Montana shebang. Regardless, these guys a horribly good at making quality rock music with quite a big country twang. (Calling them country however does little to describe the nature of their work, which reaches far beyond the normal country rock boundaries both musically and emotionally). The crowd was visibly affected by the presence of the band and eager for the notorious singalongs that go hand in hand with Band of Horses musical anthems.

It seemed as though a quiet epiphany was building and about to unfold itself through the wonders of Band of Horses, who are exquisitely able to traverse heavy and painful emotions in bittersweet means. For those that haven’t heard the evoking musical tales from Band of Horses they describe it best as ‘at times raggedly epic and delicately pensive... painted gorgeously in fragile highs and lows’. Ben Birdwell’s voice was sweepingly remarkable, introducing the set with LRC. I think although the 5 piece have toured all over the world, they make quite a shy bunch, possibly made worse in intimate settings? I am a huge fan of stage banter and I have to say I was disappointed in this area. However, nothing compares to their amazing discography, and it was great to see each album getting a look in. New pieces from Infinite Arms received just as much enthusiasm from the crowd as other, better known tracks from Cease to Begin and Everything All The Time.

The bearded bunch led us through numerous favourites, also throwing in a cover (Can’s hardly wait – the Replacements) and Ryan Monroe providing the vocals for one track. Despite the constant guitar and key changes, no techs seemed to notice the quiet vocals, which were a bit irritating, considering their unique and beautiful quality. Another bummer in my opinion was that the set finale was a much more dazzling finish than the encore. How can you compete with No Ones Gonna Love You More and Funeral? And where was Monsters? Ah the sadness at the exclusion of such an encore worthy song. As the band hurried away from the show I was left wondering really what happened - they were here, played and ran. Although the end was not as strong for such an amazing show, Band of Horses still rock and I will love them forever!

Just wondering? Why did Ben bring a carrot on stage with him, beside his red wine, and leave the stage with it? Oh well!

xx

Sista Bella's: Sniders Lane, Melbourne

Hitting up Melbourne recently put me in the way of a very cool little restaurant/bar which I thought other crowd members might enjoy. Sister Bella's is located very stealthily down two alleys (Drewery lane and then down Sniders) and you will find the door between all the bins. The adventure sure to be had whilst searching for this little pot of grunge gold will build a healthy appetite which is a good thing they have an amazing (and cheap) menu made especially for foodies and bar flies alike.

Upon entering the narrow hall which serves a both a den for the drinkers and a passage way to the staircase, immediately I knew I had found a new favourite of mine. Sister Bella’s presents a shambolic air of filthy indifference; paintings are strewn across the walls, complimenting the mismatched lighting scheme, while the tables are reminiscent of old school desks and are complete with graffiti. The atmosphere perfectly suits the cheap beer (a fiver for a Melbourne bitters) and cheap pizza menu (6 dollars, until 6pm where it goes up to 8.50).

I ordered the pumpkin pizza, which was big enough to share as a light meal between two, and I was pleased to see it laden with pumpkin slices and appropriate amounts of cheese! Unfortunately I wasn’t in Melbourne long enough to order anything else of the menu so I would be interested to know how it fares. Perhaps it is not all as satisfactory as there was only six other people there when I visited at around 1pm on a wednesday. Maybe it’s relatively untapped for food during the day? Either way I will definately be returning to Sister Bella's next time I am in lovely Melbourne.

xx

Cloud Control (19/ June, Jive Bar)

Cloud Control, hailing from the Blue Mountains, have been hitting every right note since their EP launch back in 07. The band finished their expansive Australian Bliss Release tour in Adelaide, a finale always an assurance of a good show. The mysterious yet refreshing group, playing music with a harmonious blend between modern country folk and vintage pop, were a sell out in Adelaide’s Jive Bar, an impressive feat considering this group is more used to supporting than headlining.

The night was somewhat slow to begin, yet a commendable effort from Richard in Your Mind who appealed to many of the indi kids packing out the dingy surrounds. It was obvious though that most people there really only cared about the main band, and were prepared to save their energy for it.

Alistar Wright (vocals, guitar), Heidi Lenfer (vocals, keys), Birthday boy Jeremy Kelshaw (bass)Ulrich Lenfer (drums) hit the stage slightly late, but got strait down and into it and had everyone involved from the get go. Their newbie to hit triple Js frequency This is What I Said, was a lovely way to create a jangling pop infused folkathon and a perfect track early in the set to get the crowd moving around. For a modest and somewhat shy bunch their music was able to translate their whimsical ideas into crowd pleasing tracks, displaying a musical confidence that their stage banter did not. Gold Canary was a huge victory and clearly one of their most popular tracks and the crowd went mad, many singing the hypnotic and fey vocals (although not quite as well as Heidi). It was a clear example of Cloud Controls ambitious yet reverberating compositions, striking a chord in summer loving Australians all over the country.

Ending their set with Buffalo Country was a good choice, despite it being less recognised than others, due to its wicked melody and dancing qualities. It also worked well to lead into an encore, a business which was clearly new to these guys. Alister admitted to being a novice at the whole thing, and the effect what somewhat lacklustre, when encores should be the highlight! The troop did however pull off an amazing and ethereal gig and I’m sure Adelaidians will eagerly await their return.


(Note: It was also nice to hear that they were being put up by Adelaide band Leader Cheetah. Hopefully this will inspire them to return to the live scene with some new tracks!)

Jay Walker and the Pedestrians

Here are some pics from Adelaide guys Jay Walker playing at Uni bar in Adelaide. It was one of their last gigs for a while so wish 'em luck for their break. Hopefully we will be hearing more of them soon!

xx

Tame Impala (20/ May the Governor Hindmarsh)

Perth based foursome, Tame Impala, must be some excited kids if they are thinking about the upcoming weeks. Not only will they be touring Aus (and making it to fair old Adelaide) but they have been billed to play the sold out Splendour in the Grass festival this year. Busy huh? That's not taking into account that before Splendour Kevin Parker (vocals, guitar), Jay Watson (drums), Paisley Adams (live guitar) and Dominic Simper (bass) will be touring the US with Indi stars MGMT. Quite impressive for a band off the back of their debut album.

I don’t think Tame Impala could have gone wrong in my books, (mostly as I believe the Gov to be Adelaide’s best live venue) but also because I simply adore their freakishly psychedelic style that is both trendy yet nostalgic of the yesteryear 60's. To get the night going, The Silents played on a similar mellow streak to prelude the gang, easing the crowd into the mood for resonant and retro vibes. Upholding to all my blissed out expectations Tame Impala demonstrated why they have such a loyal and excited following. Keeping in tune with their relaxed musical vibe (with three quarters of the band shoeless) the opening intro jam bled into their hit Desire Be Desire Go, to get the crowd energised. As they shimmied through favourites, like Sundown Syndrome, and new pieces from Inner Speaker, the ragtag bunch cemented in my mind why their music strikes chords in the modern music scene of today. They have managed to blend experimental with memorable and solid guitar work, with a simple nod to the past but a jubilant wave to the future. Inner Speaker demonstrates a new feeling; confidence and generally some more keyboard sounds. But its more than that too, the boys demonstrate a new mature cohesion and an elegant and confident stage presence.

For a relatively short show TI really impress. It’s great to go to a gig and hear the tracks you love sounding the same live (it just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside to know how genuine they are). It was also a breath of fresh air to skip that awkward business of the encore, Parker informing us before their final song (I Don’t Really Mind) that they just don’t do them. Thank God people are abolishing the ego stroking encore business (everyone knows your coming back out)!. Instead they rocked out with The Silents for an awesome finale.