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.