the butterfly effect - bar on the hill 19.07.07
the instant - the metro 07.07.07
lou barlow - the metro 07.07.07
pics. kieran ferguson
dinosaur jr. - the metro 07.07.07
Live Review
Photography and Words by Kevin Bull
familiar with Down’s music was probably not a bad thing, as I soon realised that this is how I like my rock - hard and heavy, with riffs that stick in your throat.
But for me, there just didn’t feel like there were any dull moments in this performance. Maybe it was the sheer joy of witnessing this event, or maybe it was the spliff that I blew. . . no, that was 20 years ago, wasn’t it . . . whatever it was, I cannot fault Black Sabbath, 80’s style.
Sabbath strode on stage like champions, and were
And what did I do when I got home? I pulled out my vinyl copy of Heaven and Hell, dropped it on the title track, and blew that 20 year-old spliff - “The world is full of Kings and Queens, who blind your eyes and steal your dreams - it’s Heaven and Hell.”
BLACK SABBATH Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Wednesday August 8, 2007 When I close my eyes and think of Black Sabbath, Ozzy is always out front. Maybe not making much sense, but his unique vocals and those grinding riffs are what Sabbath means to me. I am sure a lot of readers would probably agree with me. So why all the fuss over this Dio-fronted monster? Quite simply, Ronnie James Dio still has possibly the best 80s metal voice, Tony Iommi is a guitar legend, Geezer Butler is a GREAT bass player, and Vinny Appice is a machine behind the drums. Put them all together, and this early 80’s version of Black Sabbath delivered one of the best hard rock shows I have seen. Period. And to tell you the truth, having to follow Down would have been a real challenge. Their fans were absolutely rabid. Phil Anselmo has a voice that is made to be in front of such a band, and after hammering the audience with a full set (no 25-minute curtain raiser here), the hard job was definitely in front of Sabbath. Not being
greeted as such. The stage was made up of stone pillars, iron fencing, and the essential cross, giving everyone room to move, even though Dio, Iommi and Butler did not cross paths on stage very often. It was soon clear that even though Dio may not have weathered the years too well (he just looked plain scary), those pipes are still crystal clear. A fantastic voice, no doubt about it. Tony Iommi - what can you say? He’s a true guitar hero, and here he was in Newcastle. When you think about it, this was probably the only chance we will ever get to see him perform, and I was there. The surprise of the night was the power in the rhythm section, which was made up of Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice. They produced mighty thumps that forced the air from my lungs. With only a few albums to pick from, song selection was crucial. I may be a fan but I admit that there is some crap amongst those recordings.
Above: Tony Iommi Below: Vinny Appice
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The last time both of these bands performed together in Newcastle was in support of Pantera - they’ve come a long way, with both bands returning to sell out this very venue, with their own respective headline tours - Silverchair on the Diorama tour and Powderfinger with Vulture Street.
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SILVERCHAIR & POWDERFINGER Review by Nick Milligan
Silverchair did a sterling effort of warming up the crowd. Daniel Johns led the band through a set of mostly Young Modern material, though we were treated to some ‘Chair standards, like ‘Ana’s Song’, ‘Emotion Sickness’, ‘The Greatest View’ and a brilliant performance of ‘The Door’, with Johns again shredding out a guitar solo with his teeth. Like Silverchair, Powderfinger performed what could be considered a ‘safe set’, with most of their successful singles being played, along with a welcome ‘HIndley Street’ and a raw, acoustic version of ‘Sunsets’. Hopefully when these bands return in October, we’ll hear some older and more rare album tracks, for those hardcore fans who’ve been there since the beginning. Although I suppose that if Johns won’t play ‘Tomorrow’ in Newcastle, then he probably won’t play it anywhere.
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022 MOTORHEAD ROSE TATTOO AIRBOURNE Newcastle Civic Theatre
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October 6, 2007 Now I knew Motorhead were going to turn the volume up, but really, it must have been possibly the loudest gig I have ever been to. And through it all, I could still hear the lead guitar cutting through Lemmy’s thunderous bottom-end. Certainly blew the wax out of these lugs. Let’s start at the beginning. Airbourne, no photo access, bloody hungry, pasta at 3 Monkeys. Sorry guys, I was there with my camera, but Motorhead and the Tatts said OK and you didn’t? Your choice. Back just in time for Rose Tattoo, and they were damn good. DAMN good. Angry may have added a few inches around the waist but he just
simply commanded that stage. They played a nice mix of newbies plus the usual favourites, each shot out with venom. And a personal note to you Angry, you know that girl you pointed to in the audience, the one you played up to a few time... well I was photographing you at the time, and she just happened to be MY girl. So I have photos of you hitting on her. Absolute classic. Bad Boy indeed. But we were all here for Motorhead, or more precisely, for Lemmy. What did we get... dirty, nasty rock and roll. I was hit with a wall of noise. Much of what I heard did sound much the same, but if you like your rock hard and solid as stone, you would be in heaven. To the woman standing on the chairs in front of me waving the g-string around: live the dream, girl. And to the couple making out in the back row, if Motorhead moves you that way, then you are at the right place. Now go get a room, guys. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
YOUNG AND RESTLESS SOFT TIGERS BIG CITY EXILE The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle October 11, 2007 Having pulled out of their support slot with Midnight Juggernauts, Young and Restless made their Newcastle fans wait for this, their headline tour. It’s fair to say that no one was disappointed. Local favourites Big City Exile caught the crowd’s attention with their entralling and eclectic mix of tunes, while Soft Tigers managed to get some toes tapping. But Young and Restless proved why Triple J fell in love with their musical contributions to the Unearthed competition. Although marketed as a new-rave act, Young and Restless have a potent punk ethos - their live show is chaotic, messy and unrelenting. Karina’s vocals cut straight through you and the band’s energy is unwaveringly intense. Being a decent live band is something that every group aspires to. Young and Restless should be proud of their stage presence. They might still be in their embryonic stages, but if you put them alongside more seasoned bands, they’d still come across as a class act. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Jim Graham.
1233 ABC MUSIC AWARDS Newcastle Civic Theatre October 17, 2007 Newcastle’s premier awards night, the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards brought out all the glamour of the industry, and highlighted what a thriving scene we have here in Newcastle and the Central Coast. The Artist of the Year gong went to band of the moment, The Seabellies, with most people agreeing that it was much deserved. Their live performance was spectacularly thrilling. Personally, the most enjoyable moment of the night was seeing Grace Turner nearly dominate the night by taking out three major awards, Folk, Best Young Talent, and the much sought after ABC Music Publishing / APRA Songwriters and Composers Recognition Award. The live performances are also a highlight each year, with Ngariki kicking the night off in blistering form. Mojo Juju and The Snake Oil Merchants were entrancing, Morgan Evans showed us why the country scene loves him, as well as Central Coast performers Nick and Liesl confirming that the scene down south is thriving. Closing out this night of nights was special guest Aria winner Bob Evans. A most enjoyable night, and a big thanks to Kat Holloway for her super human efforts in making this event happen each year. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
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CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH Newcastle Entertainment Centre December 12, 2007
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When Crosby, Stills and Nash take to the stage and launch into their epic tune ‘Carry On’, you immediately realise that you’re in the presence of rock royalty. There was much pre-show speculation about whether CSN would still have the ability to produce the stunning three-part harmonies that entranced the crowd at Woodstock all those years ago. Graham Nash and David Crosby supply the sweeter elements of the
trio’s sound, while Stephen Stills provides the deeper tones. 40 years after their inception, Crosby, Stills and Nash are still mesmerising. There is barely any deterioration in their vocals - if anything, their age has brought a fresh timbre to their influential songbook. The group performed a satisfying set list. The highlights included their haunting, masterpiece ‘Cathedral’ and the Buffalo Springfield tune ‘For What It’s Worth’. When watching the trio on stage, it’s easy to see why it was Stephen Stills that paired off with their sometimes-bandmate Neil Young
SUNDAE FUNDAZE THE CLARENDON HOTEL December 9, 2007
sounds of Kato, Dan de Caires, Jimmy Sing [Ro Sham Bo], Non Ferrous and the usual Newcastle suspects.
I’m not going to lie. I love a good Sunday night at home after a big weekend. Cup of tea, magazine and Extreme Makeover - wild times. But when I heard that some shit hot Brazilian dj (Edu K) had strolled into our little town to make some noise for one night only…I thought, what the hell.
The afternoon was briefly dampened by a sudden torrent of rain. But the Fundazers refused to let that be a spanner in their works, with most of the crowd dancing in the downpour to the favela funk deliciousness. Sundae Fundaze had all the ingredients of an excellent Sunday night – making for a rough Monday morning. Can’t wait til next time.
I threw on my best dress and favorite flats and was delighted to be met by short queues, an outdoor bar and a large, loveable and loose crowd, uncoiling to the
FESTIVAL OF THE SUN PORT MACqUARIE December 14-15, 2007 As blaring beats and sweet sunshine sensationally mixed, the three thousands festival goers at sunny Port Macquarie’s Festival of the Sun were all taught a little bit about givin’ and lovin’. Gotye showed, with an exuberant set, why he is one of the hottest acts in Australian music at the moment. Prompted by an eager “Gotye” chant reminiscent of a one-day international at the SCG, Wally de Backer mesmerised early with the
MISSY HIGGINS TIM ROGERS NEW BUFFALO
Newcastle Entertainment Centre November 30, 2007 Entering the barn that is the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, I had my doubts. Would the intimacy of Missy Higgins simply be lost? She needs this. It’s what drives her shows, and when watching the opening act, New Buffalo, my concerns only heightened. She just felt lost within the open space. Lovely voice, simple and subtle performance, but I kept thinking that I would love to see her somewhere small and cosy.
Despite the absence of ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’, CSN delivered with super-hits like ‘Our House’ and ‘Teach Your Children’. Overall, it was a thoroughly moving concert.
Review By Nick Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
Review by Sarah Shields. Photography by Chris Brown
eerie ‘This is the Only Way’. The distinct opening beats of ‘Hearts a Mess’ evoked some subtle groove and his fantastic motown, Smokey Robinson-esque ‘Learnalilgivinanlovin’ lead the festival grounds into one massive, joyous party. The festival’s eclectic line-up kept the party going. Butterfingers busted out their hand raising brand of Aussie hip-hop getting the crowd ‘Up Outta the Dirt’ and pumping for their recent release ‘Nothing Much Happens’. Becoming a festval veteran, Ash Grunwald’s phenomenal rapid strumming introduced some rocking blues and roots to Port Macquarie. Kid Confucius evoked some old school soul and the Prince-like
sexual tones of lead singer Rob Hezkial had girls sweating for a whole different reason than the weather. The ever beautiful Clare Bowditch was simply charming with ‘On This Side’. She was so happy with her performance it seemed, that she wanted to sing it again in place of ‘Divorcee by 23.’ Realising her gaffe, the normally graceful beauty shouted “fuck” to thunderous laughs and applause. Bluejuice blending hip hop, rock and electro were the surprise hit of the weekend. Self declared “the biggest idiots” on the bill, the band’s wanton front man
Tim Rogers on the other hand just felt at home. The stage is his home, confident, commanding, and at ease. Nowhere near as brutal as You Am I, yet just as engaging. There was a swing and swagger in those road weary hips, and when the electric came out the mule kicked hard. According to Tim he was here as part of the ‘Work For the Dole’ scheme - for this I thank the government. The single most ingredient that made Missy Higgins a success tonight was staging and lighting. Don’t get me wrong, she has a beautiful voice and songs, but without that grand piano underneath the chandeliers,
Jake Stone jumped from drum kits to speakers to hanging from the light rafter during their hectic set which included the pumping Triple J favourite ‘Vitriol.’ With the backdrop of a beach, a break wall and a sea of tents as well as a line-up that delivered a rocking and festive vibe, no had a choice but to get in on the loving. And with that Festival of the Sun proved to be the small yet surprising gem of the summer festival season.
Review by Josh Jerga Photography by Raelene Dawson
without the simple yet engaging lighting, I feel Missy would have been lost. And Missy has this real connection with the audience, explaining many of her songs in detail. It is something very personal and special. Another thing that surprised me was the number of songs that I was singing along with. Now I do not own either of her albums, yet she appears to have managed to become part of my musical makeup. How did that happen? So Missy is now able to fill the NEC and make it work. Next time round, let’s do the Civic Theatre...twice.
Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
THE BEACH PARTY THE BAR ON THE HILL, NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER 24, 2007
By the time gates were open, the show was a total sell-out. It wasn’t long before local, national and international bands were taking to the multiple stages and getting the crowd into high gear.
There’s something quite surreal about standing on a beach in the middle of Newcastle University. But sure enough, there was sand between everyone’s toes and a party atmosphere that was quickly on the rise.
Something With Numbers whipped the kids into a frenzy, with their hit Triple J single ‘Apple Of The Eye’ turning into a sing-along.
This unique event is sent to grow even bigger each year, and I can only hope that it becomes Newcastke’s defining annual musical event.
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to record separately. Stills brings a rock sensibility that would have probably been lacking in CSN if Nash and Crosby were left to their own devices. During their Newcastle performance, Stills wrang the neck of his Stratocaster, performing some entralling solos - his guitar looked like it needed rescuing.
Butterfingers were a highlight on the day, delivering a set of songs that everyone seemed to know the words too - we all must be a closet Butterfingers fan. As night fell, the crowd slipped inside
to see Faker play a sweaty set, which centred around a lot of material from their new album, Be The Twilight. It wasn’t long before they had the ‘kids on overload’. All in all, The Beach Party was an extremely fun and memorable day out. Everyone was in a free-spirited party mood and there was a lot of love up for grabs. The great selection of bands, although eclectic, were all chosen for their reputed party spirit. This beach proved to be all the better for it. Review By Nick Milligan. Photography by Kevin Bull.
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THE NIGHT WE MADE CONTACT... NEVER EVER LAND
SYDNEY SHOWGROUNDS What was tipped to be the cultural event of our generation turned out to be more than most of us had dreamed. The two Parisian pioneers of electronic music, Daft Punk, would play to a Sydney crowd for the first time in their 20-year history. When tickets were announced, the show sold out faster than any previous Daft Punk-related event. It was a day that even some shitty weather couldn’t dampen. A stadium crowd danced all day to Modular’s star acts, like Plug-In City, Musicles, Van She, The Presets and Cut Copy. Daft Punk friends SebastiAn and Kavinsky, kept the crowd energised. As night fell, a full moon beamed through clouds that slowly parted.
Then, down from the heavens came two spacemen, who took 40,000 mesmerised fans on a journey through space and time. Their set, which featured all the songs that have made them the powerful entity that they are today, was simply mind-blowing. From the opening assault of ‘Robot Rock’ and onward, I had chills and tingles throughout my entire body. It’s not often that live music can transcend into something completely spiritual, but Daft Punk’s show, which featured the most stunning light display that I will ever lay eyes on, was an experience that will stay with me for my entire life. No show is ever going to compare - which is both a scary and humbling realisation. Review by Nick Milligan. Photography by Jim Graham.
Mars needs guitars...
The regular crowd shuffles in... The Presets
Cut Copy Muscles A high point: Daft Punk in their pyramid
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FALLS FESTIVAL Erskine Falls, Victoria 29-31 December, 2007 When Gotye led his band into ‘Hearts A Mess’, the crowd erupted in a rapturous chorus. The ‘party bands’, who seemed to be consistently slotted in the early hours of the morning, turned the festival into a giant, gyrating orgy of good vibrations. The Go! Team (with their cheerleading anthems), Blackalicious (with his verbal acrobatics), New Young Pony Club (with their sexed-up, Brit-new-rave), and Girl Talk (with his laptop, mash-up mayhem), all did their job. As 2008 approached, Kings Of Leon took to the stage. Half an hour into the set, the freshly trimmed lead singer,
Caleb Followill announced that it was countdown time. After the clock ticked over, Leon continued through another hour of songs, which covered most of the crowd favourites, but noticeably lacked ‘Slow Night, So Long’. The festivities were then passed into the hands of Midnight Juggernauts, who emerged in a cloud of smoke and entered into a sonic journey through space and time. Few people would disagree that 2007’s Falls Festival was the best yet, which will set a high bar for next year’s festival. 2007 has ultimately cemented the event as one of the highlights of the Australian festival circuit.
Jackson Jackson Caleb Followill: Kings Of Leon
Jose Gonzalez, the eternal minimalist, pleased his adoring
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Despite temperatures that rocketed above 40 degrees, the quality of the music came as a comfort. The first went to Jackson Jackson, who stole the show with their manic, genrebending fusion of jazz, hip-hop and everything in between. With
Mattafix confirmed that it was the hottest show they’d ever played. Their live performance of ‘Living Darfur’ was aural ecstacy. The Panics, who were forgiven by the crowd for arriving at the festival late for their set, proved why they’re one of the best bands in Australia. Their set included favourites like ‘Twin Sister’ and ‘Kid You’re A Dreamer’, plus startling new material like ‘Get Us Home’. Their new single ‘Don’t Fight It’, had the crowd singing along to every word.
When Built To Spill stepped on to the main stage, it was evident that the majority of the audience were not familiar with these legendary Idaho indie-masters. However, you could see the crowd become quickly converted, as the band ripped into a brilliant collection of songs, the centrepiece of which was their recent work, ‘Goin’ Against Your Mind’. It was momentous to have Built To Spill finally play in Australia and one can only hope that they make a speedy return, having
finally exposed their genius to an Australian audience.
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The Falls Festival has continued a tradition of attracting a fun-loving, no bullshit crowd. Generally, Falls is a giant love-in. Located on a beautiful, natural amphitheatre, it really is the perfect location to absorb three days worth of mesmerising national and international music.
Whitley opened proceedings in the Big Top on the last day. He silenced the crowd with a set of haunting tracks from his debut album, The Submarine. His band are an eclectic group, but when Whitley winds up, they’re quick to follow. After a stirring rendition of Bjork’s ‘Hyperballad’, Whitley led his band into what they do best - a blinding wall of melodic chaos.
fans, but one couldn’t help but feel that he’s not suited to the main stage of festivals. His shy personality and intimate performance style seemed dwarfed by the sea of people in front of him.
Groove Armada
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Falls Festival 2007 fell victim to an obscene heat wave. The only creatures that revelled in the sea of sweat and sunburn were the flies. Of course, the crowd dealt with the heat in the only way we Australians know how - get halfnaked and pissed. You’ll hear no complaint from this writer.
The Cat Empire’s Harry J Angus on vocals, Jackson Jackson are a group you need to experience.
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Review By Nick Milligan, Photography By Chris Turner
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LOADED
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Newcastle City Hall December 21, 2007 An absolute wealth of musical talent was on show at the Newcastle Town Hall for Loaded this year. With bands spread between three rooms - rock, hardcore and hip hop - the afternoon was spent making the quick dash up and down the stairs in order not to miss anything. In the Hardcore room, highlights were Kids Of November and Waterview. KON ripped into their set with an infectious intensity, and proved to me they are a
RESIST TOUR 07 The Cambridge December 21, 2007 Hot. Packed. Fast. Loud. Frenetic. In other words, a hardcore gig. From Carpathian to The Dead Walk! the energy was relentlessly impressive from both the bands and the crowd - with the two frequently merging as band members leaped off the stage and crowd members briefly making it up front before diving back again. Each of the bands put up a strong performance
band that should be seen. Waterview were also powerful but held a touch of melody and lightness up their sleave. Not much, but when it appeared, the extra colour was special. The Rock stage was a bit of a letdown with some of the bands not really connecting with the audience. When you see Faker playing to 20 people, you know something is up. That’s not to say that Faker played a bad set. It was more that the set was played to the wrong audience. For me, The Butcher were the standout on the Rock stage. Original, unique, and still rock, they appear to be on everyone’s lips at the
Oh My F**kin’ God, Vanilla Ice in Newcastle! I could not believe it when the news first came through. Here’s a man who represents a large part of my youth, and I get to see him at Panthers. So, what was it like? Well, there was nothing slick about this show. It was dirty, sleezy and tacky . . . and the crowd loved every minute of it. We got smoke, and lots of it. Sometimes it was hard to see anything on stage due to the amount of
attentive crowd he won himself many new fans, including The Beaches themselves, who booked him for a future acoustic gig.
What better time to have a party than at Christmas time. Reverb went all festive on a wet Saturday afternoon at the Beaches, and even though the weather was a bit miserable outside, inside the mood was full of Christmas cheer.
Sydney band Happenstance followed with their own brand of power pop. Now playing to an increasing crowd, I felt that they had difficulty holding their attention. Glasses clinked, people chatted, and the band played on. Not that they were bad - far from it - they’re just unknown on the local scene.
First up, was the acoustic sounds of Newcastle Music Award winner Chris Byrne. Chris may be somewhat unknown here in Newcastle but on the Central Coast he is a well loved and respected singer-songwriter. Playing to a small but
Resonate winners Vaudeville were the complete opposite. People stopped what they were doing and watched, and rightly so. It was an impressive performance filled with power, rock and a splash of pop. Well worth catching anywhere you can.
Montana Fire’s Cam James is a great frontman. It is hard to take your eye (or camera lense) off him. The crowd by now had filled The Beaches and the front of stage was standing room only, and for good reason. The boys know how to work it. Closing the night were the roots-rock of Benjalu. It felt like the mood of the night changed, it was all arms around the shoulders, beers in the air and swinging of the hips. The weather might have been cool outside but the warmth was being felt from the stage. I hope you all had a merry Christmas. Let’s do it again this year. Review and photos by Kevin Bull
smoke bellowing out from the machines. We got water, and shit loads of it. He was never without a water bottle in his hands - not to drink mind you - but to throw over the crowd.
this. Appalling. With the 20 girls still on the stage, Vanilla Ice ended his 40 minute set with Cypress Hill’s ‘Hits From The Bong’, just to prove to the crowd that he was down with them.
There was ‘Ice Ice Baby’, the track everyone was there for. It sounded nothing like what I remember, but the crowd went nuts. Before you knew it there were 20 girls on stage, all half Vanilla’s age, gyrating with him. Then the call came out, “let me see them titties”. It was a true class act on show tonight.
And that was the end for me. I had seen my youth and it was not pretty. What I don’t understand is how over 1000 people half my age loved every minute of it. I must be getting old. Review and photos by Kevin Bull
‘Ninja Rap’ (his B-grade second hit) made an appearance, and the crowd even knew
KING TIDE COCAPENNY ONE JONATHAN Kantara House December 5, 2007 King Tide are Australia’s greatest party band. There, I’ve said it. It might be a bold statement, but from what I witnessed tonight, I cannot be too far off the mark. OK, let me take a breath. ... Let’s start at the beginning. Supports tonight were One Jonathan and
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Review and photos by Kevin Bull
Review and photos by Jim Graham
Beaches Hotel December 22, 2007
Newcastle Panthers December 28, 2007
The Hip Hop room was always full and unfortunately I only made a couple of visits. That said, each time I did it was something special. For me, Blades nearly stole the whole night. Great energy on stage with all 3 member bouncing off each other like super balls. Nah, let’s be honest, it was Blades’ night, and I am not really into Hip Hop. It was simply a great set.
which left the fans crying out for more. Though the most memorable for me was The Dead Walk! – they really take the “harder, faster” motto to heart and the sheer intensity of the vocalist made for an impressive set. If you are into this genre, I’d suggest checking them out if you haven’t already!
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moment, and rightly so.
Cocapenny. Great choices. Both have a reggae/roots leaning with a modern take, One Jonathan throws in some rock, Cocoapenny some funk. On the Coast, both have big followings, with much love being shown by the crowd. Greats sets even though there were a few technical issues. King Tide play reggae of the truest sense. If you closed your eyes you would believe there were dreads on stage. With the weather tonight being rather wet, it only caused the crowd to push closer to the stage, the heat to rise, and the party to rage. There was
not a hip that did not move. Kantara House is a special place to see any band, and King Tide thrived. It felt like you were attending a friend’s 21st, smiles were everywhere, and strangers became mates by the night’s end. That’s the power of reggae and King Tide. I can’t wait for Ragga Muffin in the Hunter Valley, where King Tide support The Wailers. It’s going to be magic. Review and photos by Kevin Bull
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live reviews
038 IRON AND WINE FIREKITES
vocal harmonies over interweaving layers of electronic beat samples, violin and acoustic guitar.
Sydney University’s Manning Bar is a beautiful place to see a band. It’s intimate, there’s tiered standing room and the crowds are extremely attentive.
Some of Firekites’ live arrangements were different to those on their debut album The Bowery, which is an exciting prospect. They’re willing to evolve and expand their songs. In their final track, McPhee let loose with loud bursts of guitar distortion - you can take the boy out of The Instant...
Having already supported international acts like Built To Spill and The Sea and Cake, Firekites are building a word-ofmouth following. The Manning Bar crowd watched them intently, as singers Tim McPhee and Jane Tyrrell wove minimalist
Iron and Wine appeared to a resounding applause, with his acoustic guitar and giant beard in tow. The set began with just Sam Beam and his sister Sarah, who performed two songs with just an acoustic guitar, ‘The Trapeze Swinger’ and ‘Jezebel’. Then they
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Manning Bar, Sydney Tuesday March 11, 2008
LANEWAY FESTIVAL Circular Quay, Sydney Sunday March 2, 2008
The Laneway Festival, which has grown from the original event in the alley outside of St. Jeromes bar in Melbourne, is a truly unique experience. This boutique festival replaces over-bearing weather, massive crowds and exorbitant drug use, with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. This year’s line-up was the biggest yet, with a whole gamut of indie-superstars adorning the stage. The biggest buzz surrounded two bands - Broken Social Scene and their friend and collaborator,
Feist. Neither of the two disappointed. Broken Social Scene performed a lot off their singer Kevin Drew’s solo record Spirit If..., but the set list did include older material from the band. The crowd went especially crazy when Feist joined Broken Social Scene on stage, also accompanied by Amy Millan of Stars. Stars were perhaps the festival’s highlight. A late announcement to the line-up, Australia was finally treated to their powerful indie-pop sound, with co-vocalists Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan proving to be quite captivating. Their performance of ‘Take Me To The Riot’ was particularly moving.
PLAYGROUND WEEKENDER
Del Rio Resort, Wiseman’s Ferry Friday March 7 - Sunday March 9 Playground Weekender is not the easiest festival to get to. It requires a long, winding drive towards the Hawkesbury river, a car ferry and then a wait for a second ferry, which finally brings you to Del Rio Resort. Is it worth all the effort? Yes. But if you’re a non-driver, then you have no hope of getting there. But It’s got an incredibly chilled vibe and is spread over a large area.
Belles Will Ring
This year’s line-up was particularly big. The Wombats hit the main stage on the
DATAROCK ERGO B BAG
Newcastle Panthers Friday March 7, 2008 Not that kind of a band, Booger! Check list for tonight: Dancing Shoes – check, Good deodorant – check, Love for a disco beat – check and check. After feeling slightly deflated following Datarock’s last gig at the Bar On The Hill in 2006, I braced myself for another onslaught of Norwegian digi-pop. A seriously overlooked venue, Newcastle Panthers, played host to Norway’s finest this time around and the hassle of becoming a
RAGGA MUFFIN Windham Estate Sunday February 16, 2008 Perfect weather greeted the early arrivals as they rushed to the front of stage to claim their patch of grass. Within a short period of time, King Tide make their one and only appearance for the Ragga Muffin tour. I caught these guys on a tiny stage at Kantara House a few months back, and they have made the move to the big stage with ease. MC/Toasters Tony Hughes and Paul Snatch work brilliantly with each other. King Tide kick started this party well and truly. With 90’s hits like ‘Mr Wendel’, ‘People
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Mid-afternoon, The Vasco Era delivered a blistering set, sounding as raw, but more polished in their musicality. Through years of solid performances, they’re sounding as professional as ever. Another highlight was Rudely Interrupted, who played an early slot in The Basement. Although the band suffer from a range of mental and physical disabilities, the quality of their music is undeniable. Their single ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ is incredibly catchy and fans of 90s alternative bands like The Lemonheads, might find a lot to enjoy in the group’s music. Their vocalist, Rory’s stage banter was particularly entertaining.
The highlight of Sunday’s artists was Ian Brown. The ex-Stone Roses singer got very mixed reviews when he was last in Australia. He was literally booed by the
Ergo B Bag, one of the best-kept secrets in the local music scene, opened the night in full sparkle suit disco glory. The crowd was at first astonished, but quickly warmed to Ergo and his troupe as they played such instant classics as ‘Tambo Rambo’, ‘Crackers’ and ‘PARTYHARD’. By the end of the set Ergo had only cemented his status as Party King to all in attendance.
Everyday’ and ‘Tennessee’ backing them up, Arrested Development kept the mood on a high with the breeze hip hop and soul. With vocalists Speech and One Love pacing the stage, and spiritual advisor Baba Oje in attendance, it was too easy for them to win the crowd. ‘People Everyday’ is also one of the best crowd participation songs going. Maxi Priest also scored big with reggae hits in the early 90’s, songs that this crowd clearly remembers. With arse length dreads intact, Maxi gave out as much love as he received. The crowd’s mood had shifted to Classic Hits, and even though both Maxi and Arrested Development had new material, it was the well worn chart toppers that received the biggest reaction.
Although Beam seemed pleased with the crowd response, he didn’t seem interested in performing a long encore. The crowd was left wanting more - perhaps next time? Review by Nick Milligan, Photography by Kevin Bull
Review by Nick Milligan Photos by Sean Roche
CocoRosie took a long time to start their set, seeming decidedly unhappy with the sound on stage. Their sound is certainly unique, with its down-tempo, trip-hop vibe. Although there are visually engaging elements to their live show, like Sierra Casady’s harp playing, they felt a bit lost on such a giant stage.
RealHorrorShow DJ Roy Mac, set the mood for the night with a selection of classic and current party starters. This reviewer will confess to dancing almost solo to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood masterpiece ‘Relax’.
The mix was lush and full of detail, with Beam’s band moving through long, steady jams that morphed into both old and new songs from Iron and Wine’s catalogue. New tracks like ‘Boy With A Coin’, ‘The Devil Never Sleeps’ and ‘House By The Sea’ translated beautifully to the stage.
The Panics managed to turn some incredibly severe sound problems into a positive. Singer Jae Laffer kept the crowd entertained with drowl commentary before leading the group into their resounding final song, ‘Get Us Home’. The Presets turned their narrow crowd into an intense rave, while on the Park Stage, Gotye performed a solo set. For just one man surrounded by multiple instruments and gadgetry, it was an impressive show.
Sunday, entertaining the crowd with their energetic post-pop tunes and their wry, British humour.
member was quickly forgotten after enjoying a number of members price beverages.
were joined by six musicians, including Paul Niehaus on pedal steel guitar.
The Panics
crowd at his 2005 Falls Festival appearance. He sang in monotone (even for him) and wore a tracksuit with a giant gold medallion around his neck. However, at Playground Weekender he silenced the critics. Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, Brown seemed authentic, sincere - and even sober. An amazing show. Seabellies played to a riveted audience, making the most of what was an inadequately sized stage for full bands to be performing on. Other acts like Belles Will Ring and Dardanelles also struggled, but each act sounded powerful. Review by Nick Milligan, Photography by Kevin Bull
Not to be outdone, and believe your humble reviewer when she says Ergo B Bag were discolicious, Datarock whipped the crowd into a frenzy, opening with their song ‘Bulldozer’. And although crowd numbers were a bit disappointing, Datarock didn’t seem to notice, instead launching themselves into a massive set that was less electro, more groovy guitar pop a la Stone Roses or Happy Mondays. The casio-esque classics ‘Computer Camp Love’ and ‘Sex Me Up’ were still the big hitters of the night, however song of the evening was definitely Datarock’s loving rendition of ‘Time Of Our Life’ sung in unison by the 200 strong crowd. “This could be love”! Review by Amy Barnwell. Photos by Sean Roche
The Wailers also found themselves in a similar circumstance. I am sure that the crowd would have been happy with a Bob Marley covers show, so some may have been disappointed with what was delivered. Sure there were Marley classics scatted amongst the set, but it was rounded out with new Wailers tracks, and solo material from singer Elan Atias. Not prepared to simply live off their rich history, The Wailers set was a bold statement that clearly looks towards the future. UB40, one of the most successful reggae bands of all time close out Ragga Muffin. Hugely popular with a set full of hits, it was a totally professional and slick show.
Highlight was when all the other bands were called out for a roaring rendition of ‘I Shot The Sheriff’. It was also a special occasion as it will be the last time we will see vocalist Ali Campbell out front of the band. It is interesting that his replacement is rumoured to be Maxi Priest. All up, Ragga Muffin 2008 was a wonderful achievement. Large crowd, perfect venue, clear weather, and wonderful music. Planning is already underway for next year’s Ragga Muffin. The big question, with possibly the two biggest reggae bands having come out this year, who will be on next year’s lineup. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull.
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Pnau
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JANUARY 10
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April 2008 Issue 21
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experimental band The Edmund Fitzgerald
killswitch enchange, divene heresy, shadows fall the forum 26.2.08
about real, technical music, will notice
Divine Heresy started the show like a storm on the horizon…head pounding double kick and ear defining vocals it was a near perfect blend of heavy riffs, smooth grooves and greatness. Then came Shadows Fall, singer Brian Fair came out in full force with his enormous dreads thrashing around like a whirl wind of rock solid brutality.
behind the lyrics. By the time you’ve
Playing a mix of their catalog, kept the crowd on their feet and a hunger that made any skeptical fan want to buy there entire back catalog. As the intro to “As Daylight Dies” travels around the venue like a monster truck speeding through a small corridor, the floor fills with fans that have waited over a year to see a band that can crush you with killer riffs, then bring you back to life
soUndwave festival sydney Park 24.2.08
Although soundwave bought many great international acts to the table, there were many other factors which seemed to crash the party and be a hinderence for most. With the acts spread across 5 stages in Sydney Park, the walk to get to the right stage to see your favourite acts combined with the hot conditions were pushing fans to their limits. Waiting in queues for up to two hours caused many fans of Divine Heresy to miss the early show. The time spent lining up for food, drinks or ammenities resulted in many leaving long before
chemical brothers sydney entertainment centre 7.3.08
Ed and Tom bring the beats like no-one before them. With them comes some of the most recognisable electronic music riffs of our time. They do not dissapoint in the live setting. Building up with some of the classics from Exit Planet Dust and Dig Your Own Hole, the visuals start to take over. dwarfing the two with 10mx30m screens and multicolour 3D lasers, the audience is taken to a higher place, closing with bangers like Chemical Beats.
Photography by Krudboy
With an experienced crowd that know how to get down without invading personal space - an amazing time was had by all. -Kruddy
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with sweet serenades. Howard Jones has once again proved that he can live up to the Jesse days. From start to finish Killswitch hit every mark, played every hit and did not disappoint. Neck hurting, legs crippled, sweaty and wanting more - this was one for the books. Review - Nathan Ellis other popular acts like ‘The Offspring’, ‘Incubus’ and ‘Killswitch Engage’. There were good times to be had, most bands putting on a great show. The musicians had a blast, the audience enjoyed themselves. Under a setting sun, an act of festival stupidity ended up cutting short the set of ‘As I Lay Dying’ due to a glass bottle thrown at the stage, hitting their guitarist, which resulted in a head wound. This festival violence has increased over the years, fueled by heat exhaustion, alcohol, frustration and impatience. Headliners ‘The Offspring’ finished up with some of their classics leaving the audience with a smile before they proceeded to find a way home. -Dom
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V Festival Review
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Roisin Murphy
Johnny Marr - Modest Mouse
V FESTIVAL CEnTEnnIAL PARk, SydnEy SATuRdAy MARCh 29, 2008
Of course, the jewel in the crown was Smashing Pumpkins’ return to Australia. The audience was taken on a 90-minute journey that began with their ballad ‘Today,’ which was quickly followed by their recent, frenetic single ‘Tarantula’. The biggest applause came for ‘Tonight Tonight’ and
‘Bullet With Butterfly Wings’, and Billy Corgan’s acoustic performance of ‘1979’ had the crowd singing along to every note. ‘Stand Inside Your Love’ was perhaps the set’s highlight, particularly in the absence of songs like ‘Disarm’. After performing a blistering encore of ‘Cherub Rock,’ Billy Corgan walked back and forth along the full length of the stage, waving and thanking the crowd. It had been a long wait - but it was worth it.
Duran Duran
JANUARY 09
Roisin Murphy was a slinky delight, with her smooth vocals accompanied by curvaceous
backing singers and a myriad costume changes. Queens Of The Stone Age performed a wellchosen set, that featured hits such as ‘Burn The Witch’, ‘Little Sister’, ‘Go With The Flow’, ‘No One Knows’, ‘Sick, Sick, Sick’, ‘Regular John’, ‘Do It Again’ and ‘3’s & 7’s’.
Review By Nick Milligan. Photography By Kevin Bull.
JULY 09
Air
JANUARY 10
Hot Hot Heat
JULY 08
The second annual V Festival event fulfilled its promise of being a day of amazing music. As in 2007, the line-up was a showcase of legendary acts, from both modern and past eras. Scotland’s newlyreformed post-punk pioneers, Jesus and Mary Chain proved to be one of the highlights, while Modest Mouse (featuring their permanent guitarist Johnny Marr of The Smiths), Hot Hot Heat and Air all received a joyous response from the expansive crowd.
Modest Mouse
JULY 10
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Cut/Copy
Queens of the Stone Age
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live reviews
038 GOATS FESTIVAL
leaning too much into the past. My god, how young is the Checkered Fist double bassist, and damn good as well.
Koala Park, San Remo Sunday April 6, 2008
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
In its 10th year, the GOATS festival launched the region’s Youth Week festivities, with a multitude of community services, representatives and 8 hours music on show. To catch all the bands was near impossible, and to review all that I did see, would require more space. So, here are some of the highlights. Bluezone showed me why they keep winning awards. Great blues without
Checkered Fist
SMASHING PUMPKINS Hordern Pavillion, Sydney Thursday March 27, 2008
It was a reunion that was not supposed to take place. The bald headed one insisted for years that it was not going to happen. And then, a few years back, he let it be known that he wanted to be a Pumpkin again. OK, so we only have 50% of the original Pumpkins but let’s be honest, Corgan is head of the vege patch, and tonight at the Hordern I get a chance to relive the music that made up a big part of the 90s for me.
Firstly, there was no support band tonight, and didn’t this catch people out. At just past 8pm,
Bare-chested fury was on show by The Lazys. I was scared to be up the front shooting. Mark Cashin showed that age does not weary the rocker. I found his music alot more forceful live than on CD. No Pressure have improved significantly since over the past 6 months. Great performance. Red-haired Ben McKenzie showed the talent behind his Oz Idol tag. 16 year old guitar-wiz, Joe Robinson simply amazed. Definitely a star in the making. Jonnday were just too damn
they openned to a half filled room to begin a 2 and a half hour odyssey. It was indulgent, at times caustically thrilling, at others dull and boring (“Hey, I think it is beer o’clock”), but it constantly had you in anticipation as to what was about to come.
Then the whole mood would drop when Billy would solo for far too long, older classics were simply rushed through and delivered as a wall of sound, and the fact that two and a half hours is a bloody long time for a concert. By the end it felt like it was dragging poorly. Luckly the
THE CASANOVAS
Civic Theatre, Newcastle Thursday April 3, 2008
CLOSURE IN MOSCOW
Monday March 31, 2008 Melbourne’s Closure In Moscow warmed up the vibrant crowd at UNSW’s Roundhouse. A relatively intimate venue, I wondered how the building’s foundations were going to cope when New York’s Coheed & Cambria let loose with their full rock assault. A furious ball of energy, Closure In Moscow look like five smartly dressed Calvin Klein models. Although the guitar riffs were scintillating, there was too much reliance on the drummer’s double-kick pedal and in summation, the songs lacked any definable melody. A case of walking the walk...
Billy was also quite chatty at time, upbeat even. Comments regarding how lucky we were to have Peter Garrett as an MP, and how America needed someone similar was greeted enthusiasically. Then he fucks it right up by also suggesting Bon Scott. You could hear the laughter from the crowd. That’s right Billy, it’s the spirit of Bon you meant wasn’t it, you fool. Finally, there was no ‘Disarm’, no ‘Zero’, and for me, no ‘I Am One’. It was worth seeing, and if they played again next month, I would see them again. I suppose that says something.
Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
pedestrian. I had held high hopes but it could have been any support band on stage.
The Casanovas come on only minutes after I arrive so I madly dash to the front of stage to take shots. Years back it was all bare chests with their pub rock influences firmly in place. Tonight they are older, restrained, and
Time has definitely slowed Chris Robinson down. I have vivid memories of him with mic stand in hand, spinning across this very stage. Tonight it was the older rocker who has lived and breathed the long road. That said, his stance, the way he moved
Coheed & Cambria marched onto the stage, led by their colossal-haired maestro, Claudio Sanchez. On stage the group performed as a 7-piece, accompanied by a keyboardist and two female backing singers that look like Playboy Playmates. Although Sanchez’s voice is still one of the most dynamic and distinctive on the live circuit, the dual backing vocalists filled out the vocal melodies and supplied the ‘call-return’ lyrics in Coheed’s ball-busting track ‘Gravemakers & Gunslingers’. Exploding with the title track from their most recent album No World For Tomorrow, it was a well-chosen 90-minute first act by Coheed. They covered the heavier material from this album, like ‘The Hound (Of Blood And Rank)’ and single ‘Feathers’, as well as crowd-favourites like the
VAN SHE BREAK BOT (France)
Newcastle Panthers Saturday April 12, 2008
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Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
Both bands tonight I am seeing for
PNAU
Van
There were some injuries though. Superhero Batman (aka Coast FM’s MC McMe) had to receive some first aid after a few punches to the groin and a crash tackle. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
The Black Crowes on the other hand know exactly the extent of their legacy, and tonight they treat us lucky ones to the best rock and roll show Newcastle has seen since . . . well since they where here in 1992.
the second time, and I am curious as to where both now stand in this musical climate.
COHEED & CAMBRIA
Having been to the past few GOATS, it is clear that the yearly even is in good hands. A noticable step forward in organisation and musical talent.
encore of ‘Cherub Rock’ redeemed things for the punters.
It was one of those rollercoaster gigs. There were moments where you felt lifted by what was occuring. ‘Tonight, Tonight’, ‘Mayonaise’, ‘Bullet with Butterfly Wings’ and the acoustic ‘Perfect’ were definite highlights.
THE BLACK CROWES
cute with gorgeous songs to match. And thank you Zero Degrees and Falling for making the trip up from Canberra. Mightly impressive rock.
Pnau’s comeback was affirmed as a sold-out, 2,500 strong crowd piled into Newcastle Panthers. Generally, the punters were young - clearly jumping aboard a ‘Wild Strawberries’ band wagon. Older members of the audience would be the few to remember that Pnau have been wowing audiences since releasing their debut album Sambanova in 1999.
After France’s Break Bot and Australia’s Van She warmed up the crowd, Pnau arrived on stage to a rapturous welcome, a giant screen behind them covered with cartoon images of a nasty Strawberry (as seen in the ‘Wild Strawberries music clip). The fruit in question then appeared on stage, as a dancers in suits appeared from the wings. Nick Littlemore strolled across the stage, building the crowd into a frenzy as partner-incrime Peter Mayes jumped on his decks. It was a set that featured a lot of new material, but there were occasional interludes that dove into Pnau’s back catalogue. The crowd’s
and sung, is of a man that is 100% authentic. Brother Rich Robinson comes across as the stable member of the family. Solid yet nothing too flashy. He has seen it all before, knows what is called for, and without as much as change of expression on his face, he delivers. This was a great show. Song choice from all across their back catalogue. Sure there were some favourites missed out but this was far from a greatest hits show. This was R + R at its finest. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
8-minute title-track from their 2003 album In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3. There was even an interlude of Iron Maiden’s ‘The Trooper’. The ‘encore’ turned out to be a 40-minute prog-rock journey, complete with Sanchez on a twin-neck guitar, which he played behind his head and with his teeth (not at the same time). Lead guitarist Travis Stever duelled with Sanchez, brandishing a ‘Talk box’. There was also room for a five-minute drum solo by Chris Pennie, who showed off the immense talent that he cultivated in his previous band, The Dillinger Escape Plan. For fans of grandiose, soaring hard-rock, Coheed & Cambria are a jaw-droppingly talented live band. Review By Nick Milligan. Photos By Kevin Bull.
energy was consistently manic throughout. There was a moderate response to the appearance of Bridezilla’s Holiday CarmenSparks, who clearly isn’t as recognised in Newcastle as she is in Sydney. Then The Sleepy Jackson’s Luke Steele made a surprise appearance, dressed in a bird cage and white sheet. He joined Pnau on stage at the Big Day Out earlier in the year, but to see him in Newcastle was a huge shock (he’s since been spotted going grocery shopping at Coles, The Junction, with Daniel Johns perhaps they’re going to finish that album they’re writing together?).
The encore included another appearance by Luke Steele, this time sans the bird cage. He sang the stunning opening track from Pnau’s recent eponymous album, and then proceeded to pour a bottle of water over Reverb photographer Chris Brown. Having access to the photo pit, Chris suddenly found himself and his rather expensive camera soaking wet. Luke Steele might be a musical genius... but what a c**t! Review by Nick Milligan and Photography by Chris Brown
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JULY 10
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VHS or Beta
COME TOGETHER FESTIVAL 2008 Sydney Luna Park Big Top Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June
Faker
The first day of 2008’s Come Together festival was an amazing showcase of both local and international acts. But unfortunately, the day was plagued by sound difficulties, with bands like British India and VHS Or Beta both suffering guitar cut-outs, and Faker losing a microphone. The Thrills brought a sense of Irish class and The Seabellies received a massive response from the adoring crowd. On the second day of the festival, Birds Of Tokyo and The Living End owned the bragging rights on crowd reception. Overall, this year’s Come Together festival was two fun days out, and Luna Park continues to be a prime spot for a big rock show. Good to see a return to indie music, rather than extreme hardcore. Photos by Jim Graham, Kevin Bull and Kieran Ferguson. Review by Noah Cross.
The Seabellies
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JULY 08
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live reviews
038
TRIAL KENNEDY Days Like Stars Ethereal 3 Days Ago One Jonathan
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
Woodport Inn, Erina Saturday July 26, 2008 Now this is a big lineup. No bloody mucking around here at the Woody. Five bands, very little space for the review, lets get into it. One thing guaranteed with One Jonathan is an ejoyable performance and, tonight is no exception. Early start did not stop the crowd
getting here. The grooves these guys deliver are infectious, you can’t help but move. Finishing with a new song only builds the anticipation for a new release. Bring it on.
pop than the bands that preceeded, they were virtual unknowns to the crowd, and it showed. I Didn’t really connect, have heard it done before and better. Sorry about that.
This is the second time I have caught 3 Days Ago within a couple of months, and again the performance was solid. Powerful R+R delivered with the enthusiasm of youth.
Trial Kennedy arrived onstage with a roar from the crowd. Their debut New Manic Art has touched a nerve, it’s youthful brash rock that makes an easy transition to the stage. ‘Sunday Warning’ and ‘Neighbours’ receive a thunderous response and deservedly so. Even though the crowd is still not solid, up front it is packed and sweaty. Vocalist Tim Morrison leaves nothing behind, it is just great to see.
I admit that I do have a soft spot for Ethereal. Their energy levels have definitely increased, their vocals are sung with passion, and the bassist is manic. This is a band that when they get on stage you know they mean it. If you get the chance, see these guys live. Sydneysiders Days Like Stars were an unusual decision for the main support. More melodic
THE ANGELS
Wyong Leagues Club Thursday July 31, 2008
Am I Ever Gonna See You Face Again… ABSOLUTELY !!! After 30 years as one of Australia’s classic bands, The Angels have reformed with their original lineup from when they first hit the Australian pub circuit.
JULY 08
To those who claim age will be a detriment, think again. Sure the years have changed looks somewhat, but in terms of energy and performance, we’d challenge bands half
THE BREEDERS
Metro Theatre Saturday August 2, 2008 There’s nary an article written about The Breeders that doesn’t at least mention frontwoman Kim Deal’s more-heralded other band, and it’s a damn shame. I’ve felt this way ever since first hearing the exceptional 1993 release Last Splash. The Sydney stop on the band’s tour in support of new album, Mountain Battles, served as another reminder of why they are a much, much better group than their humble beginnings as a Pixies sideproject.
American tweenie idols Cobra Starship and The Academy Is... got a strong audience warmed up at Acer Arena. The latter had a tight sound, a Sydney ex-pat on guitar and an all-round dynamic stage show. Music wise, their tunes are hit and miss, but when
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We, like the rest of the audience, were left at the end of the night without a voice, sweating profusely, grinning from ear to ear. That’s what you get from experiencing The Angels live. Let’s hope we see their faces again. Review and Photography By R+V Photographers
This warmth was notable especially in the band’s good-natured, self-deprecating stage patter, which covered tried-and-true subject
Review by Alex Holt Photography by Joel Courtney
Despite having a new album to plug, Death Cab For Cutie’s performance at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre would not have disappointed older fans. The show opened in the same way as their new album Narrow Stairs, with the tune ‘Bixby Canyon Bridge’ slowly spiralling out of the speakers. New tracks like ‘I Will Possess Your Heart’, ‘No Sunlight’, ‘Cath...’, and the amazing ‘Long Division’ were interspersed with older crowd faves like ‘Soul
Acer Arena, Sydney Monday August 18, 2008
Buzz Bidstrup in the engine room on drums drove the songs along with Chris Bailey laying down killer bass. John Brewster set the rhythm guitar tracks to precision, Rick Brewster exploded with amazing lead guitar licks and of course Doc Neeson lit the fuse to blow the crowd away.
It’s very easy to understand why the Dandy Warhols were inspired to write ‘Cool as Kim Deal’.
Meets Body’, ‘Crooked Teeth’, ‘New Year’, ‘Sound Of Settling’, and ‘Marching Bands Of Manhattan’. There were clearly tingles in the audience when lead singer Ben Gibbard picked up his acoustic guitar to perform ‘I Will Follow You Into The Dark’, which would have received a standing ovation, had the majority of the punters in the room not already been on their feet. Multi-instrumentalist Chris Walla brought with him a calming presence, while bassist Nicholas Harmer would often turn to precision drummer Jason McGerr, to focus on locking into their always complicated grooves. The highlights were a crashing rendition of
‘Company Calls’, from the group’s second record, which flies along with wild, Sonic Youth-esque abandon, and the gig’s closer - the epic ‘Transatlanticism’, the title-track from their third record. Like it’s content, ‘Transatlanticism’ is a slow-burning build-up, evoking the emotion of a man who is coming to grips with a long-distance relationship (although of course there are metaphorical layers of emotional distance). It’s a tearjerker, and the audience was left in absolute raptures. If you’re looking for greatness in a live gig, then Death Cab are up there. Review by Nicholas Milligan Photography by Sean Roche
The young Las Vegas band stepped on to the stage to fanatical screaming. Groups of 11 year-old girls looked like they were going to blow a gasket.
Starving’ and ‘Nine In The Afternoon’, it was clear that the band have shed more than their exclamation mark. The punkpop aesthetic is dead and buried, with a more retro, Brit-pop vibe put in its place. This means that every track off A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out was reworked to shoot their new power-pop kitsch. For the most part it worked a treat, but some fans would have been disappointed. Their encore opened with singer Brendan Urie stepping out solo with an acoustic guitar and performing ‘Time To Dance’ - a brilliant rendition of their best song.
The set opened the same way as their latest album, Pretty. Odd., with tracks ‘We’re So
Review by Nicholas Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
the melodies cut through, there was a lot to like about The Academy Is... Panic At The Disco’s stage was straight out of 60s psychedelia. The microphones were adorned with fake flowers and lights, while a large screen with a faux, golden picture frame, played cartoon collages of cute animals and generic nature graphics.
Days Like Stars
The Angels are without a doubt one of the best acts we’ve seen in many years. When they played their classic ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’ every person present chanted the legendary reply and lifted the roof off the Wyong Leagues Club.
matter (e.g anecdotes about on-stage “f**k ups”), but was nonetheless absorbing and amusing. Though it’s a question posed by a lot of American performers, when the exuberant Kim Deal asks, “Do you guys like Sydney?” it’s nearly impossible to restrain yourself from answering with a resounding “Yes!”
Enmore Theatre, Sydney Monday August 18, 2008
The Academy Is... Cobra Starship
their age to keep up. From the moment they hit the stage, The Angels grabbed the crowd’s enthusiasm, taking them on a journey of the many hits that made The Angels a household name. From classic Angels anthems ‘After The Rain’ and ‘Marseilles’ to ‘Shadow Boxer’, the crowd responded ecstatically throughout the whole performance.
The Breeders charmed the capacity crowd with a brisk 50-minute set (plus two substantial encores) that included tracks from all periods of the band’s 19-year lifespan. The show reached peak excitement levels with performances of fan-favourites ‘Divine Hammer’, ‘Cannonball’ and the band’s aggressive yet somber cover of ‘Happiness is a Warm Gun’. Though The Breeders stand almost completely still while playing each number, Kim and her twin sister Kelly have a friendly stage presence and obvious rapport that imbues each number with great energy.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
PANIC AT THE DISCO
Can’t wait for The Butterfly Effect / Trial Kennedy double header October 22 at Newcastle Panthers. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
Cobra Starship
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Splendour...
Bringing together a dynamic and diverse array of acts from around the globe, Splendour In The Grass remains a highlight on the Australian festival-goers calendar. Here’s what happened in 2008.
The Sideshows
unnoticed. But two successful radio singles, ‘Is There A Ghost’ and ‘No One’s Gonna Love You’, guaranteed that Australian punters would be jumping in the saddle on this return.
TRICKY
The Metro Theatre, Sydney July 30, 2008 Though known as an innovater and experimenter, Tricky’s Sydney performance was essentially a rock show. This may have disappointed some hardcore fans. Only bringing one female vocalist with him narrowed what material he could perform. However, few of the lads in the audience would have been complaining about stunning Danish chanteuse Kira, who was not only jaw-droppingly sexy, but a mesmerising performer. Her voice was powerful and dripping with sensuality - the perfect accompaniment for the band’s trip-hop explosions and slow-burning grooves. Tricky is an electric performer and his presence on stage is magnetic. When he growls and yells from the shadows, his head shakes back and forth, and it’s quite hypnotic. A world-class maestro, Tricky creates an aural tapestry that you should experience at least once in your lifetime. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Tim Boehm
The Metro Theatre, Sydney August 5, 2008 There was a lot of anticipation for Band Of Horses’ return to Australia. Their last visit, which saw the Seattle-based Southern folk-rock band perform at Meredith music festival, plus some small club shows, went largely
The set list included the best material from both of Band Of Horses’ albums, and the live renditions of tracks like ‘Cigarettes, Wedding Bands’, ‘The Great Salt Lake’, and ‘The Funeral’. Each song lifted the group beyond common comparisons to groups like My Morning Jacket. There was also a brilliant cover of JJ Cale’s ‘Thirteen Days’ and Them Two’s ‘Am I A Good Man’. A perfect show and a must-see act. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Justin Edwards
The Metro Theatre, Sydney July 31, 2008
The Metro Theatre, Sydney August 4, 2008
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BAND OF HORSES
Despite the afformentioned expectation, few could have anticipated that this would be one of the greatest gigs in recent memory - it was masterful in every aspect. Singer Ben Bridwell exudes both boyish charm and the unbridled sincerity of a true rock star. His voice sounded incredible, as did his band (with the notable inclusion of lanky guitarist/backing vocalist and solo folk performer Tyler Ramsey).
THE MUSIC
VAMPIRE WEEKEND
There was something a little too wholesome about Vampire Weekend’s Sydney performance. But their jaunty, angular pop has clearly struck a chord with Australian music lovers, as a sold out crowd welcomed the New York four-piece to the Metro’s stage. The crowd knew every word, as Vampire Weekend performed every track - plus one new one - from their debut album. There was too much polish in their inoffensive delivery and the set time lasted under an hour, due to their lack of material. While other indie-pop groups these days also have an edge
Patience - The Grates
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In All Its
to their songwriting, Vampire Weekend ultimately come off as a little saccharine, which will attract immediate attention, but not necessarily enduring attention. An otherwise enjoyable show. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Jim Graham
It was a special treat to see one of the world’s greatest live acts in an intimate venue like The Metro. The crowd were whipped into a frenzy with opener ‘Take The Long Road and Walk It’. The set covered tracks from the Leeds four-piece’s first two albums, as well as a fine selection from their powerful, eletronictinged new album, Strength In Numbers - and the crowd seemed to know every word.
Musically, each member is an absolute master. Drummer Phil Jordan is an unassuming individual, but he’s an absolute monster behind the kit. Guitarist Adam Nutter stood in front of four quad-boxes and his riffs nearly took the roof off. A very welcome return from The Music. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
Newcastle, Hunter and Coast’s largest music, entertainment and lifestyle magazine
The Festival
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS
Belongil Fields, Byron Bay. August 2 & 3, 2008 The fashionable gumboots worn by sensible girls need not have made an appearance this year as, thankfully, the rains failed to fall again. Saturday saw some splendid performances by the internationals and locals alike. Sydney’s Bluejuice whipping the mid afternoon frenzy up, with hits like ‘Unemployed’ and ‘Vitriol’, while Newcastle lad Kato looked after the DJ duties in the dance tent all afternoon with his renowned head nodders. The Music had the crowd rapt, while Bliss n Eso represented Sydney hiphop. The Cold War Kids had the crowd rocking, and singing along to singer Nathan Willet’s unique vocal stylings. At one point, he seemed to get a bit emotional, and appeared to be escorted off stage mid-way through their last number. Never one to miss an opportunity to impress, The Living End opened with ‘Roll On’, which brought the crowd’s mood back up instantly. The solid set included new tunes like
‘White Noise’ and Cheney’s crowd pleasing impromptu, ‘Waltzing Matilda’. MSTRKRFT brought the bangin’ beats, Pnau impressed with their flavours, and Tricky put in a smashing show, with his many instrumentalists and an amazing vocalist. Headliners DEVO pleased their many lego hat wearing fans, but did seem a little weary. Sunday, recovery day, saw the Aussies again put in solid shows. Katalyst and The Presets being dance highlights, while over on the big stage, Newy Lads Here Come The Birds shared some excellent company with The Grates, The Wombats and The Vines. Sigur Ros presented their audio visual shock and awe, setting the stage for the end of the Wolfmother era - also the final hurrah for Belongil Fields. See you at the bigger and, hopefully, grassier new home next year.
Devo
Review by Kieran Krud Photography by Justin Edwards
Lightspeed Champion
JANUARY 09
Wolfmother
Laura Marling
Cold War Kids
Upon taking out the 2008 Tooheys Extra Dry Uncharted Competition, Newcastle indie-rock band Here Come The Birds, got the opportunity to travel to Byron Bay and perform on the mainstage of Splendour In The Grass 2008. Bassist Shaun McKay gave Reverb his ‘Bird’s-eye’ view of their trip...
Saturday - August 2, 2008
“Woke up early and headed into the Splendour site for a site tour and briefing of our schedule for the next few days. The backstage area was amazing. It made it much easier to move from stage to stage and the backstage viewing platform was a real experience. We caught most of the bands we wanted to see and were pleasantly surprised by some bands we hadn’t heard much from before hand. Some stand-outs for the Saturday for us were Gyroscope, Art vs Science, Band of Horses, Cold War Kids and Devo. It’s not until you see what goes on back stage that you can really appreciate how much work actually goes in to a
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Sunday - August 3, 2008
“The camera crew arrived at our hotel at 8am to get some footage and everyone was struggling after being so tired after Saturday. After shooting for around an hour, we headed off to the Splendour site to set up and have our sound check. The nerves were kicking in at around 11.30 when we were backstage getting photos with the Splendour In The Grass photographer which was pretty cool. We have never been photographed or videoed as much in our lives! We went on stage at 12pm to a fairly strong crowd, who were keen to kick off a second day, despite the fact that most of them were so tired after a busy day before. They still managed to dance it up! Playing the main stage was amazing, so much room to move and the sound was incredible. We were absolutely buzzing after the show, it was damn fun and it was a great feeling watching the crowd surge in over the length of our set and getting into our music!
costume) and Sigor Ros. We went out to the front of stage for a few bands and the energy coming from the crowd was intense, very exciting! Of course one of the best things is that you get to mingle with all the people who have made the the music that we all love. It was crazy going to the afterparty and talking the the guys from Hadouken!, Sigour Ros and Art vs Science - all really good people and very friendly. The party went long into the night and the dance floor was pumping with so many 80s classics. We were all in a world of pain on Monday morning from such a massive weekend. Winning the Tooheys Extra Dry UncharTED Competition Two was the best experience ever! And it was definately two days we will never forget!”
After the set we did a few interviews for TV and streetpress, before getting warmed up for another big day of music! Some of the highlights for the second day were The Wombats, The Grates (Patience had an awesome Batman
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“We still can’t believe we are here! We’re still buzzing from winning UncharTED Comp Two and can’t believe what an amazing prize it is! A spot on the main stage of Splendour In The Grass – we’re pumped! We picked up the van early Friday morning and headed to Sydney airport. We were pushing it for time and were lucky that the flight had been delayed when we got there. We checked a mammoth 16 items (guitars, drums and all sorts of things we needed) and then flew out for the Gold Coast. When we got to our hotel we decided to head in to Byron Bay and have a look around and the vibe was amazing. We knew the festival was going to be just as big as last year. After a few quiet drinks at the Beach Hotel we went home and got an early night in preparation for the big days that were coming.”
festival like Splendour and we want to say a BIG thanks to Tooheys Extra Dry UncharTED for giving us the opportunity to see it first hand!”
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RAILWAY BLUES Richmond Vale
Saturday November 22, 2008
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Arriving not long after midday, I find that Chase The Train have already played. Bugger. To make up for my disappointment, I jump on the next historic train to catch a very up close and personal performance by Glen Terry. What I did not expect was Paul Robert Burton on bass and Gail Page guesting. Seeing a performance like this is a unique experience, and all three put in blinders.
Glen Terry
Jumping off the train, I grabbed something to eat and made my way over to watch Dan
Granero. Unfortunately I only manage to see the final couple of songs but if they were anything to go by, it would have been white hot. Leaving Dan, I get settled to watch Gail Page. The wind has picked up and the sun is now quite strong, but it did not dampen Gail’s style. This lady is a star waiting to happen with a voice laced in the truest soul. Always a joy. It is back onto the train to catch Dan Granero with an acoustic. He is so at easy with the instrument but it only made me wish it was an electric plugged into an amp. Really disappointed I missed his electric set.
SATELLITE NATION Chilli Lounge, Wyong Saturday November 29, 2008
A night of local music at the Chilli Lounge, I always enjoy catching up on what the Coast has produced.
JULY 08
First band tonight is Omnishow and it was a stand and deliver performance. This can work when the music is grand and all encompassing, but when it is rock you want to see the rock.
The Satallite Nation
Vetna have been around for years now and the lift in stage presence was measurable
In the final carriage, Mojo Juju had everyone entranced with their gypsy vibe. Mojo and her minstrels do this sort of thing effortlessly, and it is lovely to have them residing in Newcastle. All up a very enjoyable day. Let’s hope that we see the 2nd Railway Blues next year. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
when compared to Omnishow. Solid songs and delivery. It is great to see steady progress in a band.
band full of experience with the ability to add colour and shade to a strong performance. Well done.
If Vetna lifted the bar for stage presence, He Died Gallant simply blew the bar to bits. With a manic vocalist that had you enthralled, it was hard to take your eyes off him. Tight and powerful songs, they appear to have a pretty complete package. A band to keep an eye on. Where He Died Gallant was 100% forceful, Six and Sevens mixed in some clever dynamics to make for a more pleasing experience. Having formed from the remnants of The Friday Kill, we now have a
But tonight is special due to it being The Satellite Nation’s first gig on the Coast for near two years. Time spent playing the Canadian and US circuit has tightened and unified the band. The songs definitely rock but are still very accessible. What I was looking for was some distinguishable element that was a result of time overseas, but what I saw was the lift in our own local bands. The Satellite Nation definitely put on a classy show, but no more than Six and Sevens, and He Died Gallant. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
must mention that the real star of the night was Edin Karamazov, a genius on the lute. He was the highlight of the night, manhandling his awkward looking instrument to produce some of the most beautiful music. Strong support was also provided by Stile Antico, an eight-piece a capella group from Britain.
For the encore we moved away from the music of Dowland. The Beatles ‘My Life’ and Sting’s own ‘Fields of Gold’ were far better as Sting’s delivery returned to what his voice is best suited for. A version of The Police’s ‘Message In A Bottle’ sounded lovely, but it did highlight just how weak the lyrics are.
Sting was definitely the second-string lutenist on stage, and unfortunately his untrained voice just did not work with the music he was involved in. He sounds great singing rock and pop, but in this environment it was totally unsuited. His lower register was painfully weak.
I suppose my impression of the night can be best summed up by the following exchange. After he left the stage following the first set, my partner leant over and asked me, “do you think he will come back on?” I could not help but say “I hope bloody not.”
STING
Opera House, Sydney Sunday November 30, 2008 For the past couple of weeks, whenever I have mentioned that I saw Sting at the Opera House, the response has been “Wow, that must have been great.” I have then had to make it clear to the enquirer that Sting played a lute all night, and performed the music of John Dowland, a 16th Century composer, singer and lutenist. “Oh my God, what was it like?” Where do I begin? Before I get to Sting, I
KID CONFUCIUS Empire Burlesque
Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Friday December 5, 2008 Before experiencing the pop filled extravaganza that is Kid Confucius, the audience at the Cambridge were presented with Empire Burlesque, by means of a less than impressive performance. Although some of their songs were hypnotic and catchy, like their hit, ‘So Little You Can Do’, I was more focussed on the lead singer’s ability to match jeans with a patterned man-scarf.
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Saturday December 6, 2008 It was a real coup to have The Mountain Goats play in Newcastle for the first time and the 200-strong crowd that turned up was a testimony to their ever-growing cult popularity. With Homebake happening on the same day, crowd numbers were definitely effected. Two things made this performance so amazing. One was the intimate venue – The Cambridge. Singer/songwriter John Darnielle had the crowd in the palm of his
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Moving through the train I bump into the No Pressure boys playing an acoustic set. I did get the feeling that they felt uncomfortable in such a setting, and their performance showed.
Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
With new influences in Phoenix and the ever popular Kings of Leon, it’s no surprise that Kid Confucius has become even more of a pop rock sensation. Their new single, ‘Darling, I Need Ya’ went down a treat with the disappointingly small audience at the Cambridge who seemed to just be Kid C’s groupies.
Other top performances were, ‘Last Straw’, and ‘Good Luck’, with some extravagant dance moves played out by Hezkial and guitarist Andrew Guirguis in ‘We Want a Piece of You’. Needless to say, the crowd joined in, especially in the call and response style singing that went back and forth between the band members.
The band has a great sound, especially with newcomer James Manson on board with lead guitar. And you can’t beat that quality saxophone sound that rings through every one of their shows. Honey coated lyrics performed by Rob Hezkial were the highlight of the night, with everyone impressed with the singer’s prowess.
If you are ever lucky enough to experience a Kid C gig, make sure you wear comfortable dancing shoes as Kid Confucius has certainly moved into a new chapter in their career, and it’s set to be a success.
hand from the opening tune. The second aspect was the inclusion of a drummer on this tour. The Mountain Goats’ past two trips Down Under have been as a duo – Darnielle and bassist Peter Hughes. This time, accomplished drummer John Wurster was with them. Wurster famously plays in indie-rock band Superchunk, but has also performed with everyone from Ryan Adams and Rocket From The Crypt, to R.E.M. and The New Pornographers. Wurster’s involvement meant that this performance was far louder than the more measured and quiet sets that Australian Goats fans expect. The last third of the set featured Darnielle on his electric guitar,
Review by Abbey Wright Photography by Courtney Fitzsimmons
which turned the show into a raw, rockout. Prior to this unexpected explosion, Darnielle performed a number of tracks on his own (taking requests), ultimately giving The Goats’ Newcastle date a lot of dynamics. The adoring crowd sang the lyrics of almost every song, and laughed loudly at Darnielle’s always enigmatic stage banter. While a fun time was having had by Novacastrians down at Homebake, The Cambridge experienced its most wondrous show of the year. Hurry back, guys. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Emma Schmidt
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live reviews Rockin The Black Dog
Camp Shortland, Newcastle Saturday December 6, 2008 Rockin’ the Black Dog was a festival conceived by Gareth Hudson and Russell Frith as a way to educate the community about depression and other mental illnesses, as well as honour the memory of Julie Frith who lost her battle with clinical depression earlier this year.
Vaudeville
A free event at Camp Shortland, the weather was hot and the music was filled with life and
enjoyment. Donations were able to be made throughout the day, with proceeds going to the Hunter Institute of Mental Health. Whilst the day itself featured numerous Australian artists to cater to a variety of ages and tastes, it was the Newcastle bands that became the highlight of the event. Rubix Cuba replaced Fictions, and while my disappointment was palpable, it is always a delight to see this local band perform, and hard to stop yourself dancing erratically. Recently returned from New York, The Seabellies were the band I was craving to see, and they never fail to live up to their popularity. Vaudeville proved why they
HOMEBAKE
Put on a stinking hot day, get thousands of kids, put them behind fences and blast them with music. Welcome to Homebake. After grabbing a quick feed at a local café, I squeeze my way through the scrum that is the Homebake entrance and head straight into the seething mass of the mainstage. Let me begin with the final band first. Crowded House transcend generations. It was pleasing to see 16 year olds overjoyed when they hit the stage. They played beats to compete with the noise of Cut Copy, and encouraged everyone to smoke that hidden stash. You’re a naughty man Mr Finn.
The Getaway Plan
BILLY JOEL
Acer Arena, Sydney Tuesday December 9, 2008
Performing in the round with a piano that revolved so that, as he said “everyone gets a turn at having the shitty seats”, Joel opened with ‘Angry Young Man’, ‘My Life’ and ‘The Ballad of Billy The Kid’. This was the start of a
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Tuesday December 9, 2008
Oh, what a repulsive crowd. If MGMT’s turnout at the Hordern Pavilion was a preview of the summer festival crowds to come – I’m going to batten down the hatches til May and live vicariously through YouTube videos. Sadly, I spent half the gig writing hate mail in my head to the trollip who spilled her Smirnoff down my dress, without apology or acknowledgment of the fact that she was being a complete twat. The stage was warmed by the ever-intriguing
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But the day was stolen by Pnau. To the sound of ‘Wild Strawberries’, Nick Littlemore flew onto stage, literally. Suspended by wires, he swung, he glided and he tumbled high above the mainstage. It was a sight to behold and absolutely blew the crowd away.
Pnau
If there will be one thing remembered from this year’s Homebake, it will be the flying Nick Littlemore. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
Died Pretty
2 ½ hour hits-laden night. There were many highlights. ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant’ was stunning, and the breakdown of ‘Need You Tonight’ (INXS) in the middle of ‘The River of Dreams’ was a lovely touch. But one of the biggest crowd reactions came not due to Joel, but for the guitar roadie ‘Chainsaw’. Having being called to the stage by Joel, this bulk of a man took the mic and ripped the roof off the Acer with ‘Highway To Hell’, throwing water over the $300 front row seats. The crowd roared with delight as they screamed the lyrics along with Chainsaw. Following a short break, Joel and band second-support, Luke Steele (Sleepy Jackson, Empire of the Sun) who played an erratic and varied set, with a pre-recorded backing track. Unperturbed by the inattentive crowd who seemed disappointed at the lack of familiar tracks, Steele made his own fun with a bunch of erratic-acoustic guitar bust-outs that were nothing short of amusing. After some fussing about on stage, MGMT erupted into an extended version of ‘The Youth‘ that despite rattling on a bit long, proved to be a thrilling opener. The boys from Brooklyn played a tight set against a psychedelic backdrop that stayed surprisingly true to the sound of their debut album, Oracular Spectacular.
Gabrielle Cilme
Sneaky Sound System
returned for a rock hard version of ‘Only The Good Die Young’. He then sat at his grand piano, attached his harmonica holder, and began ‘Waltzing Matilda’. 20,000 people sung with pride as he led us into the opening strains of ‘Piano Man’. This was a sign of a masterful performer and showman. When it was all over, the Acer Arena rose to its feet to thank Joel for what was one of the best shows they had surely seen all year. And before leaving the stage, he spent time to shake hands with the people at the front of the stage, even turning around so he could be spanked on the arse. The cheeky bugger. Review and Photography by Kevin Bull
Not the keenest of talkers, MGMT skipped on the crowd interaction, and their tie-dyed t-shirts and standout hits, ‘Time To Pretend’, ‘Electric Feel’ and encore song, ‘Kids Do The Talking’. Despite Andrew VanWyngarden uninspired stage presence, ‘Electric Feel’ surpassed the recording and substituted the flutes with guitar, offering all the energy and joy of the first hearing that almost made me forget about it’s recent radio-bashing. Given that the duo has just one album, and only a sprinkling of well-received new tracks, I was very impressed – just a shame they can’t choose their fans. Review by Sarah Shields Photography by David Campbell
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MGMT
Gabrielle Cilme is the real deal. I am convinced. All confidence and class on stage, great voice and all the moves. She’ll be massive worldwide in 12 months.
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Entering a packed-to-the-rafters Acer Arena, I admit that I had my doubts that a man pushing 60 could live up to the hype and deliver his distinguished catalogue with the class it deserved. After the first three songs, I realised that I need not have worried.
Review by Sami Thurtell Photography by Mel Woodward
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Karnivool
Kasey Chambers is also much loved.
So what could have made this festival any better, beyond picturesque weather, central location and good Aussie music? There should have been more people attending for such a worthwhile cause; I was disappointed by the lack of support and awareness. My only hope is that everyone that did attend remembered the cause and donated. Every little bit counts
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Kasey Chambers
deserve their billing at Sydney’s Big Day Out next year and the Boat People ended the day with fun filled music that appealed to the entire crowd.
For a rock crowd to embrace the sound of country is reassuring. Good music will be heard regardless of genre.
The Domain, Sydney Saturday December 6, 2008
Crowded House
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Super Massive
live reviews
040
THE BRONX
Manning Bar, Sydney Thursday December 11, 2008
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Peeking from the side of a stage is a Matt Caughthran that I never expected to see. Looking out to a sold out Manning Bar crowd, he looks nervous... I used to have a poster of this guy on my wall dressed as a cop, so when I went to see The Bronx play live, I was half expecting some dude dressed as a bad ass NYPD guy. Instead, I got a guy with a shaved head, but that authority feeling still suited him well. They walked on and instantly glistened with
THAT 1 GUY
Festival favourite and regular visitor to Aussie shores is Mike Silverman, better known as That One Guy, has played in the Hunter region at Groovin’ the Moo but this was his first non-festival gig in Newcastle and he drew an impressive crowd. For the uninitiated, That One Guy (as the name implies) is a one man band who uses an instrument he invented that is known as The Magic Pipe. It looks like a cross between a double bass and a vacuum cleaner consisting of
Opening the show playing his Magic Pipe with a bow which I believe was an instrumental version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. Then with a few tweaks of the various gadgets surrounding him, he was in full swing. A
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PARKWAY DRIVE JANUARY 09
Newcastle Panthers Saturday December 13, 2008
Ex-I Killed The Prom Queen vocalist and hardcore scene celebrity Michael Crafter’s latest project, Confession opened proceedings to a full house. Playing an unoriginal, yet well executed style of melodic mosh metal, the quintet entertained with songs from their recently released debut EP Can’t Live, Can’t Breathe. Unfortunately, the negativity of Vincent Bennett, vocalist for Massachusetts band The Acacia Strain was slightly more of a talking
Review by Jason Michael Henson Photography by Joel Courtney
huge portion of his set is instrumental and in a percussive techno vein but I feel he shines the most with his more traditionally structured songs with vocal. Songs such as ‘Weasel Pot Pie’ and ‘Buttmachine’ were among the picks of the night with his quirky lyrics, delivered in a nasally tone and bass driven grooves. Then came a cover of Cameo’s 80s classic ‘Word Up’ which was both hilarious and cool at the same time. I did find the techno element of his act to become a bit repetitive over the course of a whole show. But it had the kids dancing and I am sure it is this element of his music that makes him so popular on the festival circuit. Review and Photog by Mark Snelson
Blending the poppiest of melodies, with the grunts and growls of death metal, is where it’s at for A Day To Remember. A cover of Kelly Clarkson’s hit single ‘Since You Been Gone’ was an interesting inclusion, in an overly lengthy performance. Fellow Americans Suicide Silence has spent the last seven years finding their feet, after releasing their maiden full length The Cleansing last year. With a line up containing no original members and an entourage of 19 ex-members,
the Orlando based visitors rounded out the night’s support acts. The well travelled Parkway Drive seemed pleased to be back in Newcastle. The young quintet from Byron Bay, employed an offering of songs from 2005’s Killing With A Smile and 2007’s Horizons, including “Boneyards”, “Gimme a D” and “Smoke Em If You Got Em”. Sing-a-long favourite “Romance is Dead” finalised a flawless, well rehearsed set. Keep your eyes peeled for the DVD Parkway Drive will be releasing early next year, containing footage from this tour. Review by Nathaniel try Photography by Sarah-Kate Harris
The strong beat coming from Battersby behind the drums was intense...the guitar was clangy and wailing and the meaty roar vocals from Merry drilled into everyone there. The sound around the room that reverberated eardrums seemed to come from more than just a two piece band.
Woodport Inn, Erina Saturday December 13, 2008 Tonight held two firsts for me... I discovered how utterly unreal The Fumes are live, and experienced the underground feel of the Woodport Inn, the Vibe that I usually travel to Sydney to experience. The Fumes in the flesh broadcast an awesome show and the boys had an amazing roaring presence on stage. They had everyone up and moving with the bluesy rhythm and I couldn’t help dancing to the upbeat, fast paced sound of American country music.
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They brought the show home with ‘Small Stone’, ending a good night, but at the same time I’m looking forward to their return.
point than the band’s musical capabilities. At one point Bennett stating, “Love is fake, the only true emotion is hate...”, in between delivering one of the night’s stand out performances.
THE FUMES
Klaxons
But I feel that I leave the rest of the band behind, which is just not fair. The band hit harder than they do on the CD’s or the leak that everyone magically acquired, driving forward and really getting you. Something that the Manning Bar always manages to do, but this time it’s that little bit more.
The Bronx were here to push their new self titled album which honestly doesn’t have the guts that they used to have, and that became apparent when they slowed it down, playing ‘Knifeman’. The thing I respect about Caughthran is that he isn’t afraid to get into the feel of things. Numerous times he found himself in the crowd, whether being pulled in, or willingly launching there. He gets into it, ignoring security, and just playing the
one string, metal tubing and a few triggers for setting off samples. From this device he is able to create an array of sounds that rely mostly on percussion up and down the tubing and a heavy bass sound from its one string that bears some resemblance to Les Claypool’s (Primus) sound. He also has a snare drum at the ready that he plays every now and then by whipping out a drumstick from his back pocket. Watching his hands move is a sight to behold as they pluck and slap away at lightning speed all over his strange and wonderful instrument.
Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Friday December 12, 2008
music.
that stardom that only accomplished bands have. The authority of San Francisco band The Bronx filled the Manning Bar. They were in charge, and for the next one and a half hours we were their dolls in a marionette, and they were stringing us along for every sing along and shout out.
The 3 support bands are worth a mention... they were really good. I urge more music lovers of the Central Coast to experience this intimate music venue... and if you like the Fumes, even just a little...you absolutely have to see them live!! Review by Liana McDonald Photography by Linda Wales
NEVEREVERLAND
vocals end, and she began.
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Saturday December 13, 2008
Next, it’s out to the Bang Gang tent where Jamie Doom is ripping the crowd to pieces, and loving every second of it.
I have been to some amazing Modular parties over the years and for their 10th birthday party, NEVEREVERLAND, the Modular kids did not disappoint.
Hercules and Love Affair were absolutely amazing, complete with brass section and massive sound despite being down one member.
We kicked the day off with Van She. These guys have been firm favourites of mine for the past few years and keep getting better every time I see them play live.
Cut Copy pull us in next and despite taking three songs to warm up, smashed the rest of their set with songs like ‘Lights and Music’ and ’Future’.
Next up, Ladyhawke who had great stage presence and sound, but her voice was so layered it was hard to tell where the backing
The Klaxons whipped the crowd into a frenzy with their energetic set showcasing some new tunes which has me very excited for the release of their new album.
Of course the night belonged to The Presets. Coming off their biggest year yet Julian and Kim were on fire from the moment they hit the stage with ‘Talk like that’. The entire set was one killer track after the next and they proved without a doubt why they are the best in the game. The sound was flawless and the light show one of the best I’ve seen in some time. Their performance of “My People’ was a fitting finale to a day with the entire crowd coming together as one. Nevereverland was a brilliant showcase of what Modular has on offer and left me eagerly anticipating what will come next. Bring on the next ten years! Review by Chrissy K Photog by David Campbell
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live reviews
040
PEATS RIDGE FESTIVAL
the greatest party band in the country. Real ska/ reggae that feeds the masses.
New Years Eve 2008
Firekite’s music felt quite comfortable on a large outdoor stage, which is a credit to the guys on stage. Beautiful and emotive.
Glenworth Valley
With so much on offer over the 3 days, it’s going to be the highlights that make it in print.
The Devoted Few
Hey Rosetta! were my find for the New Year. Hailing from Canada, their live sound was more forceful than expected, and now makes their CDs far more enjoyable when listened to again. Sydney’s Andy Bull has the full package, great falsetto voice, cleaver pop songs, and an Elton John/Ben Folds presence. Big things would not surprise me.
Hey Rosetta!
Newcastle’s own The Understudy suprised me with how engaging she is. Acoustic pop with a twist. You have to take your hat off to King Tide, possibly
Firekites
Andy Bull
King Tide
Erskine Falls, Lorne, Victoria Deccember 29 -31, 2008
Soko
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Dead Meadow
Honourable mentions go to Mystery Jets, whose harmonies were incredible, Eli ‘Paper Boy’ Reed, who was old-school, 50s rock through and through, and Santogold, who whipped the Falls Festival audience into a frenzy. We’ll be going back next year, for sure. Review By The Reverb Team Photography By Zak Kaczmarek and Chris Turner
ALL TOMORROW’S PARTIES
There are few more beautiful locations than Cockatoo Island, and it was amazing to have the opportunity to return there after the ill-fated Cockatoo Island Festival in 2005.
Sunday January 18, 2009
Dead Meadow and Spirtualized performed amazing sets, while Japanese duo Afrirampo were utterly unique - think noise-rock with crazy yelping and spoken word break-downs.
If you’re Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds fan, then All Tomorrow’s Parties would have been your spiritual pilgrimage. Curated by Cave and his very, very Bad Seeds, ATP was a line-up of artists that have influenced and inspired them. From the new (Dead Meadow and Bridezilla) to the old (The Saints and Laughing Clowns), to the uberobscure (Silver Apples and Harmonia), ATP’s line-up was an endlessly fascinating mix of sounds and textures.
The Saints
But the day belonged to Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds who took to the main stage after dusk. As Mick Harvey’s last performance as a Bad Seed, it was a humbling night. It was the perfect set, with ‘Stagger Lee’ as its towering finale. Bring on next year’s Parties. Review By Nick Milligan Photography By Kevin Bull
Bridezilla Newcastle, Hunter and Coast’s largest music, entertainment and lifestyle magazine
JULY 10
Afrirampo
The main stage was dominated by the heavyweights - The Hives were an absolute powerhouse, ultimately stealing the show from every other band at the festival. The Kooks could have lifted a lot more than they did, particularly as Franz Ferdinand were on the following night. Leading a massive audience into 2009, Franz showed why they’re superstars.
JANUARY 10
Nick Cave
Big 3 days, Happy New year everyone. Review and Photography By Kevin Bull
Architecture in Helsinki
Augie March
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Robert Forster
Adelaide’s Former Child Stars were also unexpected. Well written upbeat pop/rock that made you want mto get involved.
JULY 09
Santigold
In a welcome change from last year’s oppressive and quite dangerous heat, 2008’s Falls Festival was the polar opposite. With night temperatures dropping below seven degress, punters had nothing to do but bask in the glow of an amazing national and international line-up of bands. Fleet Foxes put in a memorable performance on the opening night, with their glorious folk rock. They were just one of an endless run of musical highlights over the next two days, from pop twins Tegan and Sara, to the legendary Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings.
Franz Ferdinand
Chase the Sun are a blues rock lover’s wet dream. A power trio of might, magic musicians, and simply the best time.
The Understudy
FALLS FESTIVAL
The Kooks
Dolly Rocker Movement created a skinny jean swagger that moved you as much as the rock hit you.
live reviews
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PUBLIC ENEMY Newcastle Panthers
Saturday January 3, 2009
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
Yeeeaahhhh Boooooyyyy! Who’d have thunk it? The pioneers of East Coast hip hop, Public Enemy, playing Newcastle Panthers. Sure, there were questions to be asked in the packed downstairs bar. Could they possibly pull it off? Chuck D would have to be nearly 50 wouldn’t he? Hasn’t Flavor Flav become a bit of a joke? Well these questions and a whole lot more were answered the
moment DJ Lord (the replacement for the legendary record spinner Terminator X) stood up to the decks and gave the audience proof of why he is regarded as one of the best DJ’s in the world. From there it was Chuck and Flavor’s night and, adding insult to injury to all the P.E fans who stayed home, they proceeded to play their classic It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back album from back to front. Chuck’s delivery was as venomous and committed as ever and as for the Flav – well he may have become a bit of a parody of himself in recent years (see Flavor of
FLEET FOXES
Prince Of Wales, Melbourne Saturday January 3, 2009 My expectations were high for this debut Australian tour by Seattle’s gut-wrenchingly beautiful Fleet Foxes and it’s fair to say that no one would have walked away from their performances with a sense of disappointment.
JULY 08
On record, Fleet Foxes’ ethereal and radiant harmonies are utterly breath-taking. But nothing could have prepared me for how perfect the band sounds live. Far surpassing
JANUARY 09
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT Entrance Leagues Club Monday January 5, 2009
My first visit to The Entrance in many years proved fruitful. The corridors were eerily absent, due to the gig room being packed to the rafters and very hot.
Let it be said the Clint Boge has an amazing voice, super powerful and massive range. He didn’t disappoint. The Butterfly Effect’s title “the hardest working rock
Highlights were too many to mention, from radio single ‘White Winter Hymnal’, to ‘Tiger
Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
band in Australia” is well deserved. The lads have it down to a fine art, working the crowd superbly. The new album ‘Final Conversation’ , for me, lacked the crunching heavyness that had made this band. On stage however, they brought the power. With practically all their material having large radio exposure, it’s always fun to watch a band where the crowd knows all the words. ‘Reach’, ‘Gone’, ‘Always’ and’ Slow Descent’ being favourites, along with new tunes, given a heavy facelift, ‘Window and the Watcher’ and ‘In These
It is very difficult, and somewhat ignorant, to try and declare one
Presented in their trademark matching outfits, The Hives truly have the ability to
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Mountain Peasant Song’, though if I would had to pick, it would be their awe-inspiring ‘Mykonos’, which is by far Fleet Foxes’ most amazing song. After an encore of ‘Blue Ridge Mountains’, Pecknold declared that the next Fleet Foxes tour should start in Australia. Amen. But the crowd weren’t going to let him leave, so he returned to the stage to perform an obscure Fairport Convention cover. Overall, it was a magical show. You couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Tropical beach location, the smell of coconuts and sunscreen, blazing hot sun, palm trees, and not a care in the world. This is the kind of atmosphere exuding from Donovan Frankenreiter and his music.
The Swedish quintet took the stage looking more like cocktail waiters than a bunch of dirty rockers playing the second last show on a 98 date world tour. The Hives were out in Australia for the annual Falls Festival shows in Victoria and Tasmania. Fortunately, fans unable to make the trek down South weren’t deprived, as a few side shows around the country were included in the tour schedule.
Review by Stephen Bisset Photography by Kieran Ferguson
Though vocalist Pecknold allegedly suffers from panic attacks, he was in fine form on stage, though often a little shy in his stage banter. He would occasionally take a moment to talk to the crowd and told a recent story of sharing an elevator with Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav.
Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Tuesday January 6, 2009
Metro Theatre, Sydney Tuesday January 6, 2009
If it wasn’t enough that P.E would deliver such a classic album to the Newcastle faithful, they then proceeded to play a litany of P.E classics such as ‘By the Time I Get To Arizona’, ‘Fight The Power’, and ‘911 is a Joke’ in a set that almost clocked in at a whopping three hours. Even with the massive set list I couldn’t help wanting more.
the quality of their recordings, singer Robin Pecknold and his group sang like a choir of angels. Opening with ‘Sun It Rises’, Fleet Foxes played practically every track from their self-titled album and EP, Sun Giant.
DONAVON FRANKENREITER
THE HIVES
Love), but onstage he’s still got it, jumping around like a possessed rabbit complete with giant clock.
Hands’. Amazing live band. Well worth a watch. Review and Photography by Kieran Ferguson
song’s performance over the others; they all contained such energy and compassion that he all but swept every audience member away to their own tropical paradise under the sun. Punters appeared to leave the show bleary eyed, as if they had just woken from a deep slumber. However this was by no means that the show was boring! Frankenreiter’s raspy yet honey-like vocals spread a chilledout ambience throughout the entire room, and created an atmosphere of ultimate peace, love and good vibes.
well as some of his newer material helped keep the night fresh and moving. Some knew the words enough to sing along, while others were happy enough to sit back and be totally enthralled by the beachy star. If you ever get the opportunity to see Donovan Frankenreiter in concert, I suggest you take it! Fantastic performance! Review by Ashley Grey Photography by Courtney Fitzsimmons
A mixture of classic Frankenreiter as
keep their crowd impressed, interested and intrigued from start to finish. Front man Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist has a similar on stage persona to Iggy Pop or Lux Interior (The Cramps). The distinct difference to be noted in these comparisons is that Almqvist has the classy dress sense and social decency to keep the the majority of his clothing on whilst performing. The comical delivery of a self appraising set did not at all detract from the band’s performance. This was thanks mainly to Almqvist’s cockiness, guitarist Nicholaus Arson’s machine gun moves and drummer Chris Dangerous’ stick juggling ability. ‘Walk Idiot Walk’, ‘Two-Timing Touch & Broken Bones’, ‘Won’t Be Long’ and ‘Tick Tick
Boom’ were a few stand out inclusions. And alas, the night had come to an end just like all great things must do. Of course, the midnight finish didn’t deter an energetic Sydney crowd from chanting for more. The Hives closed proceedings with a four song farewell which included two covers; ‘Gotta Get Some Action’ by The Hellacopters and ‘Hollywood Babylon’ by The Misfits. As was expected, the song that gained the band a large portion of their fan base, ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’ was used as icing on a very well baked cake. What more could you ask for? Review by Nathaniel Try Photography by Jim Graham
Newcastle, Hunter and Coast’s largest music, entertainment and lifestyle magazine
Pnau
live reviews TEGAN AND SARA
shared an intimacy and rapport only afforded to family.
Thursday January 8, 2009
Although twins, they couldn’t have been more different on the night. Tegan dressed in white while Sara was all in black. Tegan was the chattier of the sisters on stage, with Sara happy to lie low in the background and listen to the embarrassing stories only a sister would know.
This rapport flowed over into the audience, with their voices joining Tegan and Sara’s in many, if not all the songs. Highlighting this was a rendition of their popular tune ‘Walking with a Ghost’. Asking for the house lights to come up, they implored the audience to join in like it was “late at night in a karaoke bar after a few too many drinks”. And the audience gave it their best shot.
That’s not to say Sara didn’t own the venue with her voice, pushing it out strong and vibrant compared to her sister’s softer, more willowy voice. Together their harmonies soared, bringing them together as they
The songs from their latest album, The Con, were well-received, but many of the most popular songs came from their older albums with the audience bellowing their appreciation. It was also the title track
Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Sara
THE BLACK KEYS GOMEZ, DR. DOG
Newcastle Panthers
Thursday January 8, 2009 Falling somewhere between The Beach Boys and The Band, Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog warmed a small, but interested audience with their brand of sunny pop. By the time British indie-rockers Gomez took to the stage, the crowd has swelled. Their third performance at Panthers, the group were as solid as ever (far more than their underwhelming set at Lorne’s Falls
Black Keys
WHITLEY
LISA MITCHELL WASHINGTON Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Friday January 9, 2009
Embarking on a solo tour Whitley set out to amuse and enthral. Whilst battling a broken string he recounted tales of pills, lip balm and the trials and tribulations of life on the road with girls. Performing known songs ‘I Remember’ and ‘Shot To The Stars’
Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Sunday January 18, 2009 In Trenches offer a refreshing sound in a music scene that over the last few years has been flooded by clones. The line up features former Day Of Contempt vocalist Ben Coyte, and former I Killed The Prom Queen guitarist Kevin Cameron. The group’s two song demo is an exceptional introduction for what is to follow.
CARPATHIAN, COMEBACK KID, VERSE, AGAINST Manning Bar, Sydney Thursday November 11, 2008
info@reverbstreetpress.com - 02 4929 4739
The Boys of Summer tour has been around since 2007, and has come a long way. Managing to gain the support of Misery Signals, Silverstien and I Killed The Prom Queen in the past, there were expectations for a good line up for Boys of Summer 2009, and as was hoped, the lineup was very good indeed.
Review by Partick Tangye Photography By Sarah-Kate Harris
Few popular tracks were left out and the set was a great selection from their five studio albums. There were large cheers for ‘10AM Automatic’, ‘ Set You Free’, ‘Psychotic Girl’, ‘Strange Times’ and ‘Your Touch’. Drummer Patrick Carney, positioned right at the front of the stage, wowed the crowd with his pounding rhythms, adding to the massive Black Keys live sound. They’re better on stage than on record - don’t miss them when they come back next time. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
he was by far the most captivating performer of the night, largely due to the dynamic combination of musical talent and a fantastic connection with the crowd. Audience approval was evidenced by their insistence of an encore and Whitley, ever the performer was happy to oblige. Overall, the night was a great showcase of a musical genre not witnessed at the Cambridge as often as it should be. Review by Mel Woodward Photography by Robyn Moore
Named after a passage of lyrics taken from ‘Ghost Train’ by Counting Crows, Between The Buried And Me entertain with technical proficiency. Opening the set with the band’s most admired hymn, ‘Mordecai’ was a great decision. This song displays everything BTBAM have to offer; catchy hooks, melodic guitar solos, clean vocals and guttural growls. It was quite astounding to see how popular this band is in Newcastle. Bleeding Through are one of modern hardcore’s finest ensembles. The impressive list of bands this Californian sextet has toured with includes Slayer, The Offspring, AFI and Marilyn Manson to name a few. Rare is it to see an international tour of this
I was most excited to see Comeback Kid, having missed them the last time they were here. Hearing their most recent release Through The Noise, it was obvious that they had progressed as songwriters, and I could hear an energy that was not present in their previous releases like Broadcasting and Wake The Dead. Coming on just after Verse - a band that sounds similar, but personally, not as full of character - Comeback Kid played about 40 minutes of their best from an archive of over seven years of songwriting. And the intimacy of The Oasis is that fans could sing along, hug, and even grab the mic whilst watching
Lisa Mitchell
nature catering for fans living in remote areas. However, on their fourth national tour of Australia, the band’s itinerary contained regional locations such as Taree, Albury and Nowra. Performed tonight were tracks from four of Bleeding Through’s five full length albums. A few crowd favourites embraced were ‘Rise’, ‘Revenge I Seek’ and ‘For Love and Failing’. ‘Sister Charlatan’ from 2008’s Declaration was savoured as the last song for the evening. This epic six minute track was written by Australian born musician Jona Weinhoffen who joined the band in 2006 as second guitarist.
Review by Nathaniel Try Photography by Robyn Moore
their childhood heroes playing live in their hometown. The headline band this year, Carpathian, have come a long way since replacing Crafter with Martin Kirby and releasing Isolation last year. Carpathian are creating some big noises, both on and off stage. Good noise, and judging by the amount of people that stormed in from the outside section of The Oasis just during their quick soundcheck, they have made a lot of friends too. Review by Jason Michael Henson Photography by Joel Courtney
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BOYS OF SUMMER TOUR
Never ones to disappoint, after a brief interlude, the sisters were back for their encore where they launched into the songs ‘Relief Next To Me’ and a beautiful cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Dancing in the Dark’ before capping it off with the song ‘Back in Your Head’, which is exactly where they were when they walked offstage.
JANUARY 10
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME IN TRENCHES
Carpathian
The crowd that most of the punters had come to see, The Black Keys, took to the stage with a huge response. The Akron, Ohio, duo wasted no time in showing the audience how two men can make a monstrous sound. Guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach’s voice sounded as oiled and slick as ever - his blues rock guitar filling the room with every chord.
Australian Idol participant Lisa Mitchell started her set after an unnecessarily long wait but her voice was worth it and the crowd appreciated her sweet lyrics. In between songs she appeared timid and fragile and her stage presence could be improved, but there was something about her innocent nature that enchanted the audience.
BLEEDING THROUGH
Bleeding Through
Festival). Crowd favourites were included, from the epic ‘We Haven’t Turned Around’ to ‘Whippin’ Picadilly’, ‘See The World’ and ‘Girlshapedlovedrug’. It wasn’t the most stunning Gomez set we’ve seen, but I was glad they were back in town.
from The Con that was a fitting finale to an effortlessly incredible night, with mobile phones held up in lieu of lighters, lovers kissed, and hands were held. As the last chords reverberated around the venue, the crowd begged for more.
JULY 09
Whitley
The atmosphere at the Cambridge was relaxed as Washington took to the stage to begin the night. Her melodic voice started off quiet and reserved and at times it was difficult to hear, however, as the set progressed her confidence grew and her voice shone. Personally, I found that her recorded music showcases a better example of her talent than her live performance.
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Super Massive
live reviews
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RAZORLIGHT
self titled EP as energy levels remained keen.
Thursday January 29, 2009
Fade to black, mass applause and the Anglo-Swedish Razorlight emerged with frontman Johnny Borrell taking the reins. Crowd pleasers ‘Back To The Start’, ‘In The Morning’ and ‘Don’t Go Back To Dalston’ raised the roof. As the set progressed Borrell appeared out of place wearing a fully buttoned long sleeved shirt that was drenched in sweat. It was quite a nerdy look but was met with a cheer when he eventually took it off as many female eye lids batted.
Metro Theatre, Sydney
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
Razorlight’s first ever appearance to Australia was sealed with a sold- out show at The Metro and a strong performance by support act Slow Down Honey. The Central Coast fourpiece were eager to please. Frontman Alex Bennison threw himself enthusiastically into his set, hurling out numbers ‘You Let The Whole World Down’, ‘On Your Records’ and ‘Brass In Pocket’. The ambience seemed to be the perfect setting to push their latest
JEFF BECK
JULY 08
32 years is a long time to wait for someone to tour Australia again, but that was the task faced by Jeff Beck fans. But they were patient... and he delivered. Many punters who attended one of Jeff Beck’s Sydney performances would have walked away with the strong sensation that they’d just witnessed the greatest guitarist on the Earth. They wouldn’t be far from the truth. Indeed, Beck has mastered the instrument, and is widely recognised in
JANUARY 09
Bimbadgen Estate Saturday January 31, 2009
I never thought I would get to see Leonard Cohen live. Having had his music engrained into my musical consciousness from before I could walk, and having discovered that Cohen had retreated to the Mout Baldy Centre to become a Zen Buddhist monk called ‘Jikan’ (meaning ‘silence’), I felt my chances of attending a Cohen concert were slim-to-none. But with renewed interest in his music via the the concert/documentary film I’m Your Man, it seems that Cohen felt a need to return to the fans.
BOB CORBETT JASON LOWE SARAH HUMPHREYS
Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Newcastle Saturday January 31, 2009
Bob Corbett
I hear the ladies’ toilet at the Lass O Gowrie is really nice. Great décor and a nice ambiance. I have never been in it so I will have to trust my source. From the look of the men’s toilet I wouldn’t have guessed this – there are yellow tiles, stainless steel urinals and a landscape photo. Oh yeah, and there are wash basins,
Review by Marija Zeko Photography by Mitchell Tomlinson
A great deal of sashaying onstage took
midst of wizardy that you’re unlikely to ever see on stage again, it’s impossible to fault the guitarist’s technical ability. He’s simply amazing.
If you’re impressed by trickery, then this concert would have satisfied. It’s fair to say that there’s nothing Beck can’t play - his white Fender Stratocaster is like an extension of his body.
If any criticism could be made, it would be the lingering feeling that Beck’s flair sometimes impeded on his feel. While he makes his instrument sing (and interestingly, he never changed guitars during the concert), I’d have loved to hear more from his heart and less from his head.
A completely instrumental concert, the legendary muso was joined by Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, David Sancious on keyboards and prodigal lady bass player, Tal Wilkenfield.
Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
Opening with ‘Beck’s Bolero’, Beck very quickly wowed the audience. In the
So, as you might expect, the prospect of a two and a half hour Leonard Cohen concert was a little hard to take in. Did it live up to expectations? No, not exactly. I certainly expected the show to be amazing, but it was something more. It is so rare that a live concert transcend the simple arrangement of an entertainer performing to a crowd. But Leonard Cohen’s show at Bimbadgen became something truly spiritual. Indeed, it was so surreal to watch a 74 year-old man open his mouth and hear that deep, stirring voice, that I wrestled with the idea that this might not actually be happening. This was a concert that you can’t describe with words. The set list was extensive, with tracks ‘Dance Me To The End Of
but most people seem to overlook those. Anyway, I didn’t come to the Lass for the toilets. I came to see Sarah Humphreys, Jason Lowe and Bob Corbett.
Love’, ‘Sisters Of Mercy’, ‘Chelsea Hotel #2’, ‘Suzanne’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Bird On A Wire’, ‘First We Take Manhattan’, and ‘Democracy’. His performance of ‘Hallejulah’ earned a standing ovation, as did most of the songs chosen. The singer was gracious on stage, clearly moved by the audience’s overwhelming response. His nine-piece band, world-class, featured Sharon Robinson (his long time collaborator). While it may have been Leonard Cohen’s last every visit to our shores, the people that attended this tour will always remember it. It was truly the most momentous and powerful performance I have ever witnessed. Review by Nick Milligan Photography by Kevin Bull
the songs he played on his slide guitar, and was keen to see him again. Tonight he played more of a regular, acoustic set. It was very mellow, almost sedate, which probably suited the crowd.
Sarah Humphreys took the stage first. She has a great folk style. I particularly enjoyed the song, ‘Separate and Still’, which is on her album, Teapot Trees and Love Birds.
Bob Corbett was the highlight of the evening. He was fun and energetic. His songs were catchy and accessible, a pop-folk style – or as he describes it, “polky”. He used a loop pedal during his performance to add percussion and backing vocals, giving his set a larger, fuller sound. The best songs were ‘I’m breaking up’ and a cover of ‘Runaway Girl’.
The first time I saw Jason Lowe was a year or so ago. Then, I was really impressed with
Review by Andrew Chesham Photography by Courtney Fitzsimmons
Sadly, there was only a small crowd at the show. They were polite, but largely unenthused, most didn’t seem too interested in the music.
HERE COME THE BIRDS Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Saturday February 7, 2009
It has to be said that a good amount of great local Aussie talent is climbing up through the ranks of our social music scene. As it turns out, I had the chance to be present at one such gig just recently. The band happened to be Here Come The Birds, and the venue (one of my personal favourites) was the Cambridge
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A few more tracks and the night ended on ‘Somewhere Else’. Presumably a good time was had by all and Thursday night’s gig was a great prelude to the weekend.
the upper echelons of guitar royalty. A true axe-man.
Enmore Theatre, Sydney Friday January 30, 2009
LEONARD COHEN
place alongside ‘Golden Touch’, ‘Wire To Wire’ and ballad ‘America’. There was a harmonious kinship between band members that translated well. Guitarist Bjorn Sten Agren and bassist Carl Delemo served Borrell’s vocals well as drummer Andy Burrow’s beat ranged from ferocious to amiable.
Hotel in Newcastle. Here is a band that is on the rise with attributes such as a powerful stage presence and well crafted songs. Here Come The Birds have proven themselves to be a tight act and are very capable of memorable performances due to the exploding energy of the lead guitarist, coupled with a sense of genuine charisma from the vocalist. The result, Here Come The Birds have the ability to tap into their audience and never loose the crowd’s full attention. The solid fan base was never given much of a chance to catch a breath, between the vigorous performance from the lead
guitarist, the intensity delivered by the vocalist and the solid rolling bass lines which was all topped off by a drummer that had a powerful percussive presence that created a wall of sound. And all this was tied together beautifully by a colourful rhythm guitarist who at times stole the spotlight. I was impressed to see such a solid crowd of fans in attendance, which indicated to me what I now also know to be true..... HERE COME THE BIRDS. Review and Photography by Terry Paull
Newcastle, Hunter and Coast’s largest music, entertainment and lifestyle magazine
live reviews RAGGA MUFFIN
Newcastle Entertainment Centre Saturday January 31, 2009 Bonjah opened the show and the Melbourne based New Zealand outfit treated audiences to a reggae funk assemble, laden with a feel good vibe. A thirty minute interval between acts and Inner Circle treated the audience to their racy number ‘Sweat (La La La La Long)’ and the infamous street number ‘Bad Boys’.
Eddy Grant
Another beer and Arrested Development made their presence. The eight piece band incorporated hits ‘Mr Wendal’, ‘Everyday People’ and ‘Tennessee’ interluded with a great deal of booty shaking from singer Montosho-Eshe as they mixed up the reggae/ R&B meets Africana feel. At 5.20pm, Shaggy made his presence, enticing the crowd to sing along and sway their hands, ‘Oh Carolina’ was the first of the set. The hits came thick and fast – ‘Angel’, ‘In The Summertime’ and ‘Hey Sexy Lady’. Shaggy didn’t hold back as he thrust his pelvis, strutted his sexy moves and lost himself in his very energetic performance. The energy was not lost on former UB40
PLAYGROUND WEEKENDER
One word comes to mind when I think of this year’s Playground Weekender festival… hot. The festival took place on the hottest weekend of the year but the heat did little to deter the excitement of the many happy campers on site. Saturday kicked off with some amazing young acts, Sherlock’s Daughter, Pomomofo and Yes King, as well as a very energetic set by Grafton Primary. Lyrics Born were fantastic and Crazy Penis got the overheated crowd up and out from hiding under the trees. Saturday is dress up day and as the sun went down, the costumes came out, everything from Oompa Loompas to Spongebob. The kids put in a lot of effort.
Review by Marija Zeko Photography by Kieran Ferguson
TZU kicked off main stage on Sunday with so much energy and the crowd lapped it up. WhoMadeWho performed the best set of the festival, they were my absolute highlight (well, their backstage jam session was my highlight, but that is another story…). Festival staples Blue King Brown played with their usual level of passion and Jose Gonzales followed with a very emotional set. Finally, it was time for The Streets. Skinner owned the stage and had the crowd in the palm of his hand from ‘Everything’s Borrowed’ to ‘Fit But You Know It.’ I hate to admit it, but the boy has charisma. Following the massive after party our favourite festival came to an end, and left many a happy punter waiting in anticipation for next year’s installment. Review and Photography by Chrissy K
Newcastle Entertainment Centre Friday February 13, 2009
Metro Station were brash, and on first appearance totally inappropriate for this audience. How wrong was I, even though they did let a few “f**ks” fly.
So how does this situation happen? I am watch what is essentially a rock show, and I have 6 year old girls dancing around me going nuts....more on that later.
Now The Veronicas. How do you become worshipped by so many young girls? Marketing. Even their tour booklet has makeup and cooking tips.
The NEC is packed tonight, 95% female, girls ranging from 6 to 20 years, some very patient boyfriends and lots of yummy mums.
The show itself was pure rock, and taken on that level, it was quite good. All the hits were
Newcastle Friday February 13, 2009 Performing at the newly reopened band room, Kate Miller-Heidke showcased her eclectic nature and extensive vocal range to an enthralled audience. Upon the release of her second album, Curiouser, Kate has come to the forefront of the Australian music scene and has been widely received by a diverse audience. Whilst the new album has
been described as experimental, hooky and unashamedly pop, in distinct comparison to the prevalent opera tones of the first, MillerHeidke still manages to twist the opposing genres together, defining her own unique and compelling style. Although an amazing performer in her own right, the combined talent of her band takes the show to another level. Supported by golden guitar nominee Nicole Brophy on backing vocals and partner/co-writer Keir Nuttal on lead guitar, Kate was determined to create a memorable Black Friday, and that she did. The evening was filled with tantalising tales, spine tingling harmonies and erratic dancing that had the audience captivated.
Jose Gonzales
The Streets
played, and I was personally surprised how many there were. This was very engaging for the young crowd. Production wise, there were a number of minor hiccups, but considering this was the first gig of the tour, quite understandable. The acoustic songs felt lacklustre, the string section was drowned out, but when they turned up the volume, these chicks rock hard. To wrap-up, it was a night where the merch was hit hard, and the young girls of Newcastle had a night that they will remember for years. Review and Photography By Kevin Bull
The gig featured songs from both albums, with highlights including one that echoed recent tragedies, the aptly titled ‘The Last Day on Earth’, as well as fun, upbeat numbers such as favourite ‘Can’t Shake It.’ Throughout the night I was continually surprised; a cover of John Farnham’s ‘You’re the Voice’ that I actually enjoyed, co-ordinated 80’s dance moves, and a moment of homage to Rage Against the Machine during ‘Words’ are just a few glimpses into the evening. Review by Mel Woodward Photography by Courtney Fitzsimmons
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Newcastle Leagues Club,
Inner Circle
JANUARY 10
Short Stack have lots of fans on-hand, and are quite comfortable on a large stage. Very animated, very confident, and lapped up the attention.
KATE MILLERHEIDKE
Arrested Development
Headliner Ziggy Marley threw in some nifty guitar riffs as he played ‘Make Some Music’, ‘Look Who’s Dancing’ and ‘Tomorrow People’. The set was tight, Ziggy spoke a little, played his songs and when his set was up, left the stage. A little abrupt but it was nice to here ‘Love Is My Religion’ and ‘A Lifetime’.
THE VERONICAS METRO STATION SHORT STACK
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Disappointed to see Campbell go I was nevertheless treated to the reggae great Eddy Grant whose band incorporated three buxom singers in traditional African dress unafraid to shake and giggle and throw themselves into a hearty performance. Grant was delightful as he happily conversed with the audience in between dollops of feel good reggae with ‘Electric Avenue’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Dance’ and ‘Say I Love You’.
JULY 09
Next up, Crystal Castles. I was disappointed to say the least. Too much
frontman Ali Campbell who opened his set with ‘Homey Girl’. That familiar angelic voice that helped sell 70 million albums worldwide was in his element as he played old favourites, ‘The Way You Do The Things You Do’, ‘One In Ten’, ‘Would I Lie To You’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’.
strobe, too much bass, and way too much screaming. Cold War Kids were good, but played in the dark so sorry kids, no photos. The night wrapped up with Primal Scream who seemed a little past it to me, but the crowd seemed to love them.
Wiseman’s Ferry Weekend, February 7 & 8, 2009
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Super Massive
live reviews
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BLACK VALENTINE Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Friday February 13, 2009
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
You just know it’s going to be an entertaining evening when the sound check consists of an accordion, a ukelele and a saw played with a bow. But for all the quirkiness, this is a genuine good time band. Hats off to Mojo Juju and the Snake Oil Merchants, they really know how to work up the crowd and get the room jumping.
Lillian Starr
The bass player was my favourite, he reminded me of a bouncing bear, jumping around tirelessly punching out great bass lines with his
BOB LOG III
blood boiling.
The night was also compounded by the fact that it was Friday the 13th, so extra effort was made to create a full evening of “off the wall” entertainment. This included three captivating dancers, the delightful Lillian Starr and the delectable Singing Sadie with the delicious Papillion to warm our hearts and get the
All in all, a colourful evening which was full of too many goings on to mention them all, so you just have to get along to one of their shows and see for yourself how truly entertaining and unique this band really are.
Normally backed by a full band (The Devil and Abbe May), tonight support Abbe May was in solo mode armed with an electric guitar and a couple of mics.
THE WAIFS
JANUARY 09
Civic Theatre, Newcastle Sunday February 15, 2009 Due to shocking weather and torrential rain, I unfortunately missed tonight’s opener Jez Mead. The Waif’s though were certainly welcomed by a full house at The Civic Theatre. The Waifs have played an enormous amount of shows throughout their history as a band, and it shows. They know how to make a theatre feel homey and intimate – letting us into their
You know those concerts you envisage in your head for years, creating every detail of how incredible it would be to see that band perform live? Well, this was one of those nights for many people in attendance. Melodic Newcastle punks One Vital Word kicked things off to an open minded crowd. OVW’s front man Owen provides much amusement on stage with his original and comical dance moves.
The unforgettable parts of tonight’s show for me were the stripped back moments – Vikki’s sultry voice backed solely by double bass or ‘Feeling Sentimental’ sung in three-part harmony around the one microphone accompanied by ukulele.
After 12 years since their last tour down under, Canada’s finest punk rock pioneers still have what it takes to generate a much hyped tour. With lyrics more in depth than your
Acer Arena, Sydney Saturday February 21, 2009 Hot on the heels of their fifth album Folie a Deux, Fall Out Boy were back in Australia and ready to entertain the youth of Sydney at Acer Arena. The Florida rock outfit Hey Monday enthusiastically openned the night, unleashing well received songs ‘Homecoming’, ‘Candles’ and ‘Run Don’t Walk’ from their latest album Hold On Tight. The teens and twenty somethings that would dominate the night liked what they saw as they sang along and
Review and Photography by Mark Snelson
personal dealings with one another, light hearted banter and familiar digs at one another were peppered throughout the show. “She’s the naturally happy one and I’m the medicated one” says Donna Simpson about her sister, before singing one of the many highlights, the personal and witty, ‘Haircut’.
When a band reforms after a few years of absence, this can often spell disaster. However, when a band gets together for a one off reunion show – it’s really fucking cool! Conation disbanded back in 2006 after nine years at the forefront of the Australian hardcore scene. The proficiency and accuracy with which every note of this set was executed was remarkable. A performance of generous duration was supplied by a quartet who appeared genuinely pleased to be playing together again.
FALL OUT BOY
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However, there was one major problem tonight that was nothing to do with the artist’s performance – it was the venue. I have seen some great shows at the Northern Star and it can be a brilliant room for a solo artist who sits down for the whole show but for this, it did not work. The stage is far too short and unless you were in the front two rows, you were unable to see Bob Log perform – which is essential for such a visual showman. I was front row for a good portion of his show but when my camera gear was under threat of being drowned in scotch I retreated to the rear where I was able to listen to a fine show...just a shame I couldn’t see it.
Tonight Bob Log III was on fire. He was busting out his chunky and sometimes furiously paced blues -rock to a faithful gathering that was wall to wall by the time he came on. He showcased a number of fantastic sounding new tracks from his My Shit is Perfect CD as well as some big crowd pleasers such as ‘Boob Scotch’ and ‘Log Bomb’.
Despite her small frame May belts out the blues like someone twice her size. She plays an impressive style of down and dirty swampy blues that captivated the full house tonight. I have a feeling Abbe May is going to be huge and after witnessing tonight’s solo effort, she
Bar On The Hill Wednesday February 18, 2009
Review and Photography by Terry Paull
Next up was Bob Log III, an American one man band who plays some of the rawest, rockinfused blues you are ever likely to hear. Bob Log started the show outside of the hotel and worked his way through the crowd and onto the stage whilst playing some killer blues riffs along the way.
The Northern Star Hotel Saturday February 14, 2009
PROPAGANDHI
The night wouldn’t be complete without the strange but alluring Juke Baritone and the Swamp Dogs to start the night rolling with their own brand of carnivale appeal, which included an exodus from the stage to the bar while still playing there acoustic instruments, which I believe was all in aid of a beer stop.
deserves to be.
ABBE MAY
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long corkscrew hair and beard to match. Its always a pleasure to see brass in a band and this band has two brass players that double up on instruments such as ukelele and small percussion when the songs require. The band wouldn’t be complete without the sounds of an accordion played on occasion by the lovely female keyboardist. Let’s not forget the guy playing the saw with a bow!
Joshua Cunningham provides strong support with his array of personally built guitars and an ability to cross a broad range of styles. Fans had been encouraged to request songs in advance online – so this saw the appearance of a couple of songs that hadn’t been played at The Waif’s shows for a long time. This is a band that holds a well deserved place in the hearts of the Australian music loving public. Review by Mark Moldre Photography by Robyn Moore
standard offerings about girls and drinking, Propagandhi attack real issues with the world we live in. Topics such as animal liberation, humanitarian rights and anti-discrimination are presented in an informative manner. Set highlights included ‘Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes’, ‘Back to the Motor League’, ‘Haillie Sellasse, Up Your Ass’ and ‘A Speculative Fiction’. Also played tonight were a few tracks from Propagandhi’s fifth full length album Supporting Caste which will be officially released in mid March. Review by Nathaniel Try Photography by Robyn Moore
cheered the band on.
Fall Out Boy is the voice of the youth.
The second of the nights acts, All American Rejects heated things up as they thrashed and soared threw meaty songs incorporating ‘Swing, Swing’, ‘Move Along’ and ‘It Ends Tonight’. Singer Tyson Ritter appeared to be at home fronting the band and interacting with the audience.
Pete Wentz was the band’s spokesman for the night, leaving Patrick Stump to concentrate on singing, which coincidentally sounded great. Skinny jeans may be all the rage, but Stump should eat more salads and less burgers if he cares to pull the look off. A few flames going off, Wentz immersed in the crowd, lots of screams and the night had come to an end but not without a satiated crowd talking amongst themselves how good the performance was. Review by Marija Zeko Photography by James Thomson
True to the schedule, Fall Out Boy hit the stage at 9.30pm, launching into ‘Thnks Fr Th Mmrs’. The pyrotechnics were in full flight and were used many times throughout the night. The young audience screamed the house down when a song was played, clarifying that
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LANEWAY FESTIVAL
The Temper Trap
The Drones
Circular Quay, Sydney Sunday February 8, 2009 I had heard so much about this darling festival of the indie scene. A beer sponsor can tell you a lot about an event. Last year Laneway was sponsored by Carlsberg; a boutique beer for a boutique festival. And true to form, Laneway lived up to its rep. They served Tiger beer this year, as well as the crème de la crop of new music. I was glad to see one familiar name on the line up. Firekites, fellow novocastrians and rising stars of the Spunk Records stable, set the bar high with a lush performance of their dreamy pop. Collaborator and Herd front-woman Jane Tyrell joined in on a few tracks. The true highlight of the day however was Melbourne four-piece The Temper Trap. Combining sweet vocals, intricate beats and beautifully layered guitars these guys had this reviewer smiling like a goof in the middle of the crowd.
Cut Off Your Hands
Tame Impala
Yves Klein Blue
Girl Talk
The highly anticipated Girltalk concluded the festival with his unique nerdy mash up. And by the sound of the squealing girls (and guys) people were digging it. Overall I rate the 2009 Laneway Festival six Ray Bans out of 10. Review by Amy Barnwell Photography Sean Roche
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LIVE REVIEWS
JANUARY 09
JULY 08
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
SOMETHING WITH NUMBERS Oasis Youth Centre Saturday February 21, 2009 to have heard this band at full potential. I believe the sound lacked in level for the first few songs, the vocals seemed drowned out by the bass, a technical error out of the bands control.
SOMETHING WITH NUMBERS
We Are Grace opened up the night with a superb R&R performance, a band that shines talent through out all members. Slow Down Honey have produced a sound so unique to itself you would need to see it to believe it. A very modern yet 80s rock feel springs to mind if I ever had to place these guys in a genre. The Inheritors played third and once again placed a smile upon faces. These guys are a very tight, catchy and fun three piece band showing signs of big things to come. This was my first time seeing Behind Crimson Eyes, a great warm up to the headlining act. However I would have liked
I’ve seen Something with Numbers a handful of times over the years, at this venue and at plenty of others. They braced the stage in true Something With Numbers fashion; Up-beat, heavy and dance driven. Playing songs from there latest album Engineering the Soul mixed in with a few familiar hits from previous albums, this was the “best of” set I’d been waiting to see for a while. The set was perfectly balanced out by a few acoustic songs halfway through. Closing the night with ‘Stay With Me Bright Eyes’, Jake gave a lucky punter the chance to play the tambourine, spreading the love to their much adored all-age crowd. Being a local band, we’ve seen these guys progress to the highest levels musically. This set put in stone the maturity and excitement that these guys are all about. A stellar performance by a band I could watch over and over again. Review by Sean Frazer Images by Kieth Abigail
SOUNDWAVE Eastern Creek, Sydney Sunday February 22, 2009
EVERGREEN TERRACE
Bringing most of the best heavy bands in the world to our shores, this, the third year of Soundwave had the biggest and best lineup yet. An unheard of 55 international acts says it all, and despite the 2 hour entrance line that again made many people miss the first few bands, the bands more than made up for it. Less the Jake and Goldfinger brought the ska beats early on, while the mainstage acts entertained the hair and makeup crowd in the afternoon. Mathcore heavyweights Dillinger Escape Plan presented their blistering tempo changes and non linear tunes, while on the hardcore stage, Evergreen Terrace and Poison the Well whipped most of the crowd into kung-fu dancing and circle work. Later out on the far stages, serious heavy shit was delivered by Unearth, In Flames, and Lamb of God who delivered ripping sets. While Horse
Headliners Alice in Chains had most of the 30k+ crowd in awe. New singer William Duvall was channeling the spirit of Layne Stanley and had an amazing sound and presence. But the real star of the show, guitarist Jerry Cantrell left many mouths on the ground. His massive wall of sound and spot on wailing guitar solos brought back many memories of the legendary grunge sound that they were famous for. Massive hits like ‘Rooster’ and ‘Down in a Hole’ impressed many, finishing their amazing set with ‘Would?’
AFRO MOSES The Basement, Sydney Friday February 27, 2009
JOSH PYKE Bar On The Hill Thursday February 26, 2009
JOSH PYKE
To open the night Jackson McLaren, a solo acoustic guitarist and Josh Pyke’s brother, began to set the mood as the crowd arrived. Following was Cloud Control, a band hailing from the Blue Mountains. An energetic band that really began to rev the crowd up in anticipation for Josh Pyke through their energy to dance and move with the music they were performing.
By the end Josh had played 21 songs; it was a great gig to be apart of and to witness. Josh was very receptive to the audience and interacted with them regularly but didn’t over-do it. It felt so easy to simply stand, listen and be taken away by the songs. The violinist in the band grew up in Newcastle, and even went to the Uni. Playing for his home town was clearly fun for him.
Energy rippled through the crowd as Josh made his way on stage and began the chords of ‘Chimney’s Afire’. We were instantly drawn in and singing along to the words we knew. Many members of the crowd were taking photos of the folk singer in the first few songs, so Josh provided them with a good photo moment; he climbed up onto a speaker and the cameras went crazy. The favourites were ‘Lighthouse Song’, ‘Memories and Dust’ and ‘Make you Happy’.
The final song ‘Middle of the Hill’ had its name chanted before the band had started to play, and again, as Josh played his first few chords the energy exploded and the crowd sung every word.
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the Band grated my ears and distracted from the heaviest lady in rock and her band Lacuna Coil, who brought a touch of beauty to the hardness. Back to the main stage for the highly anticipated headlines. Pensylvanian “Crud Boys” Bloodhound Gang were an amusing and entertaining blend of hip hop delivery and potty mouth rawk.
A very successful night for both Josh and his supports. Everyone enjoyed themselves and all seemed to be fans. Review by Courtney Fitzsimmons Images by Robyn Moore
LACUNA COIL
Always at the forefront of stage and lighting design, NIN played in their words, a set of songs they like playing. Still including crowd favourites like ‘Wish’, ‘Head like a Hole’, ‘March of the Pigs’ and the tear jerkers ‘Hurt’ and ‘Something I Can Never Have’, their stage shows will be greatly missed. Review and Images by Kieran Ferguson NINE INCH NAILS
ALICE IN CHAINS
OF MONTREAL Manning Bar, Sydney Tuesday March 3, 2009
AFRO MOSES
Are you ready to dance? Are you ready to sing? Are you ready to go to Africa? These were the questions put to the sold out crowd at The Basement and with a resounding yes, Afro Moses and his 14 piece band, Moses O’Jah took to the stage. The band’s appearance made a strong statement. Dressed in black cloaks and wearing white masks that read Black? White? Young? Old? Beautiful? Ugly? Rich? Poor? Human Love, while Afro was cloaked in white and wearing angel wings, the message of unity and equality was intense. Afro is a born showman. From the moment he walks on stage he performs with such energy and passion. Every song has a message and his band creates a beat that commands you to dance. From the brass section, keyboards, drummers, singers and guitar players, each member of the
ALICE IN CHAINS
band bought something special, and the addition of traditional voodoo dancers bought the energy in the room to great heights which kept the crowd dancing for the entire three hour set. Highlights included the high energy ‘Highlife Karneval’, the powerful ‘No Victims’ as well as the uplifting ‘Fly Like a Butterfly’. The set wrapped up with an absolutely electric cover of Bob Marley’s ‘Sun is Shining’ which had the entire crowd jumping. It is not often you get to experience a performance such as Afro’s, where you are left feeling not only entertained, but deeply inspired, and connected to your fellow man. Review and Images by Chrissy Kavalieros
OF MONTREAL
I’m always in a good mood when there’s a gig at The Manning Bar. It shies away from mainstream acts, is a good place to mingle and has a relaxed ambience. This was a great setting for New Zealand act Ruby Suns to play a great number of songs from their latest album Sea Lion. The indie/pop vibe had a definite folk, spiritual feel to it that got the hips swaying. Songs such as ‘Oh Mojave’ and ‘Kenya Dig It’ worked well on the audience as singer Ryan McPhun sang with lots of love, further illustrated on ‘Tane Mahuta’ and ‘Don’t Touch The Dusty Fruit’. Lights out, stage black and before too long Of Montreal, ignited the vibe with their indie, electro mojo. Eccentric singer Kevin Barnes commanded attention with his flamboyant “Look at me” guise as he sang “We were born the mutants with leafing” and for the
remainder of the night the music was a mix of soft/ slow and pandemonium onslaught with very little room for a breather. It was a great combination to keep one on their toes, as the crowd immersed themselves into the performance and cheered on the band they had come to see. The theatrics were rife as they let loose some strange characters such as a gigantic golden Buddha that added to the odd yet wonderful kaleidoscope of imagery that is seldom seen these days. Lots of fun was had via interaction, a few laughs and a host of funky numbers such as ‘The Sunlandic Twins’, ‘She’s A Rejector’ and ‘Gronlandic Edit’. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but a great band to see nevertheless. Review by Marija Zeko Images by Michelle Ho
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LIVE REVIEWS
BLACK MOUNTAIN Annandale Hotel, Sydney Thursday March 5, 2009
BIRDS OF TOKYO Panthers, Newcastle Friday March 6, 2009 Ian Kenny (vocals,) and Anthony Jackson (bass) were moving around together with their instruments, and just having a rocking good time. Adam Weston (drummer) was elevated on stage and had a powerful involvement.
of quiet, humble people. Matt Camirand picked up his guitar, his long beard in tow. The band launched into ‘Tyrants’ from their recent Into The Future record. There were people around me that had clearly been to the previous night’s performance - Black Mountain t-shirts everywhere.
BLACK MOUNTAIN
Just like Newcastle University’s Big O extravaganza, Black Mountain’s two nights at the Annandale was an example of a colossal band playing in a shoebox. Luckily for the group’s cult following in Sydney, it was a chance to get up close and personal with the world’s leading purveyors of 70s influenced progressive rock. The Wahas opened proceedings with their pseudo-Strokes, retro shambles, which draws from shoegaze and garage rock. Their ‘I don’t give a fuck attitiude’ and duel vocalists made them surprisingly entertaining and the songs weren’t half bad either. Black Mountain took to the stage, clearly a group
The group were fairly restrained on stage, even in the ‘rock-out’ moments, but the slow-building intensity of the songs were hypnotic - and very loud. Female vocalist Amber Webber was understated and surprisingly gorgeous as she stood in the middle of the stage, surrounded by the shaggy, uncouth members of the Vancouver rock group. Her penetrating vocals were tortured and powerful. The set list included ‘Angels’, ‘Wucan’, ‘Queens Will Play’, ‘Stormy High’ and ‘Evil Ways’ from Into The Future, and ‘Druganaut’ and ‘Heart Of Snow’ from their debut, self-titled record. There were also some seemingly new songs called ‘13 Walls’ and ‘Shelter’. It’s only a matter of time before Black Mountain fill arenas. Review by Nick Milligan Images By Kevin Bull
THE TUNSTALLS Cambridge Hotel Saturday March 7, 2009
THE BIG O Bar On The Hill Friday March 6, 2009
BIRDS OF TOKYO
Birds Of Tokyo stand out as a band that have moved forward insanely fast and grabbed my attention powerfully with the blink of an eye. With Universes, the bands second album, a more moody and complex collection released only nine months ago, Birds of Tokyo have achieved the kind of status that usually takes years. Those who had never seen them live were blown away by their enthusiastic show. The lighting on stage was fantastic, but the sound at times was chaotic, and muffled Adam Spark’s (guitarist) outstanding solos. The start of the performance saw all four band members getting into their music like there was no tomorrow. Sparks,
When Kenny picked up an acoustic guitar and sang ‘Bakers Son,’ I was floored. One of the more melodic pieces on Universes, this song and its passionate performance struck a chord with everyone there. The thing I loved most about Birds live was their connection with the audience and their obvious enjoyment throughout the concert. ‘Broken Bones’ saw the crowd go crazy, and over a sea of hands I saw all the band members smiling and really loving what they saw in all of us… which, when I see a band is exactly what I want to experience. They encored with ‘Silhouettic’, which only added to the crowd’s vigour and as we all busted out into the quiet foyer of the club, we gave the local pokie punters a fright. The Birds of Tokyo energy was still pumping strong. Review by Liana McDonald Images by Courtney Fitzsimmons
THE MUSIC
As The Music launch into ‘The People’ it becomes clear that this night of music won’t be repeated in Newcastle for a long time. As one of England’s most anthemtic rock bands, The Music’s primal beats are designed to knock down stadiums, let alone small university bars. It was to the credit of the builders and designers of The Bar On The Hill that the structure did not indeed collapse. The event was kicked off by Bluejuice, Yves Klein Blue and Cassette Kids, each warming up the crowd in equal parts. Ben Lee arrived to an intimate crowd on the outside stage at BOTH. His many hits (‘Cigarettes Will Kill You’, ‘Catch My Disease’, ‘We’re All In This Together’) were
accompanied by tracks from his joyous, yet mediocre new album The Rebirth Of Venus. The highlight of his set was an acoustic rendition of ‘Ben Lee’ by The Ataris, which is one of the most scathing ‘diss-songs’ every written about an artist. Even Ben Lee haters would have to admit, that there was something satisfying about Lee’s rendition of the song, robbing it of it’s wicked intent. Scotland’s The Fratellis opened with their ball-busting rock tune ‘Flathead’, before launching into a high-energy set. The crowd danced and went wild. As you would expect, ‘Chelsea Dagger’ had the audience singing at the top of their lungs. Definitely a rock band you need to see. The aforementioned Music stole the show, with their world renowned live show. Massive riffs, even larger beats and Robert Harvey’s towering vocals. A class act. Review by Nick Milligan Images by Sean Roche
THE O BALL Bar On The Hill Friday March 13, 2009
A DEATH IN THE FAMILY Cambridge Hotel Friday March 13, 2009
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As I arrived for the beginning of The Deposits set, the atmosphere and a good crowd was growing in The Glass House at the Cambridge.
I didn’t have much interest through the first half a dozen songs, they didn’t captivate me, but then ‘Get
Overall though, it was a good show. Everything really picked up in the middle of the performance and from then it was thoroughly enjoyable. Review and Images by Courtney Fitzsimmons
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Newcastle punk pranksters Wiseheimer amused the early birds with some melodic tunes along the lines of Strung Out or Lagwagon. These guys have been bringing the party for over ten years, so if you think you haven’t seen them, you probably have and were too drunk to remember. Lungs are regular visitors to this neck of the woods. In their short existence the Sydney based trio have already released two EP’s and one full length album. Tonight’s offering delivered a guitar heavy set, void of boring clichés, inclusive of catchy hooks and crunching changes demonstrating their musical competence. Like...Alaska pulled a large portion of the crowd for the night. This Newcastle based five piece entertain with appealing sing-a-long type folk rock. Vocal duties are pooled amongst three singers to
create a rich layered sound, backed up by some often neglected instruments such as slide guitar and keyboard. Crowd favourites included ‘Scorn’ and ‘1,2,3’. Melbourne quartet A Death In The Family’s latest release Small Town Stories, coupled with a remarkable live show has well deservedly placed them at the forefront of Australia’s punk rock scene. Sure, they haven’t altered their approach a great deal since their debut full length This Microscopic War, but this time ADITF appeared more refined and comfortable than ever before. The audience embraced the tracks ‘Sinking Slowly’, ‘Vodka & Balconies’ and ‘Familiar Strangers’ If you spent your Friday the 13th being gloomy and gruesome, you missed out! Review by Nathaniel Try Images by Jim Graham
Newcastle was the place to be on Friday 13th, for another year of The O’Ball at Bar on the Hill, Newcastle University. This year’s line up was a mix of some of the best bands on the local scene who ensured a sold out concert. The ambience was red hot as many happy go lucky folk let their hair down, wore something black and ultimately gave a big cheer for the bands to perform. The heavies for the night Children Collide, Dukes of Windsor and British India were worth the wait as the night went up a notch. British India toured on the back of their newly released single ‘God Is Dead’ as the indie outfit churned ‘I Said I’m Sorry’ among other notable songs like ‘Black and White Radio’ that kept the night long gig going.
to the night. Another band touring for the month, the 3 piece were all too happy to unleash ‘Social Currency’ to a rapturous applause coupled with an energetic performance. But nothing could be taken away from the mighty Dukes of Windsor who held their own with their fusion of pop, rock and melody. They are always a pleasure to see and this time was no exception as they churned out a hearty performance with their biggies ‘No Disguise, ‘Runaway’ and ‘It’s a War’. A great performance full of verve that complemented other acts very well. This is definitely a gig that needs to be circled on the calendar annually. Review By Marija Zeko Images By Robyn Moore
Not taking anything away from Children Collide, they were well equipped to release their contribution
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On came the blues/garage band The Tunstalls and opened the set with ‘What Your Doing Now’, which was a good song to start with, but the quality of the sound was not as impressive as I had hoped for. The crowd appeared restless but were enjoying themselves. Throughout some of the songs played over the night, the lead singer Dan Shakespeare played the harmonica which added an interesting flare to the sound.
Their sound reminded me of the real classic 70’s era guitar style that you hear in many of the greatest artists. Along with the guitar, I enjoyed watching the drummer; he was full of energy through every song and really got into the performance. The bass was a little loud and appeared to sound slightly distorted, so it affected the overall feel of the music.
CHILDREN COLLIDE
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THE TUNSTALLS
Along Song’ started. The intro to this song grabbed me and in the end I really enjoyed myself. From here, the music stepped up a notch. ‘Welcome Lion’, ‘Drifterman’, and ‘When I Was Young’ followed, all having that same sound; a little heavier rock than the earlier songs. I was charmed.
LIVE REVIEWS
JANUARY 09
JULY 08
JANUARY 08 AUGUST 07
BLUE MOUNTAIN FOLK FESTIVAL Katoomba March 13 - 15, 2009
LIOR Lizottes Sunday March 15, 2009
PAUL KELLY
Katoomba is one of the East Coast’s most spectacular areas to visit. It has a depth of culture and colour that can be breath taking, so when you add in a wonderfully diverse event such as the Blue Mountain Folk Festival, your adding an extra layer of culture and colour that already exists in Katoomba in plentiful supply. The Blue Mountains Folk Festival also boasts a diverse blend of international guests on the bill right along side some of the best talent that Australia has to offer. There are household names such as Paul Kelly and Chris Wilson, Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. If you consider a good handful of stand alone stage and marquee setups with added venue stages including the likes of the beautiful Carrington and the Katoomba RSL club, the diversity of venues is as varied and interesting as the many performers.
Such a wonderful array of places to be. As a matter of fact, the hardest part of a weekend at the festival, is trying to juggle times and places to fit in as much of the experience as possible. The list of international performers is endless, from brilliant bands such as Shooglenifty, a six piece band from Scotland weilding there own brand of folk rock, and Preston Reed from the USA who conjures magic from his humble guitar.
The last time CW Stoneking played in Newcastle was on a Sunday night two years ago at the Lass O’Gowrie. Since then his popularity has soared, so it was no surprise that he was able to fill the Cambridge on a Thursday night. Opening the show was US solo artist Mamie Minch who played to a strong crowd and easily won over the CW Stoneking faithful. Minch plays an old time blend of blues, country and bluegrass on steel guitar whilst belting out humorous tales with her powerful voice. She had the crowd entranced with moving ballads like ‘Fortified Wine Widow’ and heads were nodding in unison to the footstomping ‘Razorburn Blues’. Her fan base here is set to grow immensely on the back of this tour.
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LIOR
Catching Lior in such an intimate setting as Lizottes is just perfect. His take on the indie acoustic ballad, coupled with his angelic voice found a welcoming audience within this venue’s walls. THE BAKERY
SHOOGLENIFTY
I have to confess, for all the great bands and artist from all corners of the globe, my personal favourite was the Sydney band The Bakery. Absolute energy and fun in a crazy funk filled hour left me wanting more. All in all, it was a wonderful event in a beautiful town. See you all there next year.
Next up was CW Stoneking and his Primitive Horn Orchestra. As he walked onto the stage his fan’s faces lit up and their attention did not sway for the duration of the show. Stoneking and his band have a knack of transporting you to a lost time in a far away land with their authentic style of pre-war blues laced with Dixieland jazz, calypso and bluegrass. The whole show was amazing but it was the bigger numbers like ‘Brave Son of America’ and ‘The Love Me or Die’ where the band were in full swing that really stood out and even had people dancing in the smoking area outside. Quieter tunes like the Hank Williams influenced ‘Talkin’ Lion Blues’ were also impressive and the couple of songs where he was joined by his wife Kristy on vocals were pure magic. Judging by the smiles on the punters faces at the end of the show, I seriously doubt anyone left this show disappointed. It was a very memorable performance from an amazingly talented musician. Review and Images by Mark Snelson
Playing the first of two sell-out shows here at Lizottes speaks loudly regarding Lior’s place within the Australian music scene, as did the applause and cheers as he walked on stage armed with his acoustic. The strength of Lior’s work is clear when it is noted that there are only two studio albums to draw from, and there was never a dull moment during the night.
Review and Images by Terry Paull
CW STONEKING Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Thursday March 19, 2009
CW STONEKING
PUGSLEY BUZZARD
‘I’ll Forget You’ had a lifting quality with gorgeous harmonies. It really soared
Wilson and the Will Drummond (bass) contributed to British India’s distinct imperfect and raw sound, and the Matt O’Gorman (drums) hit hard beats that got the crowd rocking all around me.
British India, a unique and well known Melbournian band took to the stage tonight at the club closest to my house, so I was stoked! The small area at the Entrance Leagues Club was packed with so many locals and friends it felt a great casual night out at the pub. When Nic Wilson (guitarist) walked out in a pair of big comfy socks and Declan Melia (vocals) strolled out nonchalantly, everyone cheered and it filled the entire space with excitement and anticipation. I was right up the front in the thick of it, soaking up the sweaty and pulsating mosh pit vibe that I’ve experienced before at festivals in front of the same band, but never expected to find at my local club.
It was a night where your favourite song was delivered with beauty, and those which you may not be that familiar with, were complete and welcomed surprises. ‘This Old Love’ showed a tenderness that is always not far away. In this setting of stripped acoustic though, tenderness was always at your fingertips. A thoroughly enjoyable gig, one that I am sure this sold out crowd will remember for a long time. Review and Images by Kevin Bull
KINGS OF LEON Newcastle Entertainment Centre Sunday March 22, 2009
BRITISH INDIA Entrance Leagues Club Thursday March 19, 2009
BRITISH INDIA
and was one of the many highlights of the night. The quality in Lior’s voice was on show with ‘Heal Me’, hitting notes with incredible ease.
They started out creating a feeling of nostalgia with old tunes from Guillotine, an album released years ago. I was personally transported back to Homebake in 2006 where I first discovered British India’s clangy, grungy sound and Melia’s addictive wailing vocals. The people rocking it out in the mosh pit felt the oomph of ‘Tie up my hands’, and ‘Run the Red Light’, two meaty tracks from Guillotine. ‘Said I’m Sorry’, a song from their newer album, Thieves was my most memorable part of their performance. Their energetic delivery and the fact that everyone knew this tune, had the place singing jumping and cheering from top to bottom, back to front. Great band...bad sound (sorry Entrance Leagues... I’ll still come in for a beer). Review by Liana McDonald Images by Sean Roche
KINGS OF LEON
Before the days of ‘Sex On Fire’, Kings Of Leon were a raw, ball-tearing live rock band, and you know what? They still are. Opening with ‘Crawl’, from their much heralded, commercial breakthrough Only By The Night, the final night of their massive Australian areana tour was a showcase of early material. They quickly slinked into ‘Taper Jean Girl’ and ‘My Party’, then ‘Red Morning Light’, ‘Four Kicks’, ‘Wasted Time’, ‘Molly’s Chambers’, ‘California Waiting’, ‘The Bucket’, ‘Knocked Up’ and the haunting ‘Milk’. It was surprising to see the crowd’s recognition of tracks that aren’t on Only By The Night, as so much has been made of the ‘new fans’ that have discovered KOL on commercial radio. Indeed, ‘Sex On Fire’ arrived three quarters of the way into the set and there was a rapturous response. Hands went in the air and the crowd
screamed every note. Yeah, it’s a big pop song, but it’s undeniably anthemic. ‘On Call’, ‘Fans’ and ‘Use Somebody’ sounded gigantic, the band wearing their ‘rock star’ tag with obvious comfort. Singer Caleb Followill was a man of few words, but this has always been the case. Swooning girls were not hard to find, so why waste time on stage banter? The encore contained the maniacal ‘Charmer’, which was followed by a brand new, slow-burning, Southern blues number which fans have dubbed ‘Ain’t Gonna Sell My Soul To The Devil’. With ‘Black Fingernail’ as the curtain closer, this was a hardworking, world class rock band at their very best. Review by Nick Milligan Images by Kevin Bull
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LIVE REVIEWS
SOUND RELIEF Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Saturday March 14, 2009
FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL Randwick Racecourse, Sydney Saturday February 28, 2009
BARRY GIBB AND OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
N*E*R*D
Future Music is a massive day out and has quickly become a prominent fixture on Australia’s festival circuit. Compared to other events of this magnitude, queues for bars and toilets were brief. In contrast, getting anywhere near the aptly titled ‘Future Music’ stage was near impossible. It seemed too small an area to house some of the main acts, like N*E*R*D, Paul Oakenfold and Basement Jaxx. As much as I wanted to see these headliners, I found it physically impossible to get close enough or hear anything worthwhile. The biggest capacity stage seemed to be ‘The Grand Stand’, which hosted CSS, Grandmaster Flash, Mr Oizo and Joachim Garraud. Earlier in the day we caught The Herd, who were out to represent Aussie hip hop. BASEMENT JAXX
The majority of the Future Music crowd consisted of your typical shirtless body-builder guys followed by their bimbo girlfriends. But there was also the regular festival-heads who were just out for a good time.
Tocadisco really put on a show and their interaction with the crowd was exceptional, keeping you in suspense with massive build ups and insane baselines. It was ultimate party music.
The new look Wolfmother followed and it unfortunately felt like a “by the numbers” performance. There was little excitement being exhibited on stage by Andrew Stockdale. Everyone seems to love Josh Pyke. Big reception as he walked onstage, and to each of the songs he delivered. I did feel though that it was difficult to fill such a big arena with his sweet acoustics.
JET
Marcia Hines took the stage like royalty. Only a single song delivered but I could have taken a whole set. Beautiful to look at, and joy to the ears. Following a deadset diva, the 19 year old starlet by the name Taylor Swift gave us blonde hair, cheesecake smile, and moves straight out of “Performance 101”. Great to what and photograph, but a bit too calculated.
MARCIA HINES
Jet, like Wolfmother appeared rather flipant. You get the feeling that they are getting sick of living off ‘Are You Gonna be My Girl’.
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The Aston Shuffle always stand out with their summer festival anthems. So chunky you can carve it. As you looked around the crowd you could see that everyone was loving it. They were thinking, “Fuckin’ woomp yeah.”
With a big crowd having arrived early, Coldplay opening the day to an enormous roar as they launched in ‘Yellow’. On cue, the mandatory yellow balloons full of confetti bounced and burst over the crowd. The highlight of the set, if not the day was the John Farnham joining Coldplay for ‘You’re The Voice’. It was fantastic to see Farnham on stage again.
The Presets are THE Australian band at the moment. The return of the rain midway through their set did nothing to dampen the frenzied crowd.
All in all, Future Music stands as Australia’s premiere electronic festival - you can understand why it pulls such a massive crowd. It can only get bigger. With fond memories of the band during my youth, Icehouse were a major reason for Review By Greg Smee me being here. Terribly strong performance Images By Lakshal Perera from a band that had not played together for over 15 years. Quite fitting that their final song ‘Great Southern Land’ is such an Aussie icon. TAYLOR SWIFT
All in all, a wonderfully successful day. Good on you Sydney. MR OIZO
info@reverbstreetpress.com - 02 4929 4739
Review and Images By Kevin Bull
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
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Two Australian music legends closed the night. Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John gave a warm and affectionate set, with Gibb swinging the hips during ‘Jive Talkin’’, and holding Olivia during ‘Islands In The Stream’. To catch these two Aussie icons on stage together was something I could not have imagined.
CSS
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If you got to the ‘Future Music’ stage early, you would have caught Hook N Sling, who got the crowd pumped with the Sebastien Leger remix of Marilyn Manson’s ‘Beautiful People’. Beats don’t come much phatter than that.
In the space of a few short weeks, the music industry and punters have come together in support of the Victorian bushfire and Queensland flood victims. The result, Sound Relief.
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LIVE REVIEWS FRENZAL RHOMB
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Bar On The Hill, Newcastle Uni Saturday April 25, 2009
FRENZAL RHOMB
Nancy Vandal got the crowd grooving early, with their infectious style of ska meets punk. The Sydney based ‘devil worshipping’ quintet were great, offering excellent crowd involvement, entertaining on stage gimmicks, and a set that had an appropriate length. Largely, it seemed, the band was of most interest to long term fans, who congregated up the front, chanting along to tunes such as ‘Quite Partial to Rock’ and ‘Budgewoi’. Nancy Vandal reached their career high point in the mid to late 90’s, and was their first tour since 2003. Strolling on to stage in his trademark three quarter shorts and dreadlocks of a comparable length, Frenzal Rhomb vocalist Jay Whalley informed the crowd,“We’ll play five songs, then we’ll have a chat.” And so it began, just as planned. With almost two years past since their last tour, the comfortable quartet demonstrated why they remain the country’s preferred punk rock pranksters by executing their jams with enviable precision. Jay used a mid set breather to notify the rowdy punters that he would soon become a father. In comic Frenzal Rhomb fashion, this became an invitation for guitarist Lyndsay McDougall to joke that drummer Gordy Foreman was Jay’s partner. ‘Ship of Beers’, ‘Ball Chef’, ‘Never Had So Much Fun’ and ‘Punch In The Face’ were just a few of the many hymns provided by a band who lay claim to an entourage of tunes near impossible to number. I would gladly give $50 to any individual in attendance who could honestly say they weren’t blissfully satisfied. Labelling this Frenzal Rhomb outing as ‘good’ or even ‘outstanding’ is a blatant understatement. On this occasion the experienced ensemble were flawless. ~Nathaniel Try. Image: Kevin Bull
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL Luna Park Big Top, Sydney Saturday April 25, 2009
JESSE ‘THE DEVIL’ HUGHES — EAGLES OF DEATH METAL
Opening for the Eagles of Death Metal was Kram, of Spiderbait fame, bringing his solo effort to the stage. Whilst his new album has some great songs on it, it just did not seem to translate well live. He was swapping 38
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instruments and having dramas with back tracks, causing long pauses between songs. I had expected more from such a seasoned muso; I am guessing it was more to do with lack of preparation rather than his talent. It was not all bad. He ended the set with his hit song ‘Silk Suits’, which was polished and tight, leaving the Big Top warmed up for the dancefest to follow. From the moment Jesse ‘The Devil’ Hughes and his band walk out onto the stage, it becomes one big rock’n’roll party. Eagles of Death Metal’s tunes are some of the best riff heavy, disco infused rock written in recent years, so it was great to see that they can pull it off live. Jesse is very much the showman and he pulls out every rock move in the book – his energy is infectious, and had just about every punter dancing along. Then there is his sexed up and hilarious, between song banter, which further adds to the appeal. The set list was a smorgasbord of hits from the past 3 albums, with highlights being ‘Wanna Be in LA’, ‘Anything ‘Cept the Truth’, ‘I Got A Feeling’ and ‘I Want You So Hard’. Also thrown into the mix was a rocked up version of ‘Stuck in the Middle with You’ and a brilliant cover of the Rolling Stones’, ‘Brown Sugar’. All in all, a very entertaining show from a band who don’t take themselves too seriously, love what they do and have a great time sharing it with the rest of us. ~ Mark Snelson
GLENN HUGHES Gaelic Club, Sydney Sunday April 26, 2009
GLENN HUGHES
Recently, our shores were graced by the musical enigma that is Glenn Hughes. Glenn’s Australian tour was a brief affair consisting of only three shows. Fortunately, Sydney’s Gaelic club in Surry Hills was one the venues that got treated to a full dose of the Glenn Hughes experience. He delivered a show that was a culmination of nearly four decades of refined stage techniques, which left his audience in awe. As a vocalist, Glenn Hughes can wail above all expectations, yet he also has the ability to roll out sweet natural notes which he showcased at the recent Gaelic club gig. Two things that struck me immediately about Glenn; his larger than life stage presence, and his vocals are as pitch-perfect live as they are in his studio material. The sign of a true vocalist. Not only was his magnificent voice on display, but Glenn’s legendary bass playing sets the stage alight with blistering bass runs and note executions, which are second to none. Even though he hammered out some of his most recent masterpieces, such as ‘Love Communion’ and ‘Soul Mover’, he took the audience on a colourful journey back into the heady daze of early 70’s hard rock with classic pieces from the albums Stormbringer and Burn, which were penned in the Deep Purple days when David Coverdale and Hughes cowrote and sung up a storm together. As you would expect from a veteran of rock, Glenn
gave a powerful performance that delivered an almighty punch to all present. It was the kind of gig that lifts your spirits, and makes you hungry for more of these memorable musical experiences. ~Terry Paull
DAN GRANERO Diggers at the Entrance Sunday May 3, 2009
to wet my pants. Fortunately, things worked out in my favour and a performance by Hot Water Music’s talented singer/guitarist was thoroughly enjoyed. Ever humble Ragan credited fans for supporting his band over the years and hinted that there may be an Australian tour in the near future. Ragan delivered a few of his own jams, some HWM tunes, a Billy Bragg song and a superb cover of ‘Bleeder’ by Chicago punks Alkaline Trio.
CHUCK RAGAN
DAN GRANERO
Dan Granero’s long awaited album launch was everything and more than expected. Can’t Stand To Lose was recorded at the end of January this year at “The Oakglen Treehouse” on the Central Coast with producer/engineer Dave Scotland, featuring Lawrence Gambale on bass and Michael Williams on drums. Diggers at The Entrance was the venue for the launch of an album that reflects Granero’s “raw power” on stage. His fans anticipated a high energy, audience involved performance with the typical rockin’ funky blues rhythms that now have him sitting at the number one spot on mp3.com.au’s blues and electric blues charts. They were not disappointed. The newbies in the audience were immediately shown why he has been Fender endorsed since 2006 — what this guy does with his 1979 Fender Stratocaster has to be seen [and, of course, heard!] to be believed! He had promised that there would be plenty of surprises at Diggers, and he left no stone unturned - or should we say no “rock” unturned, as he played nearly the entire contents of his new album plus an encore of a rendition of the classic Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix song ‘All Along The Watchtower’. It went for a staggering twenty plus minutes, an incredible finale leaving the audience screaming for more. And more they will receive when they listen to the new album which has all the passion, enthusiasm and energy of Granero’s live performance. Just as well, because we won’t be catching him live in Australia for a few months as he leaves our shores for a second tour of Europe returning in October. ~ Veronique Moseley & Ross Beckley
CHUCK RAGAN + TOM GABEL Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Friday May 8, 2009
Local artist Jen Buxton landed the support slots for both the Newcastle and Sydney shows of this tour. Jen took a moment between executing some damn fine tunes and necking Coopers to graciously thank Resist Records for the opportunity. Jen’s intricate finger picking, accompanied by a remarkable voice are well deservedly gaining her a wholesome following. You wanna know how good Chuck Ragan was? Well, with my front row positioning, coupled with a desire to see every second of Ragan’s set, I neglected to realise I was about
Tom Gabel took the stage to join Ragan for a few songs together. The overlapping approach meant no change over time between sets. This was exceptionally pleasant indeed. The front man for Floridian quartet Against Me! followed a similar method to that of his predecessor, playing a handful of his own songs and some solo versions of hymns borrowed from his band. ‘Random Hearts’, taken from Gabel’s debut EP Heart Burns was a stand out inclusion. A punter who had also attended the Brisbane show claimed that the night flowed better with Ragan playing last. This may have been so, with Ragan’s raspy voice and heavy strumming over shining Gabel, who at times seemed to be suffering without his band to fill things out. But hey, it’s not a competition. ~ Nathaniel Try. Images: Joel Attenborough
CHASE THE SUN Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland Sunday May 10, 2009
CHASE THE SUN
Venturing to the Grand Junction Hotel in Maitland is like stepping back 20 years into my youth. This is not a hotel that has had its heart ripped out and replaced with stainless steel and glass. It is honest and true to itself, much like the Family Hotel was. (It will never be the Duck’s Nuts, always the Family). Seeing a band at the Grand Junction is always an experience, and that is why I travelled up from the Central Coast to catch Chase The Sun. There is no stage. The band sets up in the corner, and lighting is a sole globe that hung over the pool table that has been wheeled out to make room. It is personal and intense, and you are right on top of the band. Nothing better. Chase The Sun were in fine form, always are. As a band, they have found the ability to take traditional blues songs and inject them with their own personality. Add to this their own originals off their self-titled debut and it is a fabulous mix. Hendrix/Band of Gypsy’s ‘Who Knows’ is a surprise inclusion, and proves that this band has a real groove that they can tap into. Their own ‘You Gotta Go’ is a dirty blues stomper
LIVE REVIEWS that allows vocalist/guitarist Jan Rynsaardt to show off on the steel guitar. On the subject of that, the musicianship that is displayed is amazing. Rynsaardt is one of the best blues/rock guitarists I have seen in many years, with vocals that add so much to the music being played. The bass work by Ryan Van Gennip is imaginative and free. If you are a bass player, just come and watch Van Gennip at work. It will bring a smile to your face. Jon Howell is as solid as a rock behind the drums, never overplaying, simply providing the foundation. ‘Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)’ turns up late in the final set and is blistering. Not simply a copy of Hendrix, it has been reworked with breakdowns allowing them to work off each other. Sending us home is their new single ‘Living Free’. It is noticeably looser than the rest of the night, but drives along at a frantic pace. I will state this right now, though I have believed this for well over a year, Chase The Sun are quite possibly the best blues band this country has. ~ Kevin Bull
BOB EVANS Bar On The Hill, Newcastle Uni Wednesday May 13 2009
Gig of the month
SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM
GROOVIN THE MOO
Newcastle Panthers Friday May 15, 2009
Maitland Showground Saturday May 9, 2009
TAME IMPALA SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM
DJ Johnny Powell got the crowd pumping and the energy rising. With his beautiful beat blending, Powell moved from one song into the next before anyone had the chance to truly notice. Upon the Panthers’ dancefloor, a giant dance party was unfolding. As a teaser, Powell played Sneaky’s ‘Goodbye’, sending the crowd rushing into the mosh pit, only to find out it was a teaser. Clever stuff from Powell. The crowd was captivated the moment Sneaky Sound System set foot on the stage. Connie Mitchell and Damon Downey have a great stage presence, and vocally they really complemented each other. Playing a mix of new and old, Sneaky had the crowd moving to every beat. The set list included ‘16 lyrics’, ‘Pictures’, ‘Promises’, plus ‘UFO’ performed as the finale, to name just a few. We were even played a special song, ‘What’s The Matter With You?’ as a personal thank you from Connie for returning to this previously postponed gig. Since the gigs’ announcement, my excitement has been building. Sneaky Sound System delivered on every account. ~ Courtney Fitzsimmons. Images: Tim Boehm
DYLAN MORAN Civic Theatre, Newcastle Saturday May 16, 2009
his Monster tour and far succeeded his Like, Totally... material. Let’s hope Moran hurries back. ~ Nick Milligan. Images: Sean Roche
THE ARMADA Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Sunday May 17, 2009
Former Screaming Jets guitarist Grant Walmsley, opened the night with his blend of roots and blues based music. As the crowd slowly grew larger they warmed to his efforts, which included stomping on the smallest kick drum I have ever seen, whilst effortlessly playing slide guitar and singing. After a Middle-Eastern sounding intro tape, The Armada took to the stage and launched into the Tea Party classic ‘The Bazaar‘. This was closely followed by another Tea Party song ‘Coming Home‘. Singer/guitarist Jeff Martin (ex-Tea Party) brought a strippeddown acoustic version of the Armada to Newcastle. Nonetheless, it was hard at times to believe that there was only Martin and percussionist Wayne Sheehy on stage creating
melody of songs by Australian band ‘Dead Can Dance‘. Despite touring Australia regularly for a number of years it has been quite some time since Jeff has visited Newcastle. Let’s hope he brings the full Armada experience back soon, for a large dose of his trademark Middle Eastern inspired hard rock. ~Torin King. Images: Terry Paull
PUSSYCAT DOLLS
PUSSYCAT DOLLS + LADY GA GA Newcastle Entertainment Centre Thursday May 21, 2009
A crowd of 95% female, 5% very patient boyfriends braved this wet and chilly Thursday night, all to take in the spectacle that is the PCD. Having Lady Ga Ga open for you must be daunting. She was brutal, aggressive, and totally dominated the stage. Proudly displaying her g-stringed and fish-netted arse to the audience, she lapped up the attention. Wearing a skin coloured bodysuit wrapped in plastic bubbles, she began ‘Poker Face’ quietly behind a piano before it erupted into deep beats. Her set was way too short. Pussycat Dolls, what can I say. It was a visual orgy. Pyrotechnics were used in many of the songs, along with 5 rather buff male dancers, one for each Pussycat. The choreography was spot on, full of energy. That said, the ‘Hey Big Spender’ burlesque number did faulter. It came across as rather dull, with much of the crowd taking a breather. Stepping back from all the dancing and pyro onstage, it was clear that Nicole Scherzinger is the lead vocalist. It did feel like the Nicole show, with four backing vocalists and five male dancers. Her name was even blazed across the video screen as she sung. There was also no actual musicians to speak of. All this dancing and singing was done to a backing track, with a lot of the vocals being recorded. There was also a rather disturbing moment during ‘Bottle Pop’. Four audience member were invited on-stage to show off their dancing prowess, one being a 7 year old girl. To see this very young child being encouraged to dance suggestively, to thrust her butt to the audience was very off-putting. Bad move PCD, bad move Mum. I’ll leave it at that, I’ve seen all I need to. ~ Kevin Bull REVERB MAGA ZINE ISSUE #035 — JUNE 2009
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Dylan Moran’s twin sold out shows at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre was concrete evidence that Coal City is indeed a comedy town. Having the internationally famous Irishman perform in our backyard was indeed a coup and few in the audience were disappointed with his tight, but frustratingly short gigs. Right from the beginning, it was vintage Moran. His half-drunk ramble began with a gruff greeting to the crowd, then quickly turned to Newcastle CBD’s vacant shop fronts and the Australian government’s stimulus package. “How much does an Australian cost? $900 exactly!” The comedian’s normal stage routine, which usually involves chain smoking and red wine, was toned down to a stubby of Australian beer. He was quick to point out digital camera in the audience that were filming him, and demand that they stop it instantly. Overall, Moran’s material on the What It Is tour was up there with his best. His cynical take on relationships and comparisons between the Irish, the British, America and Australians was quite hysterical. His second Newcastle performance was easily as funny as
JEFF MARTIN - THE ARMADA
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It was like the sun came out in Maitland just for Groovin the Moo. With a chilled out atmosphere in the afternoon, the new drinking regulations and sections were probably the best thing for the festival, with hardly a drop spilled from any drunken dancer. Everyone but the dancing queens were basking in the sun on the hill while Tame Impala wowed the crowd with ‘Half Full Glass of Wine’. Okkervil River impressed the audience but the standout for the many Groovers on the day was The Grates, who had endless amounts of energy. I don’t think there is anyone but Patience Hodgson who can dance like that and sing at the same time, while jumping from speakers to stage. Another stellar performance on the day was Architecture in Helsinki, who dedicated one song to chicken and another to beef. A cover of the 80s classic, ‘Break My Stride’ by Matthew Wilder had the crowd singing along while their own hit, ‘That Beep’, inspired a large group of men to dress like the blue characters on the popular music video. With the feel of a larger music festival, like Big Day Out, this year’s Groovin the Moo was probably the best yet. Hilltop Hoods were in their usual form, stirring the crowd with their introductions to their most famous hits. Props to DJ Matt Saxon who played an amazing set, warming the crowd up for what was the best performance of the day — Muscles! The man from Melbourne was hypnotic as he played to what seemed like thousands of his sweaty, dancing friends. He served up two flavours of ‘Ice Cream’, and amongst a few microphone issues, made every girl in the room want to have his babies. ~ Abbey Wright. Images: Chrissy Kavalieros
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BOB EVANS
Supporting Bob Evans at the Bar on the Hill, American Steve Poltz was an energetic and theatrical start to the night. His performance included a witty rhyme about the journey from San Diego to Newcastle, a moment of audience vocal participation and an entertaining tale about a friend’s request to create a song based on a sewing machine and the cabaret result. Touring the country to promote his third album, Goodnight, Bull Creek!, former Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell, now known as the illustrious Bob Evans, performed both old and new songs including highly ranked 2007 Hottest 100 hits ‘Nowhere Without You’ and ‘Don’t You Think Its Time.’ Backed by the drummer from The Sleepy Jackson and the keyboardist from Jet, with Evans himself playing a guitar sporting fairy lights, the night promised to be entertaining. During the course of the evening, Evans pulled a woman from the crowd to serenade. Perched on a stool and armed with a glass of red, the woman proceeded to sing and comically act out the lyrics. In obvious surprise, Evans could only insist that he hadn’t expected the song to be a duet. Crowd highlights included his song ‘Pasha Bulka’, further emphasising his obvious love of Newcastle, and the encore where Evans answered crowd demands, playing an old favourite ‘Ode to my Car’ and a version of Lily Allen’s ‘Not Fair.’ Overall, an incredible must see performer. ~ Mel Woodward. Images: Courtney Fitzsimmons
their amazingly lush wall of sound. The Armada played a range of crowd favourites from the Tea Party’s back catalogue, as well as selections from the Armada’s self titled debut album and Martins solo offerings. A highlight of the show was the performance of ‘The Kingdom‘, which Jeff dedicated to those affected by the recent Victorian bushfires. He also impressively covered a
LIVE REVIEWS TRAIL OF DEAD
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The Forum, Sydney Friday May 29, 2009
TRAIL OF DEAD
©JOHNNY AU
It’s always worth making the trip to Sydney to catch a band at The Forum. It’s an incredibly intimate space, with multiple viewing areas. Just get a good spot early and chill out. Tonight was the aural assault of Austin’s ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead. A sixpiece band, these guys are geared towards a complete blitzkrieg of noise. What makes their music is so successful, is that they mange to weave soaring melodies into the chaos. When Trail Of Dead really want to turn up the volume, they use two drummers - yep, just like Australia’s Wolf & Cub. The difference between the two groups is that Trail Of Dead’s use of two skinsmen doesn’t feel like it’s in vain. It actually brings something to the table. The man responsible is Jason Reece, who switches between drums, guitar and vocals. His musicianship helps singer Conrad Keeley wail above the tumult, as songs drift from an ethereal whisper into an all-out sonic explosion of pounding drums and chugging, distorted guitars. One of the highlights is the band’s new single, ‘Isis Unveiled’, which is epic when performed on stage. A scream would erupt from the crowd as every song crept from the speakers, proving that this was not an audience full of nonchalant interest everyone around me was a hardcore fan. To be fair, Trail Of Dead are an act of stadium proportions - but hey, no one can complain about getting up close and personal with these guys. Just consider bringing ear plugs. ~NOAH CROSS
GUM BALL FESTIVAL Belford Saturday May 30, 2009
THE EVENING SON
©COURTNEY FITZSIMMONS
2009 is the fifth year of the Gum Ball festival and the first time the event has played on its home turf since 2005. Due to battles with the local council, the festival had to find alternate locations in the interim years. In 2008, The Gum Ball was cancelled, just eight days before the show. In typical festival style, there were two stages - with a small stage sat next to the main one for bands to play on between the bigger acts. Too bad they all couldn’t be on the main stage, though. None of the acts I saw deserved to be considered a “small stage act”. Claude Hay, Cass Eager, Nick and Leisl, 38
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Matt Southon and Kim Churchill, and Kira Puru all gave strong, passionate performances. I would like to comment on each individually (I have nothing but positive comments about them) but there isn’t the room in this review. My main-stage highlights included The Evening Son, Marshall and the Fro, and The Fumes. The Fumes had a hard-pounding energy. They also worked through a tough set, dealing with drum problems and idiots jumping on stage. Overall, Marshall and The Fro had the best set. The festival could have ended on the strength of their performance alone. The intensity in Marshall’s eyes made him look like he was possessed by the demons of blues and rock. The crowd had the most energy during this set. They packed in tight to the stage and bounced to the rhythm like emperor penguins on ecstasy. Gum Ball 2009 was fantastic. It was cold, really cold. But the mood was great and the fire pits were greatly appreciated. ~ANDREW CHESHAM
PRESETS
LIZOTTE’S GRAND OPENING
Sydney electro-pop warriors, Van She were the sole support band for this much publicised event. For those unfamiliar, these guys kicked things off back in 2005 when each member responded to an advertisement in a Sydney street press, to begin a band with influences from Sepultura and Entombed. Oh, how things have changed. The quartet granted a fleeting 20-minute set before the evening’s main course was to be digested. Unfortunately, this concluded while many punters were still lining up outside on a chilly Thursday night. Having never seen The Presets perform live before, I was naturally quite enthused by what would be delivered. Is this band really good enough to receive six ARIA awards? Are they going to live up to the ‘God-like’ reputation, thrust upon them by many critics and average citizens alike? Well, regrettably (and at the risk of being gunned down) my answer in short is, no. Yes, The Presets are good; I’d even go as far as to say they are great. But, I don’t believe the hype generated over this duo was engendered tonight. In all fairness, this was perhaps a result of singer, Julian Hamilton’s, recent illness which caused the concert to be postponed a week from the original scheduled date. The Presets granted a liberal number of their hit singles, separated of course with sedated fillers, which created all the more excitement when things did kick back into full swing again. Crowd favourites included obvious choices such as ‘My People’, ‘Talk Like That’ and ‘This Boy’s in Love’. Just in closing, full credit goes to The Presets lighting guy, who was rocking-out side of stage harder than anyone else in the room and provided a spectacular accompaniment to an entertaining presentation. ~NATHANIEL TRY
Lizotte’s, New Lambton Tuesday June 2, 2009
DEISEL + BRIAN LIZOTTE
©KEVIN BULL
There was a high level of expectation among the guests that were invited to this very important night. Already a legendary venue on the Central Coast, Lizottes’ Newcastle home was welcomed with open arms by local media, associates and musicians alike. With mouth-watering canapes circling the room, flowing champagne, and a line-up of performers that included Diesel, Deni Hines and Beccy Cole, this was sure to be a memorable night. Jason Lowe and Adam Miller warmed up the crowd, who regrettably chatted through their set. Not deterred, the two delivered a quality set. Deni Hines followed, rousing on the loud audience, making them pull their heads in and show some damn respect. Good on ya, Deni. As always, the younger of the two famous Hines was a class act. Performing with just an acoustic guitarist, it was a wonderfully raw set. Beccy Cole also went the acoustic route, delivering a wonderfully measured set that included a slowed down, haunting country version of Joan Jett’s ‘I Love Rock and Roll’. Benjalu kept the crowd suitably entertained, before Diesel took to the stage. As a blues performer, Mark Lizotte really remains in a class of his own. Joined by just a bassist and drummer, he ripped through some of his classic hits like ‘Never Miss Your Water’ and ‘Tip Of My Tongue’. Joined on stage by a brass section that included both Diesel’s father and his brother and Lizottes’ owner Brian Lizotte, the show had the crowd on their feet. Despite a stellar line-up, the main star of the night was the venue. Originally the King’s Theatre, Brian Lizotte has given the venue his own original touches. The sound is top notch and it’s an incredibly intimate space, with both upstairs and downstairs seating. It is incredibly exciting to have such refreshing life breathed into the nearly 100 year-old venue. Check out Lizottes Newcastle’s upcoming dates and make yourself a booking! ~NICK MILLIGAN
although there was still plenty of room; it wasn’t as crazy a night as the O’Ball or The Big O. I put this down to a majority of uni students being under pressure with exams at this time of the year. One of the first acts was hip hop artist Phrase, busting out with some cool tunes and taking time to chat to the crowd. The fake snow inside the Bar on The Hill being a little lame, though there was a solid snowboarding slingshot set up in the parking lot which was as good as a real snow runway. The Galvatrons took to the stage with their 80s inspired set, entertaining the crowd for a good hour. Funkoars rocked the outside stage and really got the crowd going. It was Kram though, who took the limelight of the event, with his slick, modern rock pounding out of the main stage. He played a very good set that was lapped up by the audience. All in all, Snowball was a little empty, though still an enjoyable night, and to be honest – I didn’t miss the crowds. ~DAVID LONG
Newcastle Panthers Thursday June 4, 2009
THE PRESETS
©TERRY PAULL
REGGIE WATTS
SNOWBALL Bar On The Hill, Newcastle Uni Friday June 5, 2009
THE GALVATRONS
©CHRISSY KAVALIEROS
An appropriate night was picked for the Bar on The Hill’s annual Snowball, being so cold that even the fake snow was in no danger of melting. There was a decent turn out to the event,
Lizotte’s, New Lambton Saturday June 6, 2009
REGGIE WATTS
©DESE’RAE L. STAGE
There are really no words that can do Reggie Watts justice. His live show is a mixture of comedy, absurd observations and spellbinding musical innovation. Watts’ beautiful singing voice can move you close to tears, before his hilarious rants make you nearly fall off your chair. When Watts takes to the lushious stage of Lizottes, Newcastle, accompanied by his monstrously large hair, he is in the persona of a British aristocrat. Using his loop machine, he then contructs a song based upon a drum beat, a bass line and melodic hook - his only instrument is his voice. It’s definitely impressive stuff, with Watts’ sharp wit almost outshining his ability to improvise. Every piece of stage banter is wildly different from the last, keeping the large Lizottes audience contained in a mix of intense laughter and dumbstruck awe. One song, though musically haunting, is about Watts’ decision to try and scare his girlfriend by turning off the power to her house and hiding in the dark. Not realising it’s a joke, she chases him with a pair of scissors. He runs for his life, hiding beneath the surface of a river. This fools his girlfriend’s thermal vision goggles, which she is using to hunt him down. The song ends with Watts’ girlfriend trapping him and stabbing him in the back. Sung in an aching falsetto, this absurb song typifies the musician’s subversive humour. Another rant pointed out that Australians are clearly big wine drinkers, but we should really consider trying beer instead. Apparently there’s warehouses of beer in our country that are going to waste. More of Watts’ wry comedy. Unlike any other artist you’ll ever see, Watts is a bizarre hybrid of Ross Noble and Gnarls Barkley’s vocalist Cee-Lo Green. But even that unusual comparison, like I previously mentioned, doesn’t really do this world-class entertainer any justice. Just make sure you go and see him next time he’s in Australia. ~ Nick Milligan
LIVE REVIEWS COME TOGETHER FESTIVAL Big Top, Luna Park, Sydney Saturday June 6 + Sunday June 7, 2009
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
Gig of the month
As soon as the curtain dropped the crowd went crazy as Lily launched into ‘Everyone’s at It’. Throughout the next hour-and-a-half Lily took her fans step-by-step through her new album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, with songs such as ‘Back To The Start’ and the politicallycharged, ‘F*** You’. She definitely had the (primarily female) audience in the palm of her hands with ‘Not Fair’.
©JOEL COURTNEY
Lily Allen has come a long way. Gone is the high-pitched baby voice and drunken rants which have made her previous tours a little disappointing. For her biggest solo show to date, a sold-out 6000 strong crowd at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, Lily was well on top.
PINK
It was a little disappointing that Lily didn’t play more off her first album, but the inclusion of ‘LDN’ and ‘Everything’s Just Wonderful’ were great, as was her cover of Kaiser Chief’s ‘Oh My God’. The highlight of the set was definitely the encore. Lily bounded onto the stage and, as she urged the crowd to dance, trance music filled the Hordern and the crowd responded with hands in the air. From there she launched into ‘Smile’ and new single ‘The Fear’. She then earned some major points with me by dropping her own take on the Crookers’ remix of Kid Cudi’s ‘Day N Nite’, which had the crowd jumping like crazy. Then just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Lily belted out a brilliant cover of Britney Spears’ ‘Womanizer’. And there it was, from the sneaker-wearing Chav of three years ago to the sleek, stunning performer she is today - I am happy to say that Lily has come into her own. ~CHRISSY KAVALIEROS
COG Entrance Leagues Club, The Entrance Sunday June 14, 2009
COG
©KEVIN BULL
I was fortunate enough to have seen Cog back in 2001 at Sydney Uni’s Manning Bar playing from their first EP Just Visiting, to a small number of students. Let me tell you, they were terrific then and are even more fantastic now. Before experiencing the sounds of Cog tonight, the audience was amped up by Melbourne three piece Calling All Cars, followed by five piece Mancurian group Oceansize, exciting the audience with mammoth sounds. Oceansize lead singer Mike Vennart even playing his guitar over his back ala Hendrix. Now I am no virgin to Cog but, I have to tell you, seeing this trio at one of my locals was an even better encounter. The concert was nothing short of a floor-stomping occurrence, opening with the ten minute phenomenal epic ‘Doors’, from their breakthrough CD, The New Normal. The night was full of crowd favourites, including ‘What If?’ and ‘Bird of Feather’ from Sharing Space. You don’t have to be cognisant of the band’s
PINK Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Wednesday June 3, 2009 With 54 sold-out dates throughout Australia, Pink’s Funhouse tour is the hottest ticket in town. To be honest, I felt kind of special taking my seat, a feeling shared with most here at her opening Newcastle gig. From a runway that thrust into the crowd, Pink rose out of a hidden trapdoor, suspended from a wire and gracefully swept on to the stage — a spectacular entrance to an amazing show. It was a visual, aural and sexual overload, and highlights were many. The set list contained a nice mix of old favourties, as well as a host of new songs from her latest album Funhouse. The pillow fight during ‘So What’ was a lot of fun, with four female dancers taking revenge on their fellow male dancer, before Pink stepped in and straddled him. Something that did surprise me was the
extensive history in order to enjoy their powerhouse, bass-driven, progressive rock songs and their amazing ability to pull huge amounts of sound as a three piece. They don’t play incognito — their presence on stage speaks for itself, with non-stop action for an hour-and-a-half, as the enthusiastic crowd sang along to the lyrics of almost every song. These Bondi natives are a great live band, and will be sure to impress serious music lovers everywhere. If you are ever lucky enough to experience Cog, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. The Between Oceans tour will be the bands last round before they take time out to pull more material together for their third LP. Make sure you catch them on their next stopover. ~KRYSTAL RYAN
FLIPPER Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Sunday June 14, 2009
FLIPPER
©JOEL ATTENBOROUGH
What does a performer expect from an audience? The audience definitely has expectations of the performer. They expect a certain level of entertainment, in terms of quality and quantity. They want value for
©KEVIN BULL
number of covers performed, all being wellchosen and skillfully performed. The Divinyl’s ‘I Touch Myself’ was slow and erotic. Pink performed the Aussie classic draped over a couch, with protruding hands that found places that I am sure only her husband, Corey Hart, dares to go. Led Zeppelin’s ‘Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You’ was truthful to the original, with Pink giving her best Robert Plant wail, and by the time Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ and Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ had the crowd singing along, you had the feeling that Pink could do no wrong. To close the show, the slower ‘Glitter in the Air’ saw Pink rise above the crowd on an aerial ribbon, only to be lowered below the stage. Again she rose, dripping with water. It was awe inspiring — one of the best endings of any show I have seen. My advice, do anything you can to get tickets for Pink’s return visit gigs to Newcastle in July. ~KEVIN BULL
money, a return on the dollars they spent on their tickets. American comedian Steve Martin understands this. During one of his stand-up performances in the 70s, he asked the crowd, “How much did you pay to get into the show tonight, $4.50? It’s a good investment. Sometimes I come out here and do a $4.75 show.” Flipper expects energy from their audience. For Flipper, the better the crowd’s energy, the better their performance will be. Gaining this energy from the small crowd at the Cambridge was hard to do, especially when the opening band didn’t accomplish their task of warming up the audience — I’m looking at you, Castings. The only difference between them setting up their equipment and their performance was the lighting. Flipper’s style of punk also made it difficult to attain this energy. They play a mid-tempo, sludgy punk. They still created electricity with this style, but it was more static electricity than lightening. Throughout the set, Flipper tried to energise the crowd. Lead singer, Bruce Loose, and bassist, Rachel Theole, urged the crowd to get close to the stage and jump around; Loose even invited everyone to climb over the metal barrier in front of the stage. The real fans did, most others stood at the back with their hands in their pockets. The crowd did get frantic during Flipper’s final song, ‘Sex Bomb’ — the band’s biggest hit. Three people from the audience were invited on stage to sing it. By the end, the energy was definitely there. But, at this point, the show was over. And, it didn’t negate the fact that certain expectations weren’t met, from either side. ~ANDREW CHESHAM R E V E R B M A G A Z I N E I S S U E # 0 3 6 — J U LY 2 0 0 9
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Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Tuesday June 9, 2009
©CHRISSY KAVALIEROS
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LILY ALLEN
LILY ALLEN
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Day One Luna Park was the place to be for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend as the Come Together Festival took place under blue skies and an ambience of thrills and rides. Saturday’s line up was not short on talent with Pez and Spod in good stead, as the participation was in full swing as fans gathered. Rap artist and Regurgitator front man Quan, really had the audience eating out of his hand. The performance was energetic and high on class, as the audience sang back, “Tell me what you want and I can get it for you.” This was a great introduction for Art vs. Science, who gave a stellar performance, leaving the best track till last, as everyone gave it their all for ‘ParlezVous Français?’ This blow-caution-to-thewind performance was a highlight and made all bands thereafter seem dull and outdated. Melbournian’s Midnight Juggernauts ended the evening with their synonymous indie pop gig. Singles ‘Into the Galaxy’ and ‘Road to Recovery’ were done with zeal on an audience that longed to keep the night going. With the night over, Day Two looked equally promising. Day Two The pigeons that hang by the harbour were to find a new resting point for the next twelve hours (if they had any chance of maintaining their hearing) as Day Two of Come Together was about to begin. Hunter locals Here Come the Birds played shortly after; spreading love and CD’s before revealing how overwhelmed they felt by the early energetic turn out. Numbers Radio had the tough task of bringing the rock back to the afternoon, playing after an impressive double, Phrase and the Funkoars. The Protectors’ vocalist Pete Stals was seen throwing himself to the floor countless times, dancing, screaming and eventually sexually violating the microphone. Hidden behind a dark pair of flash Rock sunnies (even when the sun’s out of sight), Kram strumming the guitar, kicking a bass drum and singing at the same time effortlessly. Something with Numbers had everyone on their feet dancing to hits like ‘Apple of The Eye’ and ’89 Freedom St.’ Hip Hop heavyweights Bliss n Eso released a charge of energy to the army of people that stood before them. Breathing in the elated noise that echoed from the arena, you can’t help but break out in goosebumps, as Bliss smash out hit after hit, covering the floor with their bass anthems. With the night coming to an end, I think we were all feeling one major noise hangover preparing for the next day. ~MARIJA ZEKO, SEAN FRAZER
LIVE REVIEWS WOLF AND CUB
WOLF AND CUB
©MARK SNELSON
Making superb use of a half filled room, The Scare’s eccentric vocalist Kiss Reid, spent the entirety of his performance time on the floor of the Cambridge. No, he didn’t spend a moment on stage, as is usually thought to be more conventional. From this location, the surprisingly dapper gentleman toppled tables and chairs, violated the personal space of most and heckled everyone who appeared too conservative, as this entertaining quintet provided a truly memorable performance. An obvious crowd favourite was the recently released single ‘No Money’. Earlier this year one of The Scare’s guitarists advertised ‘Cheapest Labour Hire in Sydney’ signs on various telegraph poles, for a meagre $7.00 an hour. This reality proves how the group can perform the aforementioned hit with such conviction. I’m sure anyone who doesn’t already know, would be intrigued to learn that Adelaide’s Wolf & Cub have two drummers. Mercifully,
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Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Thursday June 18, 2009
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the talented quartet use their beat masters as a secret weapon and not a driving force that carries the band, as would be an easier path to follow. Further adding to their diversity, the group’s latest recruit, Marvin Hammond (one half of Wolf & Cub’s backline combo), plays saxophone intermittently throughout the set. Just in case you’re wondering, they’re not paying me to talk up their originality. It was just so damn impressive! Quirkiness aside, Wolf & Cub played a rock set with elements of funk, groove and psychedelic rock thrown in for good measure. The ensemble borrowed a large portion of their material from their second full length release Science and Sorcery. Seeing ‘Seven Sevens’ and ‘This Mess’ delivered in a live setting, was a remarkably pleasant component of a thoroughly innovative evening. ~NATHANIEL TRY
SKETCHING CATO Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Friday June 19, 2009
missing out. The night started with the all-girl outfit, Vamp. This was the first time I’ve seen them play and they were great. Their ability to pull an early crowd was impressive. Next up was Fictions, who I have seen a few times now and really like. I love their high energy indie rock and love how frontman, Cam Bone, jumps off-stage to get amongst it in the crowd. Then it was time for Sketching Cato. These boys remind me of why I’ll always love good Aussie rock. They kicked off their set with the first song off their new self-titled EP, ‘Loaded Gun’, which is a definite crowd pleaser and pulled many to the dance floor. Throughout the next hour the band showcased the new EP with tracks like ‘The Touch’ and ‘Changes’, which had many a punter heading straight to the merch table to grab a copy to take home. In between the new tracks and friendly banter with the receptive crowd, they played a few unreleased tracks including ‘Horizon’, which was quite different to their usual style and the surprising change was well received. Highlights of the set were the crowd favourite, ‘Something Real’, and my personal favourite, the ballad ‘Look Around’, which showcased the bands range and versatility. With the band heading out on an East Coast tour this month, there are plenty of opportunities to catch them live, so I recommend you go along. You won’t be disappointed. ~CHRISSY KAVALIEROS
ASH GRUNWALD SKETCHING CATO
©CHRISSY KAVALIEROS
It’s been a while since I’ve seen local bands play at the Cambridge and if the general quality of music is as high as the Sketching Cato EP launch, well, I feel I may have been
Entrance Leagues Club Saturday June 20, 2009
Seven years ago I was under the legal drinking age and first heard Ash Grunwald from the outside of a pub he was playing at. My mates and I weren’t allowed in, so we sat on the kerb
ASH GRUNWALD
©LINDA WALES
enjoying the beats and wondering who the brilliant musician was inside. I finally saw him at my local club on Saturday night and was blown away... this time drinking quite a few beers. Ash Grunwald’s new music is faster and rockier, and the tunes off the album Fish Out Of Water, with their funky beats, are all easy to dance to. Grunwald’s relentless tapping on the stomp box just made me want to rock my head through the entire set and it was that energy that saw the crowd moving in unison to the beat for the whole gig. ‘Fish Out Of Water’, was the highlight of the show for me. This new song definitely contains Grunwald’s signature blues sound, but it was fresh and had a sexy rhythm. The vigour of the massive local crowd inside the small space was intense. An old tune, ‘Dolphin Song’ was sung with passion, and Grunwald’s wailing dolphin noises revved up the animalism in the audience. ‘Breakout’, was another crowd favourite, and he picked the guitar faster and faster as it played out, impressing everyone there. I’m sure I can speak for local music lovers of the Central Coast when I say that it’s so good to have great bands stopping in here. Keep ‘em comin`! ~LIANNA MCDONALD
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