John Steel Singers, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Ball Park Music
This is the big one. I actually can't imagine a better line-up for the Brisbane leg of Triple J's AusMusic Month Party. Combine up and coming superstars Ball Park Music with Hungry Kids of Hungary fresh off the back of the Sydney and Melbourne legs of their national tour and The John Steel Singers who just ooze with awesomeness and you have one hell of a party. Then throw in guests with names like Dave McCormack, Inland Sea, Seja, and Robert Forster, and... wow. Mind blowing. And if names alone weren't enough, the sets would certainly be enough!
Even as I arrived at the HiFi a bit after doors open there was still a line to get into the venue. A good sign! And walking in, it was already half full, and Ball Park Music were yet to start! And when they did, oh what a show they put on! Something quite special! Playing a mixed bag of their repertoire, they showcased just what a special band they are. Frontman Sam Cromack is an entity unto himself, lighting up the stage with his tireless vocals. And when Dave McCormack joined them on stage for a new take on Custard's classic 'Apartment', it was actually a sight to behold. To have Dave McCormack singing one of his own with the new kids on the block! Yeah, pretty special. They finished off their set with crowd favourite 'iFly'. As usual they took the time in the middle of the song to chill for a bit before continuing on, however tonight they honoured Triple J getting the crowd to chorus "We love music"! As they continued on for the end of the song guitarist Brock basically picked up frontman Sam, and launched him off the stage, over the barrier and into the crowd. Needless to say, this band can do no wrong.
After getting the part started with Ball Park Music, Hungry Kids of Hungary took to the stage to continue with magic of their own. Playing a power set of current single and hits gone by, they wowed the crowd with renditions of 'Scattered Diamonds' and 'Let You Down'. They also played songs from their new record "Escapades", creating something quite special for this night with 'Eat Your Heart Out'. They welcomed to the stage all ten members of Inland Sea, Seja and also Meg from Little Scout to fill out the texture and give the crowd a stunning rendition on this song. Backing up this song was a cover of Kylie Minogue's 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' where Seja took lead vocals and Inland Sea provided divine harmonies. All I can say is, I can't wait to hear this again when the Hungry Kids' set hits Triple J. Can't Wait!
It was a little disappointing to see the room empty a little after the Hungry Kids' set. Yes, it's a Wednesday night, and yes, some have school and work the next day, but seriously! Leaving before the headlining act!? Their loss I suppose. However, while watching the John Steel Singers, I felt a little lost. I feel as though they have lost that sparkle that made them such a stellar live band. Now that they have released their new record 'Tangalooma' it's like they have, I don't know, forgotten how to be a live band. Don't get me wrong, they were fantastic this night, but I suppose I was expecting just something a little bit more special. Robert Forster then joined the six-piece on stage for one of the JSS own and something a little bit different.
The finale of the concert was actually a sight to behold, welcoming back all the main acts for more Australian covers. To have Sam from Ball Park and Dean from Hungry Kids both singing lead on the one song was quite special. I keep saying that there were a lot of special moments this night, and I am not going to stop. The whole night was actually something more. So brilliant. The highlight of the night though for me would have to be Ball Park Music's set. They stole the show in my opinion, upstaging the John Steel Singers, and even Hungry Kids of Hungary. I do predict big things happening for these young whippersnappers.
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