Regurgitator, John Steel Singers, The Boat People, Ball Park Music, Numbers Radio
So back I go for Float On... Night Two! More Regurgitator with possibly my favourite band, The Boat People and a whole bunch of other talent! After all the good times that happened the night before I am guessing shenanigans run amok tonight.
Up first were Numbers Radio and it was a little disappointing to see that they played to an empty room. With the set times having them start 15 minutes after doors open, I suppose that was to be expected. Still, a little saddening, because they were awesome and sounded so incredible. From what I've heard the Hifi can be a difficult room to play sometimes due to sound issues, however, they sounded incredible! I would like to hear more of this band, they intrigued me. I do like it when a band intrigues me.
Next on were the ever impressive Ball Park Music. Tonight they completely mixed up their set, and it was brilliant. To a music fan who goes to almost every gig of a particular band, the last thing they want to hear is the same set over and over again, with almost no variation. They still want to hear all the songs, but they don't want to hear them in the same format, in the same order every time. That's the way to make a fan not come to gigs. Ball Park Music don't do this. They completely rearranged some of their songs tonight, adding a ballad-esk intro to one of the favourites, and playing 'iFly' much, much earlier in the set. Also they keep a range of song both old and new. Things from their first EP through to things they are currently recording. This alone makes them interesting to watch, as you never know what you're going to get. Also, they are far from a boring band to watch.
The Boat People. Where do I start... This band changed my life. Yet of late I find myself not wanting to go to their gigs. Because of the what makes Ball Park Music so interesting to follow. Their set has basically been the same since when they released their album in July of last year. They play almost only songs from this record, forgetting about those that made them great. They play nothing from "yesyesyesyesyes" and only 'Light of Love (You Got A...)' from "Chandeliers", and to tell you the truth, (and 'Light of Love' is quite possibly my favourite song of theirs, so it hurts me to say this) 'Light of Love' is sounding tired. For as long as I've heard them play, it has been their final song. And it works so well as a final song, but... I would love to hear them play some old stuff, 'Unsettle My Heart' is nothing short of brilliant. Bring that back maybe? Enough said on this.
It was the John Steel Singers that brought forward the crowd into the bottom level of the Hifi and really kicked off the night. Their mix of lush vocals harmonies, guitars, and those ever present brass sounds really brings out what this band are really about. While some other occasions JSS haven't captured me, tonight they were on fire. I would quite like to understand whey bands change their stage set up from gig to gig. Compared to Laneway, only a couple of days previous, they had swapped the staging of the keys with the 12-string guitar. Hungry Kids of Hungary do this on a regular basis also, as I'm sure most bands do, but I would love to know what the reasoning is behind this. Regardless, these guys play a killer set, even when told that they are going quite the overtime and have to cut some of their set, making the bass player struggle on a bass with different tuning... Poor guy.
Last up this night were Regurgitator. And if the previous night's performance left you wanting the rest of the set, tonight more than covered it! I was worried that they would be playing almost the same set as the night before with a coupld of changes, but no. They played a completely different set, dropping many, but adding many more, while keeping the big favourites. It was like tonight completed the set they didn't get to finish the night before, and made for the full experience. For me tonight, I ventured away from the safety towards the middle of the room, and thrust myself in amongst it. And you know what? It was freakingsweet! So, so awesome! Such a different experience than just standing watching a gig. To be in the mosh for a band like this... mmm. Awesome.
And thus ends the epicness that was Float On. I do truly hope that a shitload of money was raised for the floods, because you know what? These two nights have probably been the best musical experience of my life so far. And I believe more than a couple of those who were there would be saying the same thing.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Float On... - 6 February 2011, The Hifi
Regurgitator, Custard, Kate Miller-Heidke, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Screemfeeder, Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side, Little Scout
I don't know how to even begin thinking about this line-up. Only a natural disaster could bring together such a talented bunch of people. Not to mention reunite one of Brisbane's greatest band of the 90s! Custard! After the line up that was Laneway, follow it two days later with this, and my musical dreams have almost been fulfilled. I kind of wish I had been this age in the 90s so I could appreciate these bands in their peak as well as all the weird and wonderful musical sensations that were the 90s. Sigh.
Opening the night was the big talent that is Little Scout. I have never heard this band sound so loud! Given I've never heard them in a bigger venue than The Troubadour, but still, this was a little much. For me, the thing this band have going for them is their quirkiness, which mainly comes from drummer Miro Mackie's riffs. Tonight however the kit was so heavy that these light idiosyncrasies were lost in the mix. This especially happened in 'Shakes and Rattles' where the kick over powered everything else. I would like to see this band continue to hold on to that quirkiness that makes me adore them, but if this is more the direction they are heading in, so be it. Regardless, their new material is solid, and I do look forward to hearing it on record.
Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side were up next, and while I appreciate what they have going on, they're not my cup of tea. I did however marvel at their frontman and his antics. He has so much energy on stage, and that combined with good musical ideas is what makes a band. Its one thing to play well. It's another thing to look sort of interested on stage, but it takes something special to capture a crowd just with the antics of even one person in the band. I'm not saying that this band didn't play good music, they most certainly did! It's just not my particular cup of tea.
See, now Screemfeeder are amazing. I swear I've never heard the sound system at the Hifi quite this loud before. It kind of blew my mind, and my ears. Like Gentle Ben, but in a completely different way, I really didn't enjoy Screemfeeder. Just so obsenely loud! I actually don't get it. I tried to appreciate this band, I really tried. But when all I can hear is a kick drum, and the bass with a hint of guitars and a tiny inkling that the vocals, it's a little difficult. Maybe it's because I actually like to listen to the lyrics of songs. I believe that this is where the heart and soul of an artist comes to life. And with this band, I couldn't get anything. You can be a loud band while still being able to get the vocals above the sound of everything else in the band. On record it's probably a completely different story, but these are my thoughts on the subject, and I shall say no more.
Hungry Kids of Hungary took to the stage next with their particular brand of awesomeness. They played through their power set with such an ease that it brings the crowd (or at least those who made the perilous journey to the front) to life from the word go. So Remy is now officially a member of this band. Hurray! He brings another personality to the already brimming presence that they have on stage, and also fills out the texture of both the instrumental and vocal sides of the music. I do particularly like how his voice blends in with the harmonies, and adds that extra mmm.
For me, it's been probably two years since I had seen Kate Miller-Heidke live. I think the last time was at the Tivoli, years ago... Anyway, since then she has toured around the world, most recently with the obscenely talented Ben Folds. And what a difference a couple of years can make in regards to the growth of a musician. While she has lost none of her quirkiness musically, she brings a much more reserved approach to her set, augmenting it tonight with guest harmonies, and a hint of rhythm. From what I understand though, she has been recently just been performing as a duo with Keir. And this actually works surprisingly well. I had reservations about the 'acoustic' set, but like I said, she has grown so much since last I saw her, and really honed her flair for performance. (It's not like it wasn't there in the first place though). Also, Keir is a freaking ah-mazing guitarist.
I still can not believe that I witnessed the reform of Custard! It's actually quite the mind blowing! This is the first club gig they have played in 10 years. And you know what? I actually have no idea where to even begin with these guys. For one, they played about 15 mins over time, and you know what? I think that would have totally been ok with everyone in the room! I don't know if I am qualified to do justice to this set. It was beyond anything I could have possibly imagined. And probably one of the best sets I have possibly ever seen.
Regurgitator have always been in my life I have recently found out. It may be quite naive of me to say this, but you know when you are exposed to music, but you don't really take an interest, then realise who it is later in life and go a little bit nuts? Yeah, this happened to me a week ago. In acquiring Regurgitator's music off my brother, I realised that I could belt out the lyrics to more than a couple of their songs without even trying! I also realised that I do love this band, and had forgotten them. Woops... Anyway, their set this night was incredible! I would never have thought that I would see myself at a Regurgitator gig, but you know what! I loved it, so very very much! Highlights for me were easily 'Polyester Girl' and 'Fat Cop' but you know what, they did no wrong. I was a little disappointed that they left off some important singles, but fingers crossed tomorrow night's set will cover these missing songs!
This gig could quite possibly be the greatest thing I will ever see! I just do not see how it can be topped. The artist that got me into the live music scene, Miss Kate Miller-Heidke, one of my favorite Brisbane bands at present, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Brisbane legends Custard, and Regurgitator. I do not see how this will be topped... Wow. That is all.
I don't know how to even begin thinking about this line-up. Only a natural disaster could bring together such a talented bunch of people. Not to mention reunite one of Brisbane's greatest band of the 90s! Custard! After the line up that was Laneway, follow it two days later with this, and my musical dreams have almost been fulfilled. I kind of wish I had been this age in the 90s so I could appreciate these bands in their peak as well as all the weird and wonderful musical sensations that were the 90s. Sigh.
Opening the night was the big talent that is Little Scout. I have never heard this band sound so loud! Given I've never heard them in a bigger venue than The Troubadour, but still, this was a little much. For me, the thing this band have going for them is their quirkiness, which mainly comes from drummer Miro Mackie's riffs. Tonight however the kit was so heavy that these light idiosyncrasies were lost in the mix. This especially happened in 'Shakes and Rattles' where the kick over powered everything else. I would like to see this band continue to hold on to that quirkiness that makes me adore them, but if this is more the direction they are heading in, so be it. Regardless, their new material is solid, and I do look forward to hearing it on record.
Gentle Ben & His Sensitive Side were up next, and while I appreciate what they have going on, they're not my cup of tea. I did however marvel at their frontman and his antics. He has so much energy on stage, and that combined with good musical ideas is what makes a band. Its one thing to play well. It's another thing to look sort of interested on stage, but it takes something special to capture a crowd just with the antics of even one person in the band. I'm not saying that this band didn't play good music, they most certainly did! It's just not my particular cup of tea.
See, now Screemfeeder are amazing. I swear I've never heard the sound system at the Hifi quite this loud before. It kind of blew my mind, and my ears. Like Gentle Ben, but in a completely different way, I really didn't enjoy Screemfeeder. Just so obsenely loud! I actually don't get it. I tried to appreciate this band, I really tried. But when all I can hear is a kick drum, and the bass with a hint of guitars and a tiny inkling that the vocals, it's a little difficult. Maybe it's because I actually like to listen to the lyrics of songs. I believe that this is where the heart and soul of an artist comes to life. And with this band, I couldn't get anything. You can be a loud band while still being able to get the vocals above the sound of everything else in the band. On record it's probably a completely different story, but these are my thoughts on the subject, and I shall say no more.
Hungry Kids of Hungary took to the stage next with their particular brand of awesomeness. They played through their power set with such an ease that it brings the crowd (or at least those who made the perilous journey to the front) to life from the word go. So Remy is now officially a member of this band. Hurray! He brings another personality to the already brimming presence that they have on stage, and also fills out the texture of both the instrumental and vocal sides of the music. I do particularly like how his voice blends in with the harmonies, and adds that extra mmm.
For me, it's been probably two years since I had seen Kate Miller-Heidke live. I think the last time was at the Tivoli, years ago... Anyway, since then she has toured around the world, most recently with the obscenely talented Ben Folds. And what a difference a couple of years can make in regards to the growth of a musician. While she has lost none of her quirkiness musically, she brings a much more reserved approach to her set, augmenting it tonight with guest harmonies, and a hint of rhythm. From what I understand though, she has been recently just been performing as a duo with Keir. And this actually works surprisingly well. I had reservations about the 'acoustic' set, but like I said, she has grown so much since last I saw her, and really honed her flair for performance. (It's not like it wasn't there in the first place though). Also, Keir is a freaking ah-mazing guitarist.
I still can not believe that I witnessed the reform of Custard! It's actually quite the mind blowing! This is the first club gig they have played in 10 years. And you know what? I actually have no idea where to even begin with these guys. For one, they played about 15 mins over time, and you know what? I think that would have totally been ok with everyone in the room! I don't know if I am qualified to do justice to this set. It was beyond anything I could have possibly imagined. And probably one of the best sets I have possibly ever seen.
Regurgitator have always been in my life I have recently found out. It may be quite naive of me to say this, but you know when you are exposed to music, but you don't really take an interest, then realise who it is later in life and go a little bit nuts? Yeah, this happened to me a week ago. In acquiring Regurgitator's music off my brother, I realised that I could belt out the lyrics to more than a couple of their songs without even trying! I also realised that I do love this band, and had forgotten them. Woops... Anyway, their set this night was incredible! I would never have thought that I would see myself at a Regurgitator gig, but you know what! I loved it, so very very much! Highlights for me were easily 'Polyester Girl' and 'Fat Cop' but you know what, they did no wrong. I was a little disappointed that they left off some important singles, but fingers crossed tomorrow night's set will cover these missing songs!
This gig could quite possibly be the greatest thing I will ever see! I just do not see how it can be topped. The artist that got me into the live music scene, Miss Kate Miller-Heidke, one of my favorite Brisbane bands at present, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Brisbane legends Custard, and Regurgitator. I do not see how this will be topped... Wow. That is all.
Laneway Festival - 4 February 2011, Fortitude Valley
First off, I have to mention how freaking amazing this festival line up is! I couldn't even begin to comprehend it when I first found out the line up. And with such a stellar line up I was literally wetting myself in anticipation of the set times to be released, praying that there wouldn't be too many clashes. Thankfully there were only a handful, and well, it was bound to happen. Thankfully it could have taken a worse turn than it did.
So my annoying habit of running late to gigs has returned it seems. Aiming to be at the gates at 1 was achievable, but alas... I was after 2 before I arrived. This actually frustrates me! I don't like making a habit of being late to anything, and this made me miss Inland Sea, who I'd been hoping for another chance to hear since their Powerhouse show late last year. Ah well. I know there will be another time in the near future to see these youngsters. After taking a turn about the grounds, I settled on Stornoway as a good place to start the festivities. Taking on the big stage they drew a reasonable sized crowd considering the early set time, and the smouldering heat that embraced the sun exposed viewing arena. Can I just add that this heat was relentless! There was absolutely not getting away from it, even in the shade. And as the sun went down, it didn't ease up all that much, which was much to my disappointment! Just so sticky and gross! Anyway. Stornoway. They have a good thing going on. I would like to hear more of them. They have made me curious.
Taking a perch at the New Alexandria St Stage, we all waited for what I hoped would be one of the highlights of the day. Local Natives. And what an act they are! I will admit, I have maybe over-indulged myself in their record "Gorilla Manor" but nothing can really prepare you for a live experience. They were stunning, with their three part harmonies soaring above the textured underlying riffs. They brought out all the stops especially with 'Who Knows Who Cares' which really brought out the life in the crowd. This band really have something special going on, with a kind of simplicity that is actually mind blowing in it's complexity, if that even makes sense...
Again staying put at the Alexandria St Stage we were blessed with the touching tunes of Beach House. This wasn't the venue, nor the time of day for these guys. Not at all. I believe they would have been much better on a smaller stage. But this is just me. They pulled a huge array of people, but something just didn't feel right to me. I don't know. Their melancholic tunes were truly incredible. And no matter how hard I tried to accept it in my brain, it just would not let me remember, nor accept that it was a chick singing. Her voice remind me so much of a guys voice, with its inflections and turns, but alas, I am obviously daft! Haha! She is quite the talented.
Now this is a big call, but I do believe that the next act up on the big stage Two Door Cinema Club were my pick of the day. For this one it was a must to be in amongst the action as opposed to sticking to the outskirts like I had been, and I would not have changed this decision for the world. They played hit after hit, and just kept on going! And where this band went on this excruciatingly disgusting afternoon, the whole crowd went with them. 'Undercover Martyn' went off. 'Eat That Up, It's Good for You' also went off. 'I Can Talk' went off also. You know what? They didn't really do much wrong at all. Not even someone bursting the fire hydrant could dampen the spirits of this crowd. (:P) In fact it was actually very welcome! Nothing like getting soaked to reset the energy levels on a hot day.
Allons-y! Zoo/ Big Sound Stage! Arriving in the middle of the John Steel Singers it was a surprise to see Mel from Little Scout on stage also. Don't think this has ever happened before... Deciding not to stay too long into their set, I thought it would be a better idea to take the opportunity to find food, maybe a drink among other things. And lucky I left when I did. Because to do all of this, I still didn't make it back in time for the start of Hungry Kids of Hungary's set. I don't think I need to say it again, but this band really do have something special, and I believe that they have a great future ahead of them. Not only do they sound good on record, but they also look and sound phenomenal on stage!
At this stage of the night I was pretty low on energy. Saw a bit of Cloud Control from the very back of the crowd (and that little laneway stage they were playing on was full beyond capacity.) Also saw a bit of Foals from the back of the crowd on the Alexandria Stage next door. I wish I could have been apart of the crowd instead of lingering on the outskirts of it! It would have been amazing. But alas, due to set times and unavoidable clashes at this time of night, that was impossible due to the fact that Gotye was set to play starting half way through their set. And it would have been an unpleasant mission to find a route out of that mosh.
Gotye - the final act of the night for me. Holy shit. Mind blowing!! As a whole, his set was so flawed and actually a bit of a failure, but despite all that, so so awesome. I do feel for his sound guy! I have never seen so much gear on stage for just three people to play with. And that's where his troubles started. When things were working what he produced was beautiful! When they weren't... His main synth was an electric xylophone, not a keyboard, and aesthetically, that made all the difference. Yeah you can stand in front of a keyboard or a set of pads, but having a xylophone made it look that much more extravagant and cool. But enough with the aesthetics. This man is so talented, and is a born performer. When things were going oh so wrong, he managed to keep the crowd in his hands by creating a "song" based on crowd participation until the problem was... resolved? Also the music he makes is so full and complicated on so many levels it is a mission to listen to. I mean that in the best possible way. On each listen to the record you hear something you had missed the time before. And live it just creates a whole new level of appreciation for this complexness. Mmmm. :)
There are so many more bands that I would have loved to have seen, but time and energy can only let you do so much. I wish I could have a do-over of the day, see everything I wished I could have seen. But alas. One day.
So my annoying habit of running late to gigs has returned it seems. Aiming to be at the gates at 1 was achievable, but alas... I was after 2 before I arrived. This actually frustrates me! I don't like making a habit of being late to anything, and this made me miss Inland Sea, who I'd been hoping for another chance to hear since their Powerhouse show late last year. Ah well. I know there will be another time in the near future to see these youngsters. After taking a turn about the grounds, I settled on Stornoway as a good place to start the festivities. Taking on the big stage they drew a reasonable sized crowd considering the early set time, and the smouldering heat that embraced the sun exposed viewing arena. Can I just add that this heat was relentless! There was absolutely not getting away from it, even in the shade. And as the sun went down, it didn't ease up all that much, which was much to my disappointment! Just so sticky and gross! Anyway. Stornoway. They have a good thing going on. I would like to hear more of them. They have made me curious.
Taking a perch at the New Alexandria St Stage, we all waited for what I hoped would be one of the highlights of the day. Local Natives. And what an act they are! I will admit, I have maybe over-indulged myself in their record "Gorilla Manor" but nothing can really prepare you for a live experience. They were stunning, with their three part harmonies soaring above the textured underlying riffs. They brought out all the stops especially with 'Who Knows Who Cares' which really brought out the life in the crowd. This band really have something special going on, with a kind of simplicity that is actually mind blowing in it's complexity, if that even makes sense...
Again staying put at the Alexandria St Stage we were blessed with the touching tunes of Beach House. This wasn't the venue, nor the time of day for these guys. Not at all. I believe they would have been much better on a smaller stage. But this is just me. They pulled a huge array of people, but something just didn't feel right to me. I don't know. Their melancholic tunes were truly incredible. And no matter how hard I tried to accept it in my brain, it just would not let me remember, nor accept that it was a chick singing. Her voice remind me so much of a guys voice, with its inflections and turns, but alas, I am obviously daft! Haha! She is quite the talented.
Now this is a big call, but I do believe that the next act up on the big stage Two Door Cinema Club were my pick of the day. For this one it was a must to be in amongst the action as opposed to sticking to the outskirts like I had been, and I would not have changed this decision for the world. They played hit after hit, and just kept on going! And where this band went on this excruciatingly disgusting afternoon, the whole crowd went with them. 'Undercover Martyn' went off. 'Eat That Up, It's Good for You' also went off. 'I Can Talk' went off also. You know what? They didn't really do much wrong at all. Not even someone bursting the fire hydrant could dampen the spirits of this crowd. (:P) In fact it was actually very welcome! Nothing like getting soaked to reset the energy levels on a hot day.
Allons-y! Zoo/ Big Sound Stage! Arriving in the middle of the John Steel Singers it was a surprise to see Mel from Little Scout on stage also. Don't think this has ever happened before... Deciding not to stay too long into their set, I thought it would be a better idea to take the opportunity to find food, maybe a drink among other things. And lucky I left when I did. Because to do all of this, I still didn't make it back in time for the start of Hungry Kids of Hungary's set. I don't think I need to say it again, but this band really do have something special, and I believe that they have a great future ahead of them. Not only do they sound good on record, but they also look and sound phenomenal on stage!
At this stage of the night I was pretty low on energy. Saw a bit of Cloud Control from the very back of the crowd (and that little laneway stage they were playing on was full beyond capacity.) Also saw a bit of Foals from the back of the crowd on the Alexandria Stage next door. I wish I could have been apart of the crowd instead of lingering on the outskirts of it! It would have been amazing. But alas, due to set times and unavoidable clashes at this time of night, that was impossible due to the fact that Gotye was set to play starting half way through their set. And it would have been an unpleasant mission to find a route out of that mosh.
Gotye - the final act of the night for me. Holy shit. Mind blowing!! As a whole, his set was so flawed and actually a bit of a failure, but despite all that, so so awesome. I do feel for his sound guy! I have never seen so much gear on stage for just three people to play with. And that's where his troubles started. When things were working what he produced was beautiful! When they weren't... His main synth was an electric xylophone, not a keyboard, and aesthetically, that made all the difference. Yeah you can stand in front of a keyboard or a set of pads, but having a xylophone made it look that much more extravagant and cool. But enough with the aesthetics. This man is so talented, and is a born performer. When things were going oh so wrong, he managed to keep the crowd in his hands by creating a "song" based on crowd participation until the problem was... resolved? Also the music he makes is so full and complicated on so many levels it is a mission to listen to. I mean that in the best possible way. On each listen to the record you hear something you had missed the time before. And live it just creates a whole new level of appreciation for this complexness. Mmmm. :)
There are so many more bands that I would have loved to have seen, but time and energy can only let you do so much. I wish I could have a do-over of the day, see everything I wished I could have seen. But alas. One day.
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