w/ Montpelier, The Trouble with Templeton
In my 'haste' not to be early, I actually ended up being late and missing the entirety of The Trouble with Templeton. T'was such a shame, coz apparently they were pretty freaking good. Regardless, a gig with both Montpelier and Husky is an ok gig by me. Also, it was nice to be back at the Beetle Bar. A strange kind of a place that apparently holds 450 people... This I don't quite believe, but still, quite a nice place with a balcony and everything. It is however the standard in backpackers pubs, and unfortunately smells the part as well. Ok, now I'm just being harsh. The place is pretty rad, and has plenty of character. And also plenty of beetles decorating the walls, this is what makes it rad.
Moving on. Montpelier. It's been quite a while, and it's nice to see that the lads have lost none of their charm, but unfortunately, have not gained any interesting visuals while their on stage... This saddens me. They are kind of all kinds of brilliant, and when looking at them on stage, all you see is four heads down pulsing to the beat, engrossed in the music. Which is awesome, but there need to be a balance between that, and playing that connects with the crowd. Their songs though are just as stellar as they have always been. And I think I can finally conclude after numerous live performances and a recording, that the lyrics of 'Last Boat' go "Last boat out to see her" not "sea yeah". But you know what, I could still be wrong... Their new music is much the same kind of style as what they have been previously giving us, but I am stoked by this, and can't wait to hear it on record.
And Husky. Where do I even start with this band. They are kinds of incredible. Husky himself is a tiny red headed man, who is a little vertically challenged. This does not stop him from belting out a kick-ass ballad. We then move to the keys player Gideon. There are not too many bands that I know of who, mid set, will all sit down while the keys player plays a classical inspired number as an introduction to a song. I was blown away. It was beautiful, and straight after, right back into what they do best as a band. Their singles 'History's Door' and 'Hundred Dollar Suit' are definitely the songs that stand out, but that doesn't make their other songs any less brilliant. To top off their set, they performed a rendition of The Beatles' 'What Goes On', but with a slight twist. No mics, no amplification, just three voices, a guitar, some bells, and a shaker. I happened to be standing in the second row for this set, and as we all made room for them to come stand in the crowd, I ended up standing in the front, right next to them. And oh my, this was one of the single greatest musical moments I've ever experienced. They're harmonies were as tight as could be, and it was just so slick. I don't think I can adequately describe what an amazing experience this was. And you know what? In any venue apart from the Beetle Bar, this number probably wouldn't have worked. But being a long narrow venue with the balcony right above worked in Husky's favour.
One thing I have to add. Both Monpelier and Husky create perfect harmonies within their respective groups. There are bands that sing harmonies, and do it adequately, due to the fact that the guitarist probably isn't a singer, and then there are bands that have singers playing instruments. And what a difference that makes to the vocals. That's all I shall say, apart from the fact that this gig, and especially Husky, was something else.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Track and Field - 4 June 2011, The Old Museum
Last Dinosaurs, Ball Park Music, The Belligerents, The Jungle Giants
This was a gig that I wasn't going to go to. But you know what, I would have missed something truly special had I not gone, as it was something more. Great venue, great DJs and stellar bands!
First on were The Jungle Giants. I like what they have got going on here. A convergence of pop and something a little different and special. There's something, however, that I really don't get. They have a chick in their band playing guitar. I get that, but she didn't fit the rest of the portrait that the rest of the band were painting. They were all "rocking out" shall we say, and she was passively playing along. No doubt she's an amazing player, but sometimes you have to let your hair down as it were. Apart from that, I really liked. And I want to hear more. A lot more. Where do I get more!
The Belligerents are a bit of an enigma to me. I can't decide whether I love them or am indifferent. Two extremes, I know, but I can't decide. In one context, their songs all sound pretty much alike, however in another context, they're unique and intricate. Forgive me for being so indecisive. Regardless, they are an entertaining bunch of blokes, and that is one thing I do endorse.
Now, it's been a while, but I think I remember the sound of Ball Park Music. Aren't they the ones who sing about fucking loving someone? In all seriousness though, Ball Park Music are something of another caliber. From song one, they called Rich People Stupid, before moving on to saying it's Nice To Be Alive! Seriously guys, what do you want! Ok, seriousness. This band, especially their frontman, Sam Cromack have so much life and spirit in them it REEKS! And then spills into everyone in the room. This band have risen to such great heights since last I saw them, it's stupid. I believe they are going to have greatness thrust upon them, if they already haven't. One thing though, Paul wasn't up to his usual antics and is now a sitting keyboard player? When did that happen!
Finally, The Last Dinosaurs. They had big act to follow, and you know what, despite all the hipsters in the room, there was a certain vibe lacking from their set. It's been a good nine months since I saw these guys last, and I know they're going to have new tunes, but really in listening to them, their new songs did nothing for me. 'Honolulu' is still the hit, but there's nothing else that stood out... Is that a bad thing from a band that is so apparently liked? Also, have they got anything new out yet? Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but regardless of my ignorance, it hasn't really been that widely publicised. Forgive me if I am wrong. In saying all of that, they do what they do well, and I truly do like.
To top the night off, Dean from the Hungry Kids of Hungary played a DJ set, and you know what? It was all kinds of awesome. He could do no wrong, and had the whole place dancing up a storm until the Old Museum staff kicked everyone out... Such a shame. Regardless, the whole night was a stunning display of musical talent and opportunity. And hears hoping the next "Track and Field" in November will be just as wondrous.
This was a gig that I wasn't going to go to. But you know what, I would have missed something truly special had I not gone, as it was something more. Great venue, great DJs and stellar bands!
First on were The Jungle Giants. I like what they have got going on here. A convergence of pop and something a little different and special. There's something, however, that I really don't get. They have a chick in their band playing guitar. I get that, but she didn't fit the rest of the portrait that the rest of the band were painting. They were all "rocking out" shall we say, and she was passively playing along. No doubt she's an amazing player, but sometimes you have to let your hair down as it were. Apart from that, I really liked. And I want to hear more. A lot more. Where do I get more!
The Belligerents are a bit of an enigma to me. I can't decide whether I love them or am indifferent. Two extremes, I know, but I can't decide. In one context, their songs all sound pretty much alike, however in another context, they're unique and intricate. Forgive me for being so indecisive. Regardless, they are an entertaining bunch of blokes, and that is one thing I do endorse.
Now, it's been a while, but I think I remember the sound of Ball Park Music. Aren't they the ones who sing about fucking loving someone? In all seriousness though, Ball Park Music are something of another caliber. From song one, they called Rich People Stupid, before moving on to saying it's Nice To Be Alive! Seriously guys, what do you want! Ok, seriousness. This band, especially their frontman, Sam Cromack have so much life and spirit in them it REEKS! And then spills into everyone in the room. This band have risen to such great heights since last I saw them, it's stupid. I believe they are going to have greatness thrust upon them, if they already haven't. One thing though, Paul wasn't up to his usual antics and is now a sitting keyboard player? When did that happen!
Finally, The Last Dinosaurs. They had big act to follow, and you know what, despite all the hipsters in the room, there was a certain vibe lacking from their set. It's been a good nine months since I saw these guys last, and I know they're going to have new tunes, but really in listening to them, their new songs did nothing for me. 'Honolulu' is still the hit, but there's nothing else that stood out... Is that a bad thing from a band that is so apparently liked? Also, have they got anything new out yet? Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but regardless of my ignorance, it hasn't really been that widely publicised. Forgive me if I am wrong. In saying all of that, they do what they do well, and I truly do like.
To top the night off, Dean from the Hungry Kids of Hungary played a DJ set, and you know what? It was all kinds of awesome. He could do no wrong, and had the whole place dancing up a storm until the Old Museum staff kicked everyone out... Such a shame. Regardless, the whole night was a stunning display of musical talent and opportunity. And hears hoping the next "Track and Field" in November will be just as wondrous.
Hungry Kids of Hungary - 28 May 2011, The HiFi
w/ The Chemist, Andy Bull, Daniel Lee Kendall
This is one of the gigs where the supporting acts together themselves would make a stellar lineup, and would draw a rather nice crowd. But, throw in one of Brisbane, no Australia's finest up and comings in the Hungry Kids of Hungary and you have yourself a line up that won't come around again in a hurry.
I was so disappointed to miss most of Daniel Lee Kendall's set tonight. When they say doors at 8, you generally thing that getting there right on 8.30 will see you in time for the first act, but alas, he was most of the way through his set. That'll learns me. However, I did catch his single 'Lost in the Moment' and that's pretty much the reason why I love this guy. His other songs are awesome acoustic numbers that really are gorgeous, and I wish I'd been early enough to hear some more of these gems. Sigh, next time.
Next up was the stupidly talented Andy Bull, and when I say stupidly talented, I really mean it. Everything about him screams pizzazz. His voice it so deep in the complete opposite meaning of the word, yet, that's what I find myself thinking as I watch and listen to him perform. He tonight is performing with his band, which is something I have not experienced. The first and only time I have seen him was at the Troubadour (RIP) as a solo gig. This was something more. His band filled out everything that may or may not have been missing and just made it something special. We heard also from Tara Simmons on the track 'Dog' which was a little exquisite, but, and I won't lie, I was a little disappointed not to hear 'Last Waltz' in which the Hungry Kids feature. Regardless, t'was still an incredible set.
The Chemist followed on from Master Bull, and pretty much rocked. The only thing? Sound was CRAP! The HiFi is a hard venue to get right sound wise, so I've been told, and they really didn't sound all that great at all! Too much bass and drums, and not much anything else. A tad disappointing, but you know what? I love this band too much to let that get me down. I do love when they do the loops with 'End of July'. It's rad. They've got a couple of new ones since the last time I heard them, and I like! Can't wait to get another listen to them sometime soon hopefully. I will just also add, that the fact that they have a Piano Accordion in their band just makes them all that much cooler.
It's been a while since I've seen the Hungry Kids. They've done a whole tour, been overseas, and done another tour in which this is the final date. And you know what? They're in a whole different ball park then they were last time I saw them at the beginning of that previous tour. Remy now fits into the band like an old hand, and they just look so good. And sound, well Andy Troy did a sensational job, and made them sound quite the amazing. They opened with a new-y, and it was pretty awesome. I like where they're going with things. Also! They played 'Last Waltz' with Andy Bull on lead! (as well as all their awesome music) But I am quite partial song. I do like that they closed with my favorite this time around 'Let You Down'. And then really finished with 'Set it Right'. Nice set boys.
So. Wow. T'was a good night of brilliant music. Mmm...
This is one of the gigs where the supporting acts together themselves would make a stellar lineup, and would draw a rather nice crowd. But, throw in one of Brisbane, no Australia's finest up and comings in the Hungry Kids of Hungary and you have yourself a line up that won't come around again in a hurry.
I was so disappointed to miss most of Daniel Lee Kendall's set tonight. When they say doors at 8, you generally thing that getting there right on 8.30 will see you in time for the first act, but alas, he was most of the way through his set. That'll learns me. However, I did catch his single 'Lost in the Moment' and that's pretty much the reason why I love this guy. His other songs are awesome acoustic numbers that really are gorgeous, and I wish I'd been early enough to hear some more of these gems. Sigh, next time.
Next up was the stupidly talented Andy Bull, and when I say stupidly talented, I really mean it. Everything about him screams pizzazz. His voice it so deep in the complete opposite meaning of the word, yet, that's what I find myself thinking as I watch and listen to him perform. He tonight is performing with his band, which is something I have not experienced. The first and only time I have seen him was at the Troubadour (RIP) as a solo gig. This was something more. His band filled out everything that may or may not have been missing and just made it something special. We heard also from Tara Simmons on the track 'Dog' which was a little exquisite, but, and I won't lie, I was a little disappointed not to hear 'Last Waltz' in which the Hungry Kids feature. Regardless, t'was still an incredible set.
The Chemist followed on from Master Bull, and pretty much rocked. The only thing? Sound was CRAP! The HiFi is a hard venue to get right sound wise, so I've been told, and they really didn't sound all that great at all! Too much bass and drums, and not much anything else. A tad disappointing, but you know what? I love this band too much to let that get me down. I do love when they do the loops with 'End of July'. It's rad. They've got a couple of new ones since the last time I heard them, and I like! Can't wait to get another listen to them sometime soon hopefully. I will just also add, that the fact that they have a Piano Accordion in their band just makes them all that much cooler.
It's been a while since I've seen the Hungry Kids. They've done a whole tour, been overseas, and done another tour in which this is the final date. And you know what? They're in a whole different ball park then they were last time I saw them at the beginning of that previous tour. Remy now fits into the band like an old hand, and they just look so good. And sound, well Andy Troy did a sensational job, and made them sound quite the amazing. They opened with a new-y, and it was pretty awesome. I like where they're going with things. Also! They played 'Last Waltz' with Andy Bull on lead! (as well as all their awesome music) But I am quite partial song. I do like that they closed with my favorite this time around 'Let You Down'. And then really finished with 'Set it Right'. Nice set boys.
So. Wow. T'was a good night of brilliant music. Mmm...
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