w/ The Preatures, Them Swoops, Little Odessa
In 2010, the Hungary Kids of Hungary played the Hifi in support of their debut album Escapades. Over two years on and they return to this very stage to celebrate the release of their sophomore album You’re a Shadow.
Little Odessa opened the night with Them Swoops
following soon after. Them Swoops have such an amazing showmanship, and
have a rad live sound. They have the type of live show where all the
songs have slightly different arrangements whenever you hear them. I
love that in a band, because if you’re going to see a live show, you
want more than just a play by play through recorded tracks.
The Preatures were freaking fantastic! The band played a 40min
set however it felt like no time at all, they captivated me that much.
I’d never heard anything from this band before, and shame on me. Fronted
by Isabella and Gideon, they shared lead vocal duties each taking a
half a set each. Isabella has such an interesting voice with so many
colours throughout it, and Gideon sound like a deeper version of Jack
Black. Take that whichever way you want. Their “new” song was probably
my favourite of the set. Their tunes, a mixture of funk and rock ‘n’
roll, were well rounded and diverse enough to avoid that same-same feel
which is ever present in Australian acts at the moment.
It’s amazing what a banner, a good man on lights, and an awesome sound man can make to an already stellar band. Hungry Kids of Hungary
were out of this world tonight. With such simplistic production, it
made the band look and sound so much more polished than previous gigs.
They played through most of the tracks from the new albums, without
leaving out the classics from their past. It made for a well-rounded
set. There were never too many “slow” songs in a row which meant the
vibe in the room was never lost.
“Scattered Diamonds” is a song where the band usually initiates the
clap along in the bridge, however tonight, there was absolutely no need.
The crowd took it upon themselves to get it started and partied like
there was no tomorrow. For an encore, they played their cover of Tame Impala’s “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” which the lads played for Triple J’s, Like a Version and finished with “Coming Around”.
It’s not every day that an Australian band come out with a stellar
follow up record. So many unfortunately disappear into the abyss, but
the Hungry Kids have truly stepped up their game with this latest tour,
with an exciting and promising future ahead. Go forth and be fantastic.
Allons-y.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The xx - 9 April 2013, Brisbane Convention Centre
w/ Jagwar Ma
I’ve always liked the Brisbane Convention Center as a music venue. Although a little clinical and sports carpeted floors which is so not rock ‘n’ roll, the sound is always right and it vibes well. Tonight English sensation The xx wrapped up their Australian tour. Supported by Jagwar Ma it certainly was a concert to remember.
Australian dance act Jagwar Ma came along for the ride around the country with The xx and tonight truly knocked my socks off. They had an instantly recognisable sound and had a immense energy that they maintained for the entirety of the set. It is interesting when an electro band has a song where the bass is completely dropped out, making it lose the sensation of it slapping you in the guts. When the entirety of the set had been like that, it was certainly bizarre to not have it. Half way through the song it kicked in again, however a mistake? Who’s to know?
The xx were out of this world. From the very first notes they had the entire audience captivated and in silence during their songs. To tell you the truth though, I expected more production wise from the show. They had this great projection screen rigged up, but only used it for two maybe three songs and when they did, at times they flooded the stage with front lighting which rendered the projections pointless. Lighting 101 right? However, during the last song when the screen was raised to reveal their signature X and it was pretty rad.
The music was flawless. It was so great to see Jamie, controlling all the production, actually creating live drum patters on pads rather than just pressing play on the computer. There was so much happening up back, I wish that I could have seen it better than I did. Oliver and Romy work so well together as vocalist with the richness in Oliver’s vocals complemented by the lightness of Romy’s voice. They played track from both of their critically acclaimed albums, including “Islands” and “Chained”. Throughout the set the audience were sill and silent, captivated by the lush tones being produced infront of them. However, when them came back for their encore and played Angels, there was a moment when all the couples in the room held each other a little closer. It was cute.
It was a seriously amazing concert and I think a perfect way to end the bands’ Australian tour. Kudos guys!
I’ve always liked the Brisbane Convention Center as a music venue. Although a little clinical and sports carpeted floors which is so not rock ‘n’ roll, the sound is always right and it vibes well. Tonight English sensation The xx wrapped up their Australian tour. Supported by Jagwar Ma it certainly was a concert to remember.
Australian dance act Jagwar Ma came along for the ride around the country with The xx and tonight truly knocked my socks off. They had an instantly recognisable sound and had a immense energy that they maintained for the entirety of the set. It is interesting when an electro band has a song where the bass is completely dropped out, making it lose the sensation of it slapping you in the guts. When the entirety of the set had been like that, it was certainly bizarre to not have it. Half way through the song it kicked in again, however a mistake? Who’s to know?
The xx were out of this world. From the very first notes they had the entire audience captivated and in silence during their songs. To tell you the truth though, I expected more production wise from the show. They had this great projection screen rigged up, but only used it for two maybe three songs and when they did, at times they flooded the stage with front lighting which rendered the projections pointless. Lighting 101 right? However, during the last song when the screen was raised to reveal their signature X and it was pretty rad.
The music was flawless. It was so great to see Jamie, controlling all the production, actually creating live drum patters on pads rather than just pressing play on the computer. There was so much happening up back, I wish that I could have seen it better than I did. Oliver and Romy work so well together as vocalist with the richness in Oliver’s vocals complemented by the lightness of Romy’s voice. They played track from both of their critically acclaimed albums, including “Islands” and “Chained”. Throughout the set the audience were sill and silent, captivated by the lush tones being produced infront of them. However, when them came back for their encore and played Angels, there was a moment when all the couples in the room held each other a little closer. It was cute.
It was a seriously amazing concert and I think a perfect way to end the bands’ Australian tour. Kudos guys!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Little Casino - 7 April 2013, Black Bear Lodge
w/ Soviet X-Ray Record Club, Wolver
This EP launch has been a long time coming for Brisbane band, Little Casino. Back in June 2012 they said they were releasing their new EP Soon. It’s now April 2013, and it is finally here! They were joined tonight by fellow Brisbaneites Wolver and Soviet X-Ray Record Club.
Warming up the room first were 'Post Rockers' Wolver. I instantly fell in love with this band. On the bands Facebook they state that “Wolver produce a refreshing change from the ever-growing hyped up Indie Pop scene filling Australia airwaves.” And I completely and whole heartedly agree. I love my indie pop, don’t get me wrong, but when everything starts to sound the same it get a little mundane.
They two guitarists had such a connection on stage, vibeing off each other to create intricate riffs with complex rhythms. As soon as I heard the rad instrumentals, I was hoping and praying that the vocals would top it off nicely, as there are so many bands that have awesome music, but shit vocalists. Thankfully I was not disappointed. The frontman’s vocals were perfect for the genre: light, airy, unobtrusive and most importantly distinguishable from the bands’ instrumental texture.
Soviet X-Ray Record Club were up next. And you know what? As good as Wolver were, this is how average this band was. As a group of musicians they are talented and play a tight set, however, as a “psychedelic, garage” band they need to stay in their garage and write some good tunes before coming on stage again. It was all same-y same-y, with one track blending into the next with no real purpose. The vocals had almost no purpose as you could barely distinguish them in the mix. A really average set from the lads.
Little Casino was everything I hoped they would be and more. Frontman Ben Forbes has such a stunning voice that reaches out to everyone who has the pleasure of listening to him. Tonight the band were tight, creating their folk-rock melodies flawlessly. When Mr Forbes sang a song accompanied just with his guitar it was such a special moment. The whole room was silent, captivated by the young man’s voice. And when the whole band came it, it was a wow moment. Something that really stays with you as an audience member.
This is a band that are really going places. They ooze talent and appeal and have refined their set to be the best it can be. For now. Hear's hoping that it continues to develop and grow into something even more brilliant.
This EP launch has been a long time coming for Brisbane band, Little Casino. Back in June 2012 they said they were releasing their new EP Soon. It’s now April 2013, and it is finally here! They were joined tonight by fellow Brisbaneites Wolver and Soviet X-Ray Record Club.
Warming up the room first were 'Post Rockers' Wolver. I instantly fell in love with this band. On the bands Facebook they state that “Wolver produce a refreshing change from the ever-growing hyped up Indie Pop scene filling Australia airwaves.” And I completely and whole heartedly agree. I love my indie pop, don’t get me wrong, but when everything starts to sound the same it get a little mundane.
They two guitarists had such a connection on stage, vibeing off each other to create intricate riffs with complex rhythms. As soon as I heard the rad instrumentals, I was hoping and praying that the vocals would top it off nicely, as there are so many bands that have awesome music, but shit vocalists. Thankfully I was not disappointed. The frontman’s vocals were perfect for the genre: light, airy, unobtrusive and most importantly distinguishable from the bands’ instrumental texture.
Soviet X-Ray Record Club were up next. And you know what? As good as Wolver were, this is how average this band was. As a group of musicians they are talented and play a tight set, however, as a “psychedelic, garage” band they need to stay in their garage and write some good tunes before coming on stage again. It was all same-y same-y, with one track blending into the next with no real purpose. The vocals had almost no purpose as you could barely distinguish them in the mix. A really average set from the lads.
Little Casino was everything I hoped they would be and more. Frontman Ben Forbes has such a stunning voice that reaches out to everyone who has the pleasure of listening to him. Tonight the band were tight, creating their folk-rock melodies flawlessly. When Mr Forbes sang a song accompanied just with his guitar it was such a special moment. The whole room was silent, captivated by the young man’s voice. And when the whole band came it, it was a wow moment. Something that really stays with you as an audience member.
This is a band that are really going places. They ooze talent and appeal and have refined their set to be the best it can be. For now. Hear's hoping that it continues to develop and grow into something even more brilliant.
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