Band: Josh Pyke
Venue: Wrest Point Casino, Hobart
Date: 8th May 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
A strange venue for Josh Pyke. The receptionist where we picked up tickets for the show earlier in the day told us there was only standing room in the showroom, but when we got there, there was a lot of seating and standing around. Luckily there was a tiny dance floor which was soon filled as Josh entered stage. Watching from the back of the room wasn't particularly exciting as I got to watch everyone sitting down looking uncomfortable as they had to turn in their seats to see the stage, due to seats being in a dining position - so down to the dance floor it was to be.
Anyway, enough of that! Chimneys Afire is the latest creation from Josh and the crowd really take to him. By that I mean of the sexual variety- if one was to judge the hecklers tonight. Josh did rather well when girls would yell out 'I want to f%*k you'!! ahh Tasmanians, thank you for the laughs tonight.
Songs like Lighthouse, Car Ride and Variations all take the crowd on a journey tonight. Not a boat journey as the picture behind the stage shows us (Chimney's afire" is the cry whalers of yesteryear made when they harpooned a whale and a plume of blood and water spurted out of its blowhole into the air. "It's a horrifying, brutal image, but the actual language is evocative and quite amazing," says Josh Pyke of the title of his new album, the follow-up to his ARIA Award winning debut 'Memories & Dust' - (taken from http://www.joshpyke.com/).
Variations is Josh's favorite song off the cd he tells us. More heckling 'Get your tits out', yes the night just gets better! The Summer and Middle of the Hill are a few more songs that get the crowd grooving before the encore pops in. Harmonica out and tonights gig ends on Private Education and amazingle enough Josh says he'll be signing after the show. A sucker for punishment? Lets just hope the hecklers dreams didn't come true!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Butterflies were affected by Mammal and Amphetame
The Butterfly Effect
Amphetame
Band: The Butterfly Effect with Mammal and Amphetame
Venue: ANU bar, Canberra
Date: 22nd April 2008
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder
Photos taken By Mark Geisel
Walking through a deserted ANU its hard to picture I’m about to hit a crowded bar. A bit of a queue and we’re in. first band on is from LA, called Amphetame. Singer Dani is from LA and rest of the band are from Melbourne. James Innes on drums, Ash Jones on guitar and Ben Brennen on bass. Amphetame played a great set, Dani’s vocals were strong tonight and strutting the stage like she owned it, reaching out and singing to the crowd. A great cover of Portishead song as well as original songs that are the melodic rock Amphetame.
ANU bar seemed about 70% male orientated tonight and when Mammal entered the stage so did most of these male fans. Mammal put on a hard, raw, rocking set led by singer Zeke, who tonight sported large rock chops! Zeke soon got the crowd moshing to such an extreme they were running around in a circle whilst also slamming up against each other, aahh…male bonding! I can safely say ANU loves Mammal. As well as the old tunes we know and love (I don’t think I need to list these songs), we heard some new songs such as (and forgive me if I have their titles incorrect), ‘paint a picture’, ‘space in time’ and ‘living in sin’ which showed us the new songs are very mammalian with an edge.
Last song was the oldie ‘incited’ with drum solo by Zane and when they finished the crowd went ballistic and mammal had to return to sing ‘hell yeah’. if we’d thought we’d seen it all, Zeke ended the night by showing us there was a half moon out there tonight ;)-
A bit of a alcoholic and toilet break and then time for The Butterfly Effect. At first we listen to music sounding like the A Team through the speakers then they enter the stage with erupted applause and then enter Clint Boge, (vocals), Ben Hall (drums), Glenn Esmond (bass) and Kurt ‘team puddles’ Goedhart (guitar). Clint very smiley and seemingly happy with himself erupted into the music that is The Butterfly Effect. Tonight we hear hit after hit as TBE play all their fave songs much to the crowds delight who mosh continuously throughout the set, even to the slower music! Songs like ‘everybody runs’ ‘a slow descent’ and more. I only wish they would play ‘beautiful mine’ maybe again one day!
Tonight we are treated to songs off their up and coming album which we’re told sucks by Clint! ‘We’re hiding’ gives us a breath of the new cd which certainly didn’t suck. On guitar, Kurt wears his trademark ‘team puddles’ tee shirt, Kurt laps the stage playing his guitar and provides us with fantastic riffs and moves.
Another new song ‘in this house’ definitely was a hit with the crowd. To end the night Clint sings The Police cover ‘SOS’ and then they are off with no encore. Funnily enough we received one from mammal but not TBE. The ANU crowd goes off; they sank their teeth into this joint and ripped it to shreds. Then into the night we all prowled
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Jade Macrae and Sierra Fin at The Vanguard, Sydney
Band: Jade Macrae and Sierra Fin
Venue: The Vanguard, Sydney
Date: 22nd November 2007
Reviewed By: Dane Hodges. Special thanks to our friends at Moon Unit Underground
Along with The Basement and Will & Toby's, The Vanguard remains one of the classiest live venues in Sydney , and consistently provides first-rate entertainment for its patrons. Particularly pleasing is the venue's commitment to uncovering new talent, and Sierra Finn are no exception. A highly skilled musical duo, they provide adult pop with bite, hooky yet sophisticated. Lazy comparisons to Coldplay are
inevitable, however there is something distinctly Australian in their approach that distinguishes them from their peers; acoustic ditties such as 'Blue Day Sun' could have been written for Pete Murray (yes, that's meant as a compliment). Elsewhere, the duo's grand piano ballads such as 'Circumstance and Coincidence' (their Coldplay moment, no question) allowed them to show some flair, with the work of Russ on the piano recalling a young Ben Folds. Vocally, his crisp voice at times recalled Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics. While they are not yet entirely comfortable on stage, and have a limited stage presence, the audience nonetheless warmed to them, and
by the end of their set were very responsive to what may be Australia 's next big thing.
You might not hear them on 2Day FM, but therein lies their strength.
The first thing you notice about Jade Macrae when she appears on-stage is her undeniable stage presence; she is sexier, sassier in the flesh than one would imagine, and is very at home in front of an audience. However, for all her appeal, musically she is not yet in the same league as the American soul divas she seems so intent on
competing with, as was evident in her lacking rendition of Beyonce's 'Work It Out'.
Fresh from a songwriting trip to the States for her new album 'Get Me Home', Jade was in fine form vocally, and was backed by an impressive set of musicians. Ultimately though moments like 'Shine Like A Diamond', which has instant radio potential, were few and far between, separated by generic R&B ballads that, on first listen, didn't
pack the punch they needed to. Curiously missing from the setlist was 'So Hot Right Now', her biggest hit to date; the familiarity of the tune could have renewed some audience interest. No question she is one of Australia 's most promising R&B talents, but she still has a way to go before she can give Alicia Keys and co. a run for their money.
Venue: The Vanguard, Sydney
Date: 22nd November 2007
Reviewed By: Dane Hodges. Special thanks to our friends at Moon Unit Underground
Along with The Basement and Will & Toby's, The Vanguard remains one of the classiest live venues in Sydney , and consistently provides first-rate entertainment for its patrons. Particularly pleasing is the venue's commitment to uncovering new talent, and Sierra Finn are no exception. A highly skilled musical duo, they provide adult pop with bite, hooky yet sophisticated. Lazy comparisons to Coldplay are
inevitable, however there is something distinctly Australian in their approach that distinguishes them from their peers; acoustic ditties such as 'Blue Day Sun' could have been written for Pete Murray (yes, that's meant as a compliment). Elsewhere, the duo's grand piano ballads such as 'Circumstance and Coincidence' (their Coldplay moment, no question) allowed them to show some flair, with the work of Russ on the piano recalling a young Ben Folds. Vocally, his crisp voice at times recalled Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics. While they are not yet entirely comfortable on stage, and have a limited stage presence, the audience nonetheless warmed to them, and
by the end of their set were very responsive to what may be Australia 's next big thing.
You might not hear them on 2Day FM, but therein lies their strength.
The first thing you notice about Jade Macrae when she appears on-stage is her undeniable stage presence; she is sexier, sassier in the flesh than one would imagine, and is very at home in front of an audience. However, for all her appeal, musically she is not yet in the same league as the American soul divas she seems so intent on
competing with, as was evident in her lacking rendition of Beyonce's 'Work It Out'.
Fresh from a songwriting trip to the States for her new album 'Get Me Home', Jade was in fine form vocally, and was backed by an impressive set of musicians. Ultimately though moments like 'Shine Like A Diamond', which has instant radio potential, were few and far between, separated by generic R&B ballads that, on first listen, didn't
pack the punch they needed to. Curiously missing from the setlist was 'So Hot Right Now', her biggest hit to date; the familiarity of the tune could have renewed some audience interest. No question she is one of Australia 's most promising R&B talents, but she still has a way to go before she can give Alicia Keys and co. a run for their money.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Mammal at Candy's Apartment, Sydney
Band: Mammal
Venue: Candy's Apartment, Sydney
Date: 26th October 07
Reviewed By: Glen
This punter has seen Mammal performing live a dozen or so times over the last year or two and they have never failed to please. Even when I've been too tired/sick/hungry/drunk to care about being at a gig, the moment they walked on stage I felt like I was smacked in the face, shaken up, had my head dunked in icy water and then thrown about to put me in the mood. And I've never left a Mammal gig disappointed. Actually, I've always left a Mammal gig feeling like I've just dropped a few pills!!! Despite this, I've never come to have any expectations from a Mammal gig. They do what they do, and they do it brilliantly, and I'd rate all their gigs at least 11.5/10.
So tonight as Zeke and the boys stormed on stage with Zeke roaring a guttural "HELL YEAH" I knew I was in for another treat. However, soon into the first song it became apparent that Nick's bass guitar was having issues, and Mammal did what I consider to be the biggest no-no a band could do. They unforgivably stopped mid song! They waited till the bass was fixed. Then they restarted song number one from scratch. Most bands would have stormed on regardless of a minor technical hitch and with Zeke's no fucking around attitude, I was most surprised that he insisted on the band stopping.
I do not know if it was this technical hitch that made the band (and therefore the crowd) lose their momentum, or whether it just wasn't Mammal's night, but there was something not quite right tonight. I cant put my finger on what it was - Zeke's vocals were as good as ever, and the band rocked....but the gig just seemed to lack the usual fire that it has.
Whilst I was glad that Zeke didn’t go on his usual ranting and raving about sociopolitical issues, perhaps the fact that he didnt do this was another symptom that things werent as spot on as they should have been.
Dont get me wrong, it was still an awesome gig - but anyone who has seen Mammal will understand me when I say there is an amazing raw energy that Mammal exudes when they play, and this wasn't quite there tonight. Had it been the first time I saw Mammal I'm sure I would have loved the gig... but this one stopped just short of the line. 9/10 I'd say.
Venue: Candy's Apartment, Sydney
Date: 26th October 07
Reviewed By: Glen
This punter has seen Mammal performing live a dozen or so times over the last year or two and they have never failed to please. Even when I've been too tired/sick/hungry/drunk to care about being at a gig, the moment they walked on stage I felt like I was smacked in the face, shaken up, had my head dunked in icy water and then thrown about to put me in the mood. And I've never left a Mammal gig disappointed. Actually, I've always left a Mammal gig feeling like I've just dropped a few pills!!! Despite this, I've never come to have any expectations from a Mammal gig. They do what they do, and they do it brilliantly, and I'd rate all their gigs at least 11.5/10.
So tonight as Zeke and the boys stormed on stage with Zeke roaring a guttural "HELL YEAH" I knew I was in for another treat. However, soon into the first song it became apparent that Nick's bass guitar was having issues, and Mammal did what I consider to be the biggest no-no a band could do. They unforgivably stopped mid song! They waited till the bass was fixed. Then they restarted song number one from scratch. Most bands would have stormed on regardless of a minor technical hitch and with Zeke's no fucking around attitude, I was most surprised that he insisted on the band stopping.
I do not know if it was this technical hitch that made the band (and therefore the crowd) lose their momentum, or whether it just wasn't Mammal's night, but there was something not quite right tonight. I cant put my finger on what it was - Zeke's vocals were as good as ever, and the band rocked....but the gig just seemed to lack the usual fire that it has.
Whilst I was glad that Zeke didn’t go on his usual ranting and raving about sociopolitical issues, perhaps the fact that he didnt do this was another symptom that things werent as spot on as they should have been.
Dont get me wrong, it was still an awesome gig - but anyone who has seen Mammal will understand me when I say there is an amazing raw energy that Mammal exudes when they play, and this wasn't quite there tonight. Had it been the first time I saw Mammal I'm sure I would have loved the gig... but this one stopped just short of the line. 9/10 I'd say.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Toby in W.A.
Band: Toby
Venue: Wodgina minesite (Sth Port Hedland, WA)
Date: 9th October 2007
Reviewed By: Sally
I have never seen these guys before, let alone heard of them, but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Toby was wonderful with conversing with the audience, and she had the most brilliantly powerful voice that filled the whole of the wet mess (this is basically an open bar).
The band included lead guitar, drums, keyboard and trumpet, with Toby on acoustic guitar. She mainly sung her own songs which were gorgeous, but then halfway through the gig did her own a version of Janis Joplins 'Bobby McGee' that was to die for!!
It was a packed house for this gig and everyone was wrapped with the performance. Well worth seeing if she ever heads East.
Venue: Wodgina minesite (Sth Port Hedland, WA)
Date: 9th October 2007
Reviewed By: Sally
I have never seen these guys before, let alone heard of them, but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Toby was wonderful with conversing with the audience, and she had the most brilliantly powerful voice that filled the whole of the wet mess (this is basically an open bar).
The band included lead guitar, drums, keyboard and trumpet, with Toby on acoustic guitar. She mainly sung her own songs which were gorgeous, but then halfway through the gig did her own a version of Janis Joplins 'Bobby McGee' that was to die for!!
It was a packed house for this gig and everyone was wrapped with the performance. Well worth seeing if she ever heads East.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Australia Live Submission Guidelines
All submissions become the property of Australia Live admins. They may be edited for grammar, spelling, continuity and length before posting. There is no guarantee that your submission will be selected for publication.
Reviews of live gigs should be less than two weeks old. Please don't submit anything from 1983.
“OMG! They are my fave band ever!!!!!” Does not constitute a review. The more detailed and interesting the review is, the more likely it will be published. Even if they are your favourite band, please try to be unbiased and fair.
It is essential that you include the following information in your review:
- Band name
- Venue
- City/Town
- Date
- Your full name (not for publication, we will only publish your first name on the site)
- Your email address
If you have your own Myspace, Facebook or website you would like included in the review, please include the URL in your submission. If the band you are reviewing has a website, Myspace or Facebook, please include that too. If you have a link to a good clip of the band from Youtube, that would also be helpful, and a photograph or two taken on the night would be great.
Submit your reviews to melbournelive@yahoo.com.au.
Reviews of live gigs should be less than two weeks old. Please don't submit anything from 1983.
“OMG! They are my fave band ever!!!!!” Does not constitute a review. The more detailed and interesting the review is, the more likely it will be published. Even if they are your favourite band, please try to be unbiased and fair.
It is essential that you include the following information in your review:
- Band name
- Venue
- City/Town
- Date
- Your full name (not for publication, we will only publish your first name on the site)
- Your email address
If you have your own Myspace, Facebook or website you would like included in the review, please include the URL in your submission. If the band you are reviewing has a website, Myspace or Facebook, please include that too. If you have a link to a good clip of the band from Youtube, that would also be helpful, and a photograph or two taken on the night would be great.
Submit your reviews to melbournelive@yahoo.com.au.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
