Harry Hookey sings Misdiagnosed at Yah Yah's

Band: Harry Hookey
Venue: Yah Yah's

I must be getting old when I rock up to a Yah Yah’s bar at 8.45pm and the main act had just started and I get excited. Yes, I think, I will be home at a reasonable hour and not be wiped out for work the next day, oh dear you say, but I feel some of you will agree with me!

Harry Hookey and co are rocking the stage as I arrive and the punters are all grooving to the music. Harry is a chatty dude who introduces the band and explains that, with the exception of Dad on bass guitar, the other musicians playing tonight are usually playing a different instrument within the band but due to two family members going overseas, the band has switched positions and some instruments missing (keyboard being one of them). The punters love Dad, with his smiling face, no doubt proud of him son whom he taught guitar too. I’m sure I spotted Mum in the audience swinging to the music. Harry has all the appeal of a rock god with his wild tousled hair hidden under a flat cap (Gatsby style) but the essential brown wardrobe give a more earthy appeal and we must give kudos to dads scarf.

Songs such as Audreys Song, Man on Fire, Sometimes and the album title Misdiagnosed all hit the spot. I can’t help but imagine Harry in a larger venue as his vocals are that powering, he needs a much bigger venue to fill. A Day On The Green needs to get on board and get Harry out in a winery, he will be a crowd tickler. The plethora of fans who come out on this windy night got too meet Harry and co hang after the show as they chatted amongts the punters. A taller person than he looks on stage but just as earthy as he appears and he's happy to engage in conversation where I find out he is a massive Bob Dylan fan. Check him out.....

https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/harry-hookey/id480849233

Bruce Springsteen and the E STreet Band - AAMI Park, Melbourne. Saturday February 15th 2014

Its a very hard job to review a man who is seriously one of the best live entertainers in the world. A show that is around three and a half hours in length and a show that can boast some amazing talented musicians with one hell of an amazing front man. Put all that together and add in a guest appearance from Eddie Vedder and you have just witnessed history.
Bruce entered the show with an almighty arm thump and the crowd goes nuts and Bruce introduces a special guest, Vedder and into Highway To Hell they belt followed by Darkness on the Edge of Town. The crowd go insane, and with about 33,000 punters, insane sounds incredible.

After a cover of The Saints - Just Like Fire Would and some sign requests it was into the Born In The USA album, sung in its entirety. The album title had the crowd beyond nuts, a song that isn't often played at gigs and as Bruce says - "I played this at a few shows in the USA and I'll play it for Melbourne".
Shackled and Drawn is still a live favourite for me from his newer album and after about three hours I had to find a seat, yes I admit I came to the sense that having sore hip and feet wasn't worth standing anymore. I managed to get a close seat as a few people had left and it wasn't long before other people from the front snuck into the seats around me.

For those who haven't been to a Springsteen concert yet, you will find;
* passionate fans
* signs held up by fans relating to many things ie will you dance with me, will you dance with my mum/cousin/dad etc, can you play this song, can we get married on stage and so forth, I think you get my drift.

When you are faced with fans who have queued for hours, fans who have been standing for hours on their feet you will notice the fevour in their eyes and it won't be long until you get it.

I thought instead of writing about how amazing the show is, how about you learn about what to take to a Bruce Show;

1. Very very comfortable shoes. You will most likely be standing in them for four hours.
2. Plenty of water, will keep you hydrated and alert,
3. Hoodie with pockets. The hood in case it rains and pockets to place food items in to graze throughout the show,
4. Nibbles - nuts are a great source of energy,
5. Massage all over body prior to the show. May help alieviate muscle pain,
6. One cardboard sign - put what song or message you want on it but unless you are close to stage he won't see it,
7. Camera for the all important ONE TO FIVE photos but don't stand there all night snapping away, it really is annoying to those around you,
8. Money to buy the expensive merchandise if you wish, or for $20 you can get a copy one outside most venues,
9. Bandaids for blisters; and most of all,
10. Energy for a great nights of entertainment.

You will find that you will probably sweat more than the band who didn't look as though they broke a bead. Bruce was saturated but he does often put in head in a bucket of water that is on stage for him, to cool down - smart man.

Get yourself to a future gig - nuff said.

James Reyne and Daryl Braithwaite Roar at the Melbourne Zoo twilight Review

Band: James Reyne and Daryl Braithwaite
Venue: Melbourne Zoo Twilights
Date: 14th February 2014
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder

Arriving with minutes to spare (blame the traffic) I arrived at the Melbourne Zoo to find a few thousand had beaten me and were already into the swing of things, but after a five minute wander I managed to find a patch of bark and got comfy in my chair, spread out items from the picnic basket and scoffed into chocolate and strawberries washed down with Coroner beer. Tonight, humans and animals are joined together at The Zoo Twilight for the Grammy award winning Daryl Braithwaite and James Reyne. The animals no doubt gaining a noise explosion as they nestle into their beds or for the nocturnal animals venturing out of their slumber to a cacophony of sounds. The humans are engaging in catching up with friends, queuing for a alcoholic beverage and pulling lids of Tupperware containers to display their culinary delights to fellow mates spread out on their picnic rugs whilst the animals search for food and play around with fellow mates (not so different from each other).

Braithwaite came on stage first (and right on time) and into As the Days Go By he sang displaying vocals in a variety of ranges. He managed to get the crowd singing early in the set and a few punters got up and danced away to the music. Braithwaite’s vocals are impeccable and although I’m sure he must get tired of singing the same hits, you would never know. Each hit is played with pleasure and passion before a sold out crowd at The Melbourne Zoo. People come to this gig for a social gathering with great mates as well as capturing two great Aussie musicians at the same time. There is always lots of chatting and I noticed there aren't many children here tonight. Must be a load of babysitters out there! Tonight Braithwaite played music from his latest album Forever The Tourist, a cover of All Day and All of the Night (The Kinks) as well as all this hits.　 Howzat gets the nostalgic fans in the audience going, Higher Than Hope, Summer Love, Beautiful Feeling, All I do, One Summer and the big hit Horses which by this time most people were up and dancing. Braithwaite is interactive with the crowd and displays a fantastic front man to the amazing band behind him.

As I go for a wander around I notice people are sitting anywhere they can. Many can't see the stage let alone the screen but they seemed perfectly happy. Visiting the lion cage draws many people and I witness the lions roaring, all three of them - even two of them laying on their sides were roaring away. I make sure I am back for James Reyne who begins the set with the hit Fall of Rome and I can tell you, his voice hasn’t faltered over the years. Into Slave, Beautiful People and the song about sharks; Hammerhead. As the evening wore on, the lights are more vibrant and the bats start to migrate from their trees in search of food. Even a few pairs of ducks fly over us. The zoo is looking chockers and the people are up and down constantly. Many are dancing on this balmy night as the songs continue; English Girls, Reckless, Motor Runs Way Too Fast and the cover Way Out West (The Dingoes). The screens are displaying what a lot of us can’t see and I cant’ help but wish the screens were situated in a better watching position for the people in the back rows, but I guess the Zoo has their reasons for current placement. Reyne continues into Rainbows Dead End, Errol and Oh No Not You Again which bring a lot of people to their feet dancing and chatting. You can see and feel people come to the Zoo twilight for the experience and enjoyment of sitting in the zoo grounds listening to the music and not necessarily to ‘see’ the band. Loads of people are chatting and laughing and having a fantastic time. The big hit Boys Light Up ends the night and most people are on their feet for this one, many are slipping out half way through to no doubt get ahead of the mass exit. Braithwaite and Reyne both sing the song and bring the set to an end and we all walk away happy with a great night out with friends and family and reminisce on how amazing it is to hear the lions roaring, only metres away, as we stroll out of the zoo grounds into our waiting cars.

The John Butler Trio - Flesh and Blood

Band: John Butler Trio
Date: February 11th 2014
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder

John Butler is back in action with a new album and new tour lined up around Australia. Flesh and Blood is the 6th studio album, recorded over 2012-2013 at The Compound, Fremantle, Western Australia.

This album takes flavours from previous albums, long gone are the fifteen minute specialties that I personally loved about JBT when I originally fell in love with the band but the band still evokes that natural spirit and sound that this band is unique for. The songs are radio friendly and produced efficiently. Flesh and Blood still contains the JBT spirit – loads of strong vocals, guitar riffs, harmonies and a stunning back beat.

The first release off the album is Only One which is backed up with an awesome film clip, I recommend checking it out. I’m a fan of what the genre the clip is about and its great to see JBT expressing this. The song is a cruisy style, great for a road trip, sitting back chillaxing on the back porch and tapping those feet to the beat that is through the entire song.

Livin’ In The City embraces strong guitar with funk and beats whereas Cold Wind is haunting with its guitar strokes the lead into a classic guitar riff until John’s familiar vocals cruise in, they lick this song with familiarity and passion. Devil Woman is very upbeat, steam punk grooving song with harmonies and quick drum beats, a catchy number and perhaps the next single. Young and Wild brings the tone down with acoustic guitar and mellow singing. As much as JBT sings the mellow songs with passion and experience it’s the faster paced songs that I enjoy more. But in saying this, Wings Are Wide is just beautiful, gentle tone and I can almost say, one of my favourites on this album.

The album is out now at all good music stores.

http://johnbutlertrio.com

You'll go Ape over The Ape (Tex Perkins)

Band: The Ape
Venue: The Caravan Club
Date: 13th October 2013
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder

The Ape are one hell of a bunch of talented men. As the name suggests, they are fun loving, cuddly (?) men who are out having a great time singing and playing music very well together and no, they do not pick at each other hair for nits and bugs –that I am aware of. Tonight they unleashed their debut album to the punters at The Caravan Club in Oakleigh and what a fantastic set it was. Tex Perkins looked like he’d gone back years, enjoying the raw shapely music take effect and the harmonies that suit each song amazingly well – *sighs* so well. This is a tight fitting rock band and can I say it – perfectly suited together. Catchy tunes such as Mission and Crawl Back are keepers and songs that you’ll repeat on your cd player. If you don’t move some part of your body to this music then there is something wrong with you, sorry, but its true. I have followed Tex for neon’s now and some may say I’m biased and I’m in love with this band and you need to be too. They simply just fit.

Legendary riffster Raul Sanchez (Magic Dirt) on guitar, Gus Agars (The Dark Horses) smashing those drum skins, tall and lanky Pat Bourke (Dallas Crane) on bass and piano and Greg aka ‘Tex’ Perkins on vocals and guitar. Tex has stated that this album is what he was born to make. He further states that it is easy the best thing he has ever done or will ever do!

Get to a gig asap and you’ll be thanking me for suggesting you too.

　

 

FYI - When Steve Carr from the Oakleigh Bowling Club asked Peter Foley if he’d be keen to present larger scale gigs at the club (from Foley’s lounge room stage) you know the answer was YES! Foley had many bands play at the OBC but building a gig from the ground each week became difficult so they relocated to Oakleigh/Carnegie RSL (who’d removed its poker machines) and The Caravan Club was finally settled as a music making machine. Mark Burchett has been representing and booking bands for over thirty years and his wonderful job is now looking after The Caravan Club (check out their website for an array of amazing talent) and together they are revamping the area with grandeur music and iconic musicians.

Josh Pyke takes on Tassie's hecklers

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!

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