Band: Sierra Fin, Plastic Palace Alice, The Good China & The Mischief
Venue: The Evelyn Hotel
Date: 18th April 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
To kick off the night The Mischief takes the stage with zing. A band that bloom from Sydney, they are a little bit country and little bit western mixed with a little bit of punkfuzz. Filled with frivolity and creation they fill the room with 60’s beat, punk and groove tunes that allow the punters to rise out of their chairs for a dance. Songs include Gentleman, Hollow Gold and On the Day. They won the 2008 NSW MTV kickstart Competition and have played the circuit with many well known bands.Next off the chopping block is The Good China (Melbourne) and they have an indie and pop sound, mixed with Chinese Pop ! They won the AIR New Music Prize at the 2009 St Kilda Festival (which will see them play the stage at St Kilda Festival in 2010) and they have also been part of JJJ unearthed. The eight piece band amaze many punters tonight with a plethora of instruments including, violin, banjo and melodica (gotta love this instrument), the band fill every orifice with floaty, groovy, happy, folk rock tunes. We are kept on our toes by band members moving around to play each other’s instruments. The show is very enjoyable and includes songs 39 Black, Window Seat and Turn the Page. The set ends on a collective noise and we’re left wondering how much better can the next band be!
Plastic Palace Alice (Melbourne) is the third act up tonight. A smartly dressed band which includes a male with a green bow in his hair!! A xylophone starts for No Shame and the six members bring a lush amount of rock and groove to the mixture. Explode is a new song and they follow this by Angle Matter and I’m Glad you Came. I’m sure I heard a bit of country clown rock at times with a cocktail of lush theatrical vibes thrown into the mix. Great band to groove too whilst the music is complimented with haunting female vocal s (*Emily Taylor*),- there is something special about the female voice I’m told by a punter who sat back with eyes closed taking her voice in. The bands changes instruments between them as they tried to upstage The Good China band.
Where does one start with a band who so aptly names their tour the Meet and Greet Tour? Sierra Fin are four young men hot off the press of their released EP entitled, Shake Stare Sleep, they headline some truly great acts at the Evelyn Hotel tonight . I can safely say the band pull off headlining the stage and they stand out with their voluptuous sound of orchestral experimental indie pop rock. The sound between music and noise can be flimsy and the results can end a bands lifeline. Sierra Fin craft their music to listening pleasure and the result is fine, dam fine, music.
First song to be launched into our ears tonight is Over my Head which is impacted initially by a boom and lead by the passions of singer Russ Tainton. Russ puts his all into the music, and the next few songs Polystyrene Dream, ScrapBook and Out of Favours show a very passionate front man and a band who seem right at home with the music that is Sierra Fin. At the back Frosty lets his ambitions loose on drum, whilst Oli slowly grooves away on bass leaving Joel pumping the keyboards. All members looking smart in shirts and vests and together they harmonise well. At one point we are greeted by a punter displaying some form of a monkey dance, perhaps the happy music allowed her to beam her energy into another type of mammal!Acoustic guitar is brought out for Been Sleeping (which is the first song off EP), a rocking song with an upbeat tempo and ends with the sound that is like twittering birds. Some ukulele trouble which is short lived then off they head into Claustrophobia, a rocking song where the keys gel with immense pleasure. Collaboration of the senses overloads and the drum solo takes hold. Russ heads to keyboard and mentions that they too can swap instruments. A mellow yet vibrant song, Wrapped in Plastic, that brings home a stellar performance. Russ pulling all the moves on the key solo which is touched by drums then Russ decides a bit of feet keyboard action is required much to the delight of the punters watching. Oli is the demure member of the group on stage fulfilling his ambience with rhythmic rustic moves. Russ sings the start of the next song Like a Stone and a touch of drum is added, then this thunderous tune is filled with gusty bass, a song complimenting the talent of the musicians. Russ gets members of all bands who have played tonight out from the audience and up on stage for the song The Square which has an Irish twist to it. The crowd can’t help but be pulled in to the music that is offered by Sierra Fin and yes, a meet and greet after the show is welcomed by all.
www.fasterlouder.com.au
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Keane at the Palace Theatre
Band: Keane
Venue: The Palace
Date: 16th April 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
Keane are back, better than ever and taking the stage as its mission in life to reward their punters with some top notch piano rock music. Having sold over 8 million records, the UK (East Sussex) band, bring their latest album to our shores and what better way than to spend a Thursday night in Melbourne's fabulous venue, the Palace, watching a band who wants to take the stage over.
It’s been 5 years since Keane hit our shores and the crowd’s reactions tonight will tell me the band is forgiven! Keane are known for their piano song introductions using delayed and distortion effects on the keys. It was in the year 2000 when the band initially tried this different approach in the studio and it’s certainly paid off. Their first two albums have been listed as best albums of all time in certain UK magazines and they have a string of awards to add to their collection. The new album Perfect Symmetry has challenged the band and they love it!
I enter the venue and take pride in getting rather close to stage as there was a large area unfilled by punters. It didn't take me long to realize that it may have been empty due to a certain person in front of me dropping a few el-stinko's. So whilst I'm trying my best to catch the essence of the gig and not of that around me, I found I had to move about 3 songs into the set to get away from the smell! I pity those I left behind.
Keane fans are a variety of people of all ages (many with UK accents) and there is a solid crowd in the venue tonight. The punters are more than ready for the band and a grumbling through the speakers tells us its time- lights dim and out they come, Tom Chaplin on vocals and guitar (such engaging front man skills), Richard Hughes on drums, Tim Rice-Oxley on piano and tour member Jesse Quin on bass. They start the show with The Lovers are Losing which is the first single off their new album Perfect Symmetry, and Keane tell us this is their best album yet.
Everybody’s Changing is a boppy song, Tim going off like Paul Mac on keys, bopping and grooving away and spending about quarter of the time actually sitting on the stool, his performance tonight is dramatically pleasing to watch! Bend and Break takes us through some amazing light display, whilst singer Tom glides up and down the stage greeting fans and taking in the vibrant crowd. Nothing to Say is such a fantastic song, and the song is done justice live. Tom has a strong live voice which carries throughout the entire show without any form of tiredness. The song Again and Again has lyrics that glide around the room and next few songs This is the Last Time and Spiralling is music that takes me back in time to the 80's. Spiralling is a pretty song with lots of Woo’s blended into crowd participation. Keane certainly enjoy and are grateful to the crowd for clapping and cheering which is constant between songs - and loud!
The next section takes us on an acoustic edge with Tom singing Your Eyes Open then Try Again to which this song is joined with melodic keys and a big tom/bass drum that is incorporated into the tune and gives extra sound to the already defined song. Tom certainly enjoys this part of the set and the punters lap it up, they just love him!
Back to full band and lights and more grooving moves, You Haven't Told Me Anything ends with humble grins from the boys as the applause fills the room one more time. Can these boys get enough of this audience? I don’t think so! You Don’t See Me has a nice acoustic vocal start with shakers then the drum kicks in and is carried on with lush vocals delightfully wrapped in keys, the song ends with a boom and smiles galore. The album title is next, Perfect Symmetry, with sexy vocals from Tom blended with backing vocals by the rest of band, this fills the song up and it sizzles for crowd. Tom tells us we all need to raise the roof for Somewhere Only We Know which is soon followed by a high climax from Crystal Ball, definitely a stand out song. Tom is like a monkey on stage, and this song is such a funky moving song and before we know it, the thumping drums tell us the show has ended.
Thank you from all band members who leap up and clap us back and off they prowl. The crowd won’t give up, they beg for more and naturally Keane come back. Keyboard start and high vocals launch into Better Than This with jazzy snare sounds and a polished bass. Next song is delivered with bright white lights and a powerful rock start which then heads down a notch for Is it any Wonder and punters around me scream for joy. The band launch slowly into the song Bedshaped (not sure this is a fitting last song) and Tom’s vocals are still sounding glorious – his voice has barely missed a beat tonight. The crowd sing a long to this song, knowing it’s the last. Will we have to wait another 5 years? Judging from the Keane members, I don’t think so.
www.thedwarf.com.au
Venue: The Palace
Date: 16th April 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
Keane are back, better than ever and taking the stage as its mission in life to reward their punters with some top notch piano rock music. Having sold over 8 million records, the UK (East Sussex) band, bring their latest album to our shores and what better way than to spend a Thursday night in Melbourne's fabulous venue, the Palace, watching a band who wants to take the stage over.
It’s been 5 years since Keane hit our shores and the crowd’s reactions tonight will tell me the band is forgiven! Keane are known for their piano song introductions using delayed and distortion effects on the keys. It was in the year 2000 when the band initially tried this different approach in the studio and it’s certainly paid off. Their first two albums have been listed as best albums of all time in certain UK magazines and they have a string of awards to add to their collection. The new album Perfect Symmetry has challenged the band and they love it!
I enter the venue and take pride in getting rather close to stage as there was a large area unfilled by punters. It didn't take me long to realize that it may have been empty due to a certain person in front of me dropping a few el-stinko's. So whilst I'm trying my best to catch the essence of the gig and not of that around me, I found I had to move about 3 songs into the set to get away from the smell! I pity those I left behind.
Keane fans are a variety of people of all ages (many with UK accents) and there is a solid crowd in the venue tonight. The punters are more than ready for the band and a grumbling through the speakers tells us its time- lights dim and out they come, Tom Chaplin on vocals and guitar (such engaging front man skills), Richard Hughes on drums, Tim Rice-Oxley on piano and tour member Jesse Quin on bass. They start the show with The Lovers are Losing which is the first single off their new album Perfect Symmetry, and Keane tell us this is their best album yet.
Everybody’s Changing is a boppy song, Tim going off like Paul Mac on keys, bopping and grooving away and spending about quarter of the time actually sitting on the stool, his performance tonight is dramatically pleasing to watch! Bend and Break takes us through some amazing light display, whilst singer Tom glides up and down the stage greeting fans and taking in the vibrant crowd. Nothing to Say is such a fantastic song, and the song is done justice live. Tom has a strong live voice which carries throughout the entire show without any form of tiredness. The song Again and Again has lyrics that glide around the room and next few songs This is the Last Time and Spiralling is music that takes me back in time to the 80's. Spiralling is a pretty song with lots of Woo’s blended into crowd participation. Keane certainly enjoy and are grateful to the crowd for clapping and cheering which is constant between songs - and loud!
The next section takes us on an acoustic edge with Tom singing Your Eyes Open then Try Again to which this song is joined with melodic keys and a big tom/bass drum that is incorporated into the tune and gives extra sound to the already defined song. Tom certainly enjoys this part of the set and the punters lap it up, they just love him!
Back to full band and lights and more grooving moves, You Haven't Told Me Anything ends with humble grins from the boys as the applause fills the room one more time. Can these boys get enough of this audience? I don’t think so! You Don’t See Me has a nice acoustic vocal start with shakers then the drum kicks in and is carried on with lush vocals delightfully wrapped in keys, the song ends with a boom and smiles galore. The album title is next, Perfect Symmetry, with sexy vocals from Tom blended with backing vocals by the rest of band, this fills the song up and it sizzles for crowd. Tom tells us we all need to raise the roof for Somewhere Only We Know which is soon followed by a high climax from Crystal Ball, definitely a stand out song. Tom is like a monkey on stage, and this song is such a funky moving song and before we know it, the thumping drums tell us the show has ended.
Thank you from all band members who leap up and clap us back and off they prowl. The crowd won’t give up, they beg for more and naturally Keane come back. Keyboard start and high vocals launch into Better Than This with jazzy snare sounds and a polished bass. Next song is delivered with bright white lights and a powerful rock start which then heads down a notch for Is it any Wonder and punters around me scream for joy. The band launch slowly into the song Bedshaped (not sure this is a fitting last song) and Tom’s vocals are still sounding glorious – his voice has barely missed a beat tonight. The crowd sing a long to this song, knowing it’s the last. Will we have to wait another 5 years? Judging from the Keane members, I don’t think so.
www.thedwarf.com.au
Friday, April 3, 2009
Snow Patrol and Jenny Lewis hit the Palais theatre
Band: Snow Patrol with support from Jenny Lewis
Venue: Palais Theatre - St Kilda
Date: 2nd April 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
Jenny Lewis is one hot buxom American babe. Leggy with a voice to match her startling presence. Jenny's style tonight is country rock but many people may know her from the indie rock band Rilo Kiley as well as her many walk in's on various sitcom's from the 1980's and many movie roles to boot. I'd never heard her music before and I was blown away by her voice and stage presence. Tonight there is a full band joining in harmonies for some songs as well as a male singer who belts out a few groovy tunes himself. Jenny is one person you all need to see live. I think I turned to the other side whilst seeing her performance! She may just be the next Dolly Parton!
A half hour break and enter an extremely loud Snow Patrol to a crowd full of beer and water (hot in the venue tonight). Yes I actually had to put earplugs in (voluntarily!!). A practically sold out show that almost did blow the roof with their music. Lots of hits were played tonight and the crowd were really nuts. A northern Irish/Scottish band with many punters of the same lingo, supporting flags and rather interesting dance moves (in dress circle anyway!). I enjoyed the set and I thought the light show was dazzling - many colours coating the stage and giving it presence. Belle and Sebastian drummer (see supergroup) joined them tonight and all Snow Patrol members pumped the stage at the Palais Theatre.
Venue: Palais Theatre - St Kilda
Date: 2nd April 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
Jenny Lewis is one hot buxom American babe. Leggy with a voice to match her startling presence. Jenny's style tonight is country rock but many people may know her from the indie rock band Rilo Kiley as well as her many walk in's on various sitcom's from the 1980's and many movie roles to boot. I'd never heard her music before and I was blown away by her voice and stage presence. Tonight there is a full band joining in harmonies for some songs as well as a male singer who belts out a few groovy tunes himself. Jenny is one person you all need to see live. I think I turned to the other side whilst seeing her performance! She may just be the next Dolly Parton!
A half hour break and enter an extremely loud Snow Patrol to a crowd full of beer and water (hot in the venue tonight). Yes I actually had to put earplugs in (voluntarily!!). A practically sold out show that almost did blow the roof with their music. Lots of hits were played tonight and the crowd were really nuts. A northern Irish/Scottish band with many punters of the same lingo, supporting flags and rather interesting dance moves (in dress circle anyway!). I enjoyed the set and I thought the light show was dazzling - many colours coating the stage and giving it presence. Belle and Sebastian drummer (see supergroup) joined them tonight and all Snow Patrol members pumped the stage at the Palais Theatre.
Couting Crows at the Palais Theatre
Band: Counting Crows with support from Clinton Cryton
Venue: Palais Theatre
Date: 30th March 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
The night started with many of us wondering who Clinton is, and I guess you can say his style is like Jack Johnson, similar looks and even similar in wardrobe. The crowd enjoyed his music which fulfilled a laid back, cruisy sound and got punters out to the merchandise stand to purchase his cd. He obligated his wonderment with the punters by signing cd's after the show.
Counting Crows started with a big bang and the crowd lept up in their seats with high anticipation of seeing a band who hasn't toured our land for 14 years. The sound was perfect tonight and the set list a completely different list than their first show on 27th March at the Palais. I was a bit disappointed as I didn't get to hear the songs I knew the most but I got to hear many other gracious songs which include Sullivan Street (magic song), A Murder of One and You Can't Count on Me. Adam Duritz is the frontman (wearing a Kiss tee shirt) who owns the stage by plonking himself on any surface for a sit down sing, shaking hands of the crowd and jiggling his booty! David Bryson (guitar), Charles Gillingham (keyboards), David Immergluck (guitar), Dan Vickrey (guitar), Jim Bogios (drums), and Millard Powers (bass) all took the show to great heights that were appreciated by a very full Palais Theatre tonight.
Other songs of the night included Miami and Los Angeles and we were blessed with a show of high standard and one to take to work tomorrow and chat about over the water cooler.
Venue: Palais Theatre
Date: 30th March 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn
The night started with many of us wondering who Clinton is, and I guess you can say his style is like Jack Johnson, similar looks and even similar in wardrobe. The crowd enjoyed his music which fulfilled a laid back, cruisy sound and got punters out to the merchandise stand to purchase his cd. He obligated his wonderment with the punters by signing cd's after the show.
Counting Crows started with a big bang and the crowd lept up in their seats with high anticipation of seeing a band who hasn't toured our land for 14 years. The sound was perfect tonight and the set list a completely different list than their first show on 27th March at the Palais. I was a bit disappointed as I didn't get to hear the songs I knew the most but I got to hear many other gracious songs which include Sullivan Street (magic song), A Murder of One and You Can't Count on Me. Adam Duritz is the frontman (wearing a Kiss tee shirt) who owns the stage by plonking himself on any surface for a sit down sing, shaking hands of the crowd and jiggling his booty! David Bryson (guitar), Charles Gillingham (keyboards), David Immergluck (guitar), Dan Vickrey (guitar), Jim Bogios (drums), and Millard Powers (bass) all took the show to great heights that were appreciated by a very full Palais Theatre tonight.
Other songs of the night included Miami and Los Angeles and we were blessed with a show of high standard and one to take to work tomorrow and chat about over the water cooler.
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