Salt N Pepa - Shoop Down Under

Band: Salt N Pepa
Venue: Palais Theatre, St Kilda
Date: 3rd December 2011
Reviewed By: espylyn



Salt N Pepa are a trio who have been around since the clappers and are vaguely hip hop, dance style of rap pop music originating from Queens, New York City when rap was throught to be a phase. They were one of the first female rapper bands with success, and members Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton and DJ Spinderalla gave us catchy tunes to sing until the cows came home.

Spinderalla doesn't perform with the band (if you read wiki, she is a radio host these days) but the two Salt N Pepa originals, hit the stage and initially stood in pose for a bit (in their glittery armour), lapping in the screams and attention from gooey females and horney one eyed males who waved in contention at the two hotties on stage.

They played covers, Beyonce 'All The Single Ladies' and Kayne West 'Gold Digger' and naturally all their hits spanning over 25 years. A few newies which were also met with applause, but it was without doubt the oldies that caused the most ruckus. 'What A Man', 'Push It' and lastly Shoop' got the duo over the bar and into the heads of the crowd. A crowd that was mixed with look-a-likes, gay and lesbians, few youngies but mainly over 30 year old's and it was no excitement to watch some who were agressive and drunk. Although not a band I generally listen to, Salt N Pepa gave as good as they were years ago and it was obvious the crowd thought so too. With a flurry of screams the patrons staggered out into the night

Dolly Parton - Cowgirls and Giggles

Band: Dolly Parton

Venue: Rod Laver Arena

Date: 23/11/2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

Dolly Parton entered stage to applause and the pint sized, top heavy, giggling beauty wearing glittery tight outfits gave us five covers initally starting with 'Walking On Sunshine'- enter not impressed face here, when she has such a back catalogue. Finally we entered the hits and Dolly did not stop. Dolly is a comedian to boot, many stories about her family days and how she progressed as a singer and a few jokes between songs and two hours later we all came to really like a lady who has been gracing the music scene for over forty years. A Tennessee spirit, one of ten children, who has somehow managed to pass Australia shores for 25 years, finally came our way and through 'My Tennesse Mountain Home', 'Nine To Five' and 'Little Sparrow' she soaked up the applause and brought out the religious side to her life. Despite rumors I couldn't see any evidence of lip synching, and she held her voice strong throughout the show with only snippets of catching her breath. Dolly plays banjo, flute, saxaphone, guitar, autoharp and piano - what a woman! An encore and lastly 'I Will Always Love You' sent us on our way home.

Nick Cave Tribute - Straight To You

Band: Nick Cave Tribute

Venue: The Forum Theatre, Melbourne

Date: 12/11/2011

Reviewed By: espylyn

As a Nick Cave fan, writing about a tribute show on one of my favourite artists could be hard or easy. Do I compare the musicians to Nick or do I draw on their strengths and talents in performing the songs or do I try to feel I’m hearing the songs for the first time? I think the middle suggestion is best. I can’t compare anyone to one of our national treasures who has brought us the songs and i don’t think there is any way I can pretend I’ve never heard the songs before! All artists tonight have been influenced by Cave in their own rich and developing ways over the past 35 years! If you haven’t heard of Nick Cave then get your head out of the sand and do yourself a favour. Tonight we are graced with some amazing talent, new and old, and each delves into each Cave song with their own essence and beauty.

A packed venue tonight at The Forum Theatre as I make my way near the front and see chandeliers above stage and a rich red glow on the stage. The Triple J boys welcome us all to Part I of the night, then band enter - Kram (Spiderbait) is last to walk to his drum kit and straight into Red Right Hand, a quieter version, yet a version with impact . Bertie Blackman and Muscles continue with Do You Love Me which has great atmosphere and takes the song for a ride with fabulous keyboard action. Muscles takes on Let Love In which I didn’t fancy that much, because there was just no oomph for me. Lie Down Here & Be My Girl unleashes Abbe May with guitar in tow and she takes the song and licks into it with guitar solos and lashings of expression.

Alex Burnett (Sparkadia) is a tremendous asset tonight, suited to the style of Cave music; he takes on Shivers and does a great version of the famous tune. Alex incites Lani Lane onstage for Where The Wild Roses Grow which is aptly sung. The two weave on stage and almost act out the song. Johnny MacKay (Children Collide) puts sparks into Nick The Stripper (I can’t help but wonder if Cave is invoking him!), whilst Lani Lane takes on the trombone for this song. Johnny loses control of the microphone but the way he embraced the song, it’s no wonder and it just proved how much of himself he was putting into the song. Johnny then heads into People, Just Ain’t No Good.

Lisa Mitchell cruises into Ship Song and this is credibly sung, nothing but her voice and the sound of piano accordion to float around the room. Jake Stone from Blue Juice creeps on stage and says “what’s up c***s and most of the crowd laughs whilst he sways into The Weeping Song – a dub version, that somehow fitted. Jake was very tame compared to his normal antics on stage.

Urthboy was rather different and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy hearing Cave in hip hop style, and the songO’Children was sung in a way I don’t think Cave would ever thought possible. It was sung handsomely and I enjoyed it better that the original. Tim Rogers (again, I feel he was invoked by Cave), bounced into From Her To Eternity, all over the stage would be sweat from Tim. After a wardrobe malfunction, which left us all seeing his pants partly fall down, but this didn’t stop Tim, screaming the song to the crowd, falling to his knees and overall totally immersing himself into the song, the way Cave does.

Part II takes us on another path of Cave delights. Abbe May sings Depth Charge Ethel and Adalita grooves into Straight To You followed by Lisa Mitchell crooning through Into My Arms and ending by dancing with Jake Stone. The girls do Cave justice and now the boys take stage – Paul Kelly strides on stage to crowd applause and heads into Nobody’s Baby Now which features those prominent keys again, fantastic. The song Lament brings Spanish dancing to the stage, before we are taken into a rap version of Stagger Lee by Urthboy, I love the original of this song and I feel this was a pretty good version of the song and the band were amazing here.

Stagger Lee was staged out with Lani and Alex taking part in the acting out the song. Bertie hops back on stage saying ‘that is a hard act to follow’ and she launches into The Mercy Seat which she takes on like a bull in a china shop. Kram sings Henry Lee and this version pulled elements of his cheekiness with the flow of the song and joined both together to be a hit.
For the finale, all artists joins stage and head into Jack The Ripper, There She Goes My Beautiful World and lastly (one of my favourites), Papa Won’t Leave You Henry.

as seen at www.theaureview.com.au

Glasvegas + Belles Will Ring -Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom

Band: Glasvegas + Belles Will Ring

Venue: Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom

Date: 25th July 2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

It’s a wintery night out as I swish through the puddles and quickly walk to the Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom and on entrance a dull hum greets me, the first song has started and I delve through the crowd to get closer. My ears prick up at the harmonies of the band – an essence kinda like the Dandy Warhols – that creates the music of then with the sounds of now. A toxic blend which I allow to soak into my eardrum and take me away to a desert island where the flowing sounds of Belles Will Ring, will stay with me forevermore. A happy sound, combined with edginess and mixed with instruments like Tambourine, flute and harmonica – all three played by Lauren Crew (as well as keys and vocals). The rest of the band, Liam, Joe and Aiden, take me on a pleasant road through songs like The Coldest Heart and the finale – Come North With Me Baby, Wow which ends with a lonely trumpet echoing through the room. Their debut album Crystal Theatre was released in May this year and stands out to critics alike.

A long break and the Scottish Indie Rock band that is Glasvegas enters stage and takes the crowd on a roller coaster ride tonight. A solid crowd supports the band and gives the band plenty to be excited about. With Splendour In The Grass only days away it seems fitting most of us head to the ‘side shows’ to witness the music which we are unable to be a part of up north, we get to witness the shows here instead, in wintery Melbourne.

Anticipations looms around the room and the four piece band take stand and head into The World Is Yours. Jonna Löfgren on drums stands during the set, and boy does she hit those drums like they are a deadly animal. James Allen, wearing the lighter colour clothes tonight, gives the band the voice that it needs – I have no idea what he is singing about most of the time, but that somehow works in the bands favour. James pulls his vocals to the limit and the melodies suit the band whilst the other band members, Paul Donoghue and Rab Allen look like bookends or bouncers on either side of James – dressed similar with their hair a punk style and together they lick the guitar riffs with plenty of oomph and talent. It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry has James sitting down with microphone out into the audience as the entire crowd sings the song and the sound of the audience is louder than his vocals, so he may as well sit and take it all in!

At times I’m reminded of an eighties sound, and mixed with a great light show tonight and one ultra cool microphone cord – one that illuminated green and white at times, we are given a tip top set. Geraldine is full of colour and guitar, Ice Cream Van brings on that Britpop sound and Go Square Go receives thunderous applause. A short set and then encore- S.A.D Light is played and then Lots Sometimes draws the night to a close....

Review posted on www.theaureview.com.au

Glasvegas + Belles Will Ring -Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom

Band: Glasvegas with support from Belles Will Ring

Venue: Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom

Date: 25th July 2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

It’s a wintery night out as I swish through the puddles and quickly walk to the Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom and on entrance a dull hum greets me, the first song has started and I delve through the crowd to get closer. My ears prick up at the harmonies of the band – an essence kinda like the Dandy Warhols – that creates the music of then with the sounds of now. A toxic blend which I allow to soak into my eardrum and take me away to a desert island where the flowing sounds of Belles Will Ring, will stay with me forevermore. A happy sound, combined with edginess and mixed with instruments like Tambourine, flute and harmonica – all three played by Lauren Crew (as well as keys and vocals). The rest of the band, Liam, Joe and Aiden, take me on a pleasant road through songs like The Coldest Heart and the finale – Come North With Me Baby, Wow which ends with a lonely trumpet echoing through the room. Their debut album Crystal Theatre was released in May this year and stands out to critics alike.

A long break and the Scottish Indie Rock band that is Glasvegas enters stage and takes the crowd on a roller coaster ride tonight. A solid crowd supports the band and gives the band plenty to be excited about. With Splendour In The Grass only days away it seems fitting most of us head to the ‘side shows’ to witness the music which we are unable to be a part of up north, we get to witness the shows here instead, in wintery Melbourne.

Anticipations looms around the room and the four piece band take stand and head into The World Is Yours. Jonna Löfgren on drums stands during the set, and boy does she hit those drums like they are a deadly animal. James Allen, wearing the lighter colour clothes tonight, gives the band the voice that it needs – I have no idea what he is singing about most of the time, but that somehow works in the bands favour. James pulls his vocals to the limit and the melodies suit the band whilst the other band members, Paul Donoghue and Rab Allen look like bookends or bouncers on either side of James – dressed similar with their hair a punk style and together they lick the guitar riffs with plenty of oomph and talent. It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry has James sitting down with microphone out into the audience as the entire crowd sings the song and the sound of the audience is louder than his vocals, so he may as well sit and take it all in!

At times I’m reminded of an eighties sound, and mixed with a great light show tonight and one ultra cool microphone cord – one that illuminated green and white at times, we are given a tip top set. Geraldine is full of colour and guitar, Ice Cream Van brings on that Britpop sound and Go Square Go receives thunderous applause. A short set and then encore- S.A.D Light is played and then Lots Sometimes draws the night to a close....

Review posted on www.theaureview.com.au

Glasvegas + Belles Will Ring -Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom

Band: Glasvegas with support from Belles Will Ring

Venue: Hi Fi Bar

Date: 25th July 2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

It’s a wintery night out as I swish through the puddles and quickly walk to the Hi-Fi Bar and Ballroom and on entrance a dull hum greets me, the first song has started and I delve through the crowd to get closer. My ears prick up at the harmonies of the band – an essence kinda like the Dandy Warhols – that creates the music of then with the sounds of now. A toxic blend which I allow to soak into my eardrum and take me away to a desert island where the flowing sounds of Belles Will Ring, will stay with me forevermore. A happy sound, combined with edginess and mixed with instruments like Tambourine, flute and harmonica – all three played by Lauren Crew (as well as keys and vocals). The rest of the band, Liam, Joe and Aiden, take me on a pleasant road through songs like The Coldest Heart and the finale – Come North With Me Baby, Wow which ends with a lonely trumpet echoing through the room. Their debut album Crystal Theatre was released in May this year and stands out to critics alike.

A long break and the Scottish Indie Rock band that is Glasvegas enters stage and takes the crowd on a roller coaster ride tonight. A solid crowd supports the band and gives the band plenty to be excited about. With Splendour In The Grass only days away it seems fitting most of us head to the ‘side shows’ to witness the music which we are unable to be a part of up north, we get to witness the shows here instead, in wintery Melbourne.

Anticipations looms around the room and the four piece band take stand and head into The World Is Yours. Jonna Löfgren on drums stands during the set, and boy does she hit those drums like they are a deadly animal. James Allen, wearing the lighter colour clothes tonight, gives the band the voice that it needs – I have no idea what he is singing about most of the time, but that somehow works in the bands favour. James pulls his vocals to the limit and the melodies suit the band whilst the other band members, Paul Donoghue and Rab Allen look like bookends or bouncers on either side of James – dressed similar with their hair a punk style and together they lick the guitar riffs with plenty of oomph and talent. It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry has James sitting down with microphone out into the audience as the entire crowd sings the song and the sound of the audience is louder than his vocals, so he may as well sit and take it all in!

At times I’m reminded of an eighties sound, and mixed with a great light show tonight and one ultra cool microphone cord – one that illuminated green and white at times, we are given a tip top set. Geraldine is full of colour and guitar, Ice Cream Van brings on that Britpop sound and Go Square Go receives thunderous applause. A short set and then encore- S.A.D Light is played and then Lots Sometimes draws the night to a close....

Review posted on www.theaureview.com.au

Gun Street Girls with Matt Sonic & The High Times

Band: Gun Street Girls with Matt Sonic & The High Times

Venue: The East Brunswick Club

Date: 20th May 2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

Tonight I came out to the double headline act of Gun Street Girls and Matt Sonic and The High Times. GSG are straight off the back of their national support tour with the USA’s The Hold Steady and Matt Sonic and Co are straight off the back of their USA tour and are about to record their second album.

The night started with the Melbourne band, Wicked City, who had a loud vibe and it was so loud I think my ears bled! Well not quite, but due to lack of people in the room, they could be feeling the same thing. Wicked City is a three piece rock outfit from Melbourne and their sound is loud!

Matt Sonic and The High Times were before us with 3 guitars and drums and they licked the stage with their tunes that are reminiscent of the 80’s. Hair-do’s, opened shirts and riffs that took me back in time. Matt has a look like Joe Elliot of Def Leppard, and he unleashed a few guitar hooks whilst the female bass player unleased a few curly riffs to the punters. Although they are very accomplished musicians, the vocals were a tad scratchy. The East, from my experience, has failed me a few times now for decent sound, which could explain the lack of substance here tonight. When Matt did the talking songs, the sound was much catchier. By now, the crowd started filling up and I even spotted Scott Owen of The Living End lurking in the corner. High rolling pumping guitar hero action and they ended their set with ‘Dirty, Slow Moon’ where Matt sings “Ran into Devil/Sky turned black” and the show ended with drums and thumping riffs.

Dave entered stage with much gusto and tried to crank up the lull in the crowd. I don’t think they wanted to be pepped up tonight, they seemed quite happy with beer in one hand, and toe’s tapping with big smiles on their faces. I could see how this would be annoying to the band. The boys went straight into the song ‘How I Roll’ (off their debut CD) which sounded distorted in the venue and ‘Tell It Like It Is’ wasn’t sounding all that much better (off their latest CD, Adult Loose). I’m not sure if I got used to the sound but the night definitely got better. Dave gets people to move closer and when they do he realised he is about to sing a slow number so he decides to chuck that idea and head to a rockier new number which delves into a raw, dirty quenching sound. ‘The Mission’ is a catchy tune, and with sweat dripping down their faces we are introduced to the rest of the band who are Callum John Barter on drums and Dave Butterworth on bass. Callum seems to love what he is doing, going off with oomph yet managing many smiles and laughter. Dave Butterworth sings a few new songs tonight which give us a feel for the newer style songs off the latest album, and these are a rocking relief, I say relief as sometimes band with multiple singers can lose their appeal. Next we are taken straight into ‘Millennium Man’ and ‘One Slip Away’ off the debut album and ‘Disappointing Friend’ from Adult Loose, the newie. There is definitely an odd mood tonight, but it’s definitely not a bad one, I look around and most people are in the age bracket of 35-45 (including me) and I wonder if we are getting to an age where we have been gigging for years and at midnight, we are all wishing we are home in our cosy homes. But, I’m not complaining as the boys earned their money tonight, they looked like they were having fun and when they launched into “Borderline’ it produced screaming guitar and the punters rocked about to it.

Not long afterwards few punters did leave and those who stayed saw Matt Sonic and Gun Street Girls belt out some covers which include ‘Gimme Shelter’ and ‘Foxy Lady’ and the later saw Dave on bass carry some high notes to the end!

INXS Live Review from Day On The Green

Band: INXS with support from Baby Animals, Train and Sean Kelly

Venue: Rochford Winery for Day On The Green

Date: 6th February 2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

After much debate and chatter about the weather the day promised some sun and gave us some cloud as well. This didn't deter the thousands who turned up at Rochford Winery to witness INXS with support from Baby Animals, Train and Sean Kelly (from The Models) at the Day On The Green habitat.

I missed most of Sean Kelly - I did manage to hear Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight which took me back to grade 6 and us girls on one side of the room and the boys on the other, ahh such fond memories. Up next is Baby Animals and we all welcomed them back into our hearts. Singer Suze DeMarchi has been living in the US and is back in Australia with her family to give the kids an Aussie upbringing, hence why all the comeback Baby Animals shows. Naturally all their top songs were sung and the band rocked like they'd never left gigging.

I didn't see Train so lets move onto the main act of the night, INXS. All band members except singer JD Fortune, came out and gave us a quirky start with just percussion which was kinda interesting, they were all dressed in suits which didn't really suit the band. Then out came JD dressed in suit and top hat (mmm...top hat) and off with a bang they went. Suicide Blonde opened the night and up the punters yelled and screamed. It was kinda cool to witness a band that was so big with its original singer still retain popularity with the punters and JD. I however, felt like I was watching a cover band to a small degree, but in saying that, the band playing like they were on fire and JD is ever the front man. Lets not get into comparisons and focus on the INXS of now. Songs from the album Switch include Dirty Vegas and Afterglow and the band played music that plummeted the sky and almost made the moon come down to check them out. Older songs were more of a hit, Devil Inside, Bitter Tears, Mystify and Original Sin held the crowd throughout the two hour set.

Garry Beers held onto that bass and brought some major riffs to the set whilst Andrew, Tim and Jon Farris held the band together with Kirk Pengilly who took to front of stage lapping up the luxury of a sold out crowd who were singing along and almost bowing to their hero's who still gel the band together.

The rain held back and the moon shone bright tonight as it looked upon many drunken sods dancing and screaming for a band that may not shine as brightly as it once did, but a band that will shine forever more.

Sia and the Magic Cardboard Ride

Band: Sia with support from The Holidays

Venue: Palais Theatre

Date: 1st February 2011

Reviewed By: Espylyn

A hot and sweaty night preceded an outing at the Palais Theatre before a cool change blessed us, but I was not with too much hesitation in getting to the theatre because I was interested in seeing the flamboyant Sia in action in a large theatre and I was therefore expectation-less in how the night will unfold having not seen a solo show from her before.

The Holidays opened the show and gave us a bright and rocking set. A four piece Sydney band that showed a lot of front and a sound which was...well, a bit of everything (that is good) really. The crowd had pretty much filled up to watch the band and the age group was a little bit of older and a lot of younger audience.

Once the support finished a lot of people left to no doubt claim some fresh air and they flounced back about five minutes before Sia was to start and start she did in a rather eclectic ensemble that consisted of a large piece of cardboard which was painted black and strapped to her body (that was the similar size to her) and Sia was in all black, including painted skin, and a pink tu-tu. Yes, rather amusing and a rather fitting tribute to the show for the night. The stage was colourful with coloured lines aplenty all over the instruments, back drop and even the band wore clothing with coloured stripes. I had to give Sia points for creativity.

Adelaide's enchanting daughter didn't give in to the warm weather tonight, she provided flare, chatter and humour all night and a voice that didn't falter. Sia didn't leave her cardboard ensemble yet continued to sing with it strapped to her body for song after song. At one point she asked punters to yell out a few words to which she put together in a song much to the delight of those whose words were chosen (love, seven, spaghetti). The youthful crowd managed to stay in their seats for the night but when Clap Your Hands was sung it proved too much for a few and up they were. This song gave up the cardboard and in its place was fairy wings with a bubble machine on both sides and a fan behind her so the bubbles headed toward the punters, a rather effective result.

Sia thanked many people for being there tonight and she proved to be a singer that will have longevity in a field that can be so fought over and won by too few.