Bernard Fanning and The Cruel Sea - A Day On The Green 09.11.2013

Band: Bernard Fanning, The Cruel Sea
Venue: Rochford Winery, A Day On The Green
Date: 9th November 2013
Reviewed By: Lyn

As I stepped onto the grassy knoll that takes me to a plethora of loving fans for music and a great day out, I am reminded that it really doesn’t matter　 if the rain starts falling today. A Day on the Green is one of those events where you will always have a great time (okay, if fires or torrential rain start then that would clearly suck, but you know what I mean), and the music that is presented is usually of fantastic standard but you always gets moneys worth with an array of bands performing on the day.
 

Due to commitments, I didn’t get up to today’s event till later on but that was okay as my highlight was always going to be The Cruel Sea. I am absolutely stoked they are playing today’s event. With a stunner of a back catalogue, they always impress people, even those who don’t know all the songs. Today’s set list was more about the newer songs and boo, not the older songs. Songs such as No Choice, Daylight, Black Stick, Better Get A Lawyer, Honeymoon Is over and This Is Not The Way Home

(which ended the set). It’s such a freaking pleasure to watch these guys play. They put everything into the music, and fully get into the songs when on stage together. Jim White on drums shows pure adrenalin, Kenny G on bass guitar caresses that guitar like it’s a long lost girlfriend, James Cruickshank on guitar divinely melting each song with such pure talent, Dan Rumour on guitar who presents himself as someone with a bit of caution as well as a bit of gusto and of course the front man, Tex Perkins, who never fails to make me laugh with his banter. His vocals have the right stuff to have what it takes to entertain the crowd and they don’t falter throughout the set.

As the sun dropped, The Cruel Sea head up to the merchandise tent for autographs to the happy punters whilst on stage Bernard Fanning enters and into darkness the valley goes as the sun says goodbye for the day, it was time for the light show

on stage to take effect and it looks amazing. Into the music from the last two albums Bernard sang, the rain held off and people were getting up on their feet and soaking in the music with their bottle of wine in hand. The set list included songs off both albums from Battleships, Wish You Well, Watch Over Me and Songbird.

An amazing amount of talent today. Kudos to the other musicians who played, Sarah Blasko, Bob Evans and Whitely who would have been just as amazing to watch and listen to.

　

The Polyphonic Spree and Abbe May - Foxtel Hub, Melbourne

Band: The Polyphonic Spree with support from Abbe May
Venue: Foxtel Hub
Date: 22nd October 2013
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder

Two class acts hit the Foxtel Hub (as part of the Melbourne Festival) tonight in Melbourne. First up is the raunchy newly changed direction in style of music, the luscious Perth lady Abbe May. Her latest offering Kiss My Apocalypse (Electronica/Doom Pop style) sets the pace tonight and I can tell you after her set I could have gone home happy. The music is truly sexy, and you can’t stop watching the band. Abbe is in fine form, her vocals a killer and her music suits her presence with its intense sexual offerings. Opening with Want Want Want, the music is electrifying with guitar laced with Abbe’s sultry vocals. Sex Tourette is a fast paced song whereas Tantric Romantic takes you down a little again with grooving riffs swaying you from side to side. Kiss My Apocalypse and Karmageddon were my highlights and the performance is just as amazing live .

Her next tour hits our shores soon

http://tickets.oztix.com.au/default.aspx?Event=39493

 

 

　

　

After a short break, the stage is set up to fit The Polyphonic Spree around, there are fifteen of them on stage tonight and they fit with plenty of room to move around. The Spree is a band where you don’t have to know the music to love them. It would help if you like choral, pop rock, but I think I can say that most fellow music lovers would nod their approval to the music of The Spree.

The show started with a large white piece of material than ran the length of the stage. Singer Tim DeLaughter brought out the can of spray paint and starting writing back to front and from right to left the words Love Australia Syle (yes, the T was placed in the sentence when pointed out by a band member) and Tim cut the material in half and from there they launched into the Opener. Their music filled the venue tonight, with three brass instruments, four backing angels, violin, double bass, guitars, drums and keyboard and tipped off with Tim’s bountiful energy, it was a sight to hear and see. They didn’t waste any time before breaking out one of the big hits Hold Me Now which had us all dancing and singing. The light show is fantastic, strobes, smoke, lasers – the show has it all. Delaughter bounced around on stage with enough energy to make me start thinking about going to the gym. He would take peoples phones or cameras and video close up’s of the band and crowd as well as himself. He would sing with the audience and when he looks at you with those incredible blue eyes, you’re taken. Delaughter used to be in the band Tripping Daisy and when this band ended in 1999, he explored making a band with other musicians, to put together a big sound with an orchestral palette. It works, I don’t know of many other bands like this. The energy, the music, the laughter, the songs – its all together in a colourful package.

Songs in the set included Light To Follow, You Don’t Know Me, Porpoise Song (The Monkees cover), The Best Part, My Umbrella (Tripping Daisy) and more. The set went for over two hours and by close to midnight, I was ready to hit the hay. The band seemed like they could keep going until the wee hours and as I went home, I left the band to meet the fans.

And yes, to add to my comment that I could have gone home after Abbe May, of course I’m glad I stayed!

　

　

　

　

　

Armageddon Expo - Melbourne 2013

Event: Armageddon Expo
Venue: Melbourne Showgrounds
Date: 19th October 2013
Reviewed By: Lyn

Armageddon Expo - when you hear the name, what does it conjure up in your mind? The book of revelation will tell you it’s the end of the world, between good and evil. Going to this festival you will see it is full of characters that are portrayed as good and evil as well as movie, TV, comic, authors, painters, cars, rides, freebies and more.

Held in Auckland since 1995, Wellington since 2001 and Christchurch/Melbourne since 2007, Armageddon has had a long history, and a popular one.

There are many stores holding TONNES of items to buy. Its like one humungous consumable-fest, how on earth can you walk out and not buy anything is incredible. Purchases may include books on 'How to cook children' or 'How to survive being a Zombie'. Truckloads of books/comics on The Walking Dead (TV series), Batman, Star Wars, Lord of The Rings, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Doctor Who and Manga (and a gazillion more TV and movie options). Fancy a softy toy, hand bag or even a One Direction clock? Or maybe a zombie mug, poster, trading card, fun slippers, a corset, some artwork, novels, Spotted Dog Fudge, tee shirt, fake teeth or cool contact lenses or perhaps purchasing some unique artwork from artists or even buying a book and meeting the author. This expo covers it all and it’s for everyone. A hoarder nightmare or dream!? Maybe get your face painted? Learn about costume and make up, see a 'real' transformer and check out the Bumblebee Limousine - yikes, it’s amazing (and you can rent it out　

http://www.exoticlimo.com.au/)! You can play Quidditch, check out the Batmobile tribute car which is a replica to the 1960's Batmobile - and whilst you are there, get a photo with the namesake. You can even pay a bit extra and have dinner with some of the stars. There are plenty of people in costume's around to take a photo with so make sure you drink a tin of patience as you walk around and continually stop so photos can be taken - wait a minute, I can see Salacious B Crumb shying away from a photo, funny little creature.

I found the signage for the outside stages poor (as they weren’t on the map) and I had to ask staff for assistance, thankfully they knew the way, so I was on my way to hear some　panels　from some people who have been around a long time in television and movies. I concentrated on the Main Stage as I found there was no microphone at Stage 2 which made hearing the public's questions very hard. My recommendation for the Main Stage is to sit on the left hand side of the room- the staff and security on the right hand side didn't stop talking throughout the panel's and their laugher and chatter was just annoying. I noticed people around me getting frustrated also.

The panels at the expo are fantastic, they allow anybody to get up to the microphone and ask a question to their adored one. Here are some choice questions and answers to a few of the celebrities I managed to see;

Evanna Lynch Panel - Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter

1. If you were an animalist (sic), what would you turn into?

A cat!

2. Who do you think would play Harry Potter thirty years ago?

Professor Terlini!

3.Who is your favourite casting member in Harry Potter?

A hard one here, Joesph Walker and Chris Allen　

4.What would be your most embarrassing moment in a movie?

When you wear the clothes I wear, you go past being　embarrassed. On set I felt comfortable the whole time. I could be Luna the whole time and this helped.

5.Has your perception of the book changed since you have been in the movie?

I had to　separate　the two so it wouldn't change. The spells are better to read in books as we only see a stick or something and then the special effects are put in. Seeing the ideas on set made it more real. Reading for me is an escape though so I can separate the two.

6.What was the first thing you did when you got the role?

Homework!!! When I found out I got the part I wasn't allowed to tell anyone for ten days. Can you imagine being fourteen and not telling people the biggest thing in your life?!a I found the best thing to do was immerse in homework and live a normal life. I did however take off stuff I'd said on social networks that I thought I'd be embarrassed about later on!

7.When you knew you got the role, what scenes were you most looking forward to?

It would have to be finding out who my Dad would be played by and the scenes with him. Also being able to explore Luna's life and her outlook and put it to a movie.

8.What was it like working with Dan Radcliffe?

It was so great working with Dan. He is such a professional and has a great attitude. His attitude bled into the rest of the crew. I was so young at the time so it was fantastic.

9.What were your emotions like filming the last day ever?

We were a wreck. But it was a nice day. It was the scene in the courtyard with the good and bad guys. A group photo was taken and I thought it was not going to end. End of an era. *tears up*

10.What do you want to do in Australia whilst you are here?

Cuddle a koala!

Evanna is also asked to join the Australian Quidditch　Association　after the panel for a game.　

http://quidditch.org.au/

　

　

Supernatural Panel with Kim Rhodes, Rick Worthy, Mark Rolston and Ty Olsson

Rick explains he loved the script. After his first casting call he waited another eight months to find out he had the role. Ty says it’s hard obviously when you don't get a part. Sometimes you expect the part and are let down. You must develop skills for this to get through this.

1.What would be your ultimate role to have?

Rick - Jimi Hendrix. I've wanted to play him for twenty years.

Ty - I'm always the lead guy in any book I read, hehe. I don't think I could be a lead guy when someone has already done the role.

Mark - I'd stay with my role of Alastair. I loved playing the character. If I went off the script and improvised, it was okay which was great! But I guess the one role I'd like to take on is Wally the gangster from the US in the1950's.

2.What is your favourite character from Supernatural

Kim - Jim Beaver. He could show up with a bag of flour and turn it into something great.

Ty - Jared Jenson. I work so well with him. He asks the right questions and is a leader

Rick - Jared Jenson also and the Director Guy Norman.

Mark - The character Ruby. Jared Jenson is great too. Most stars are down to earth, they're pros at this!

3.Most awkward fan moment?

Mark - I got into a lift once with my baby. The doors opened and a lady came in, saw who I was and said "You're THAT man and you have a child??" My baby started crying and the lady rang out of the lift as I was saying "I'm an actor!"　

Rick - I was in a bathroom cubicle once, doing my business. When I got out a guy was just staring at me. I thought he must be a fan. The fan said "I love you in Battlestar Galactica" and held out his hand to shake it. I just got out of the toilet so, my hand was dirty and was a bit awkward. I washed my hands and left. The next day the man twittered me saying "I hope I didn't weird you out". I said "Yes, yes you did!"

Kim - Not many moments. Kids will ask me if I’m Zack and Cody's mum and when I say I am they tend to say "no, you're not!". I say "well what do you want me to say!"

4.How do you like Australia

Rick - Love drinking the cider. I love going out and doing cool stuff. I'd love to work here.

5. If you had complete freedom to write, what would you do?

Mark - Get the bald demon to return. Bring Ruby back.....my imagination would go wild

Rick - Return as alpha man and see Eddie again. I also would change the Vampires. Vampires to me need to be terrifying, not all glittery and such.

Kim - I've got to do most of the stuff I'd want to do. Maybe Jodie can kick the shit out of Crowley!!

　

Billy Boyd Panel - Lord of The Rings

I managed front row for the hilarious Billy Boyd. Behind me, girls were ooh'ing and ahh'ing over his Scottish accent as he told stories and got us all laughing. Billy is one hilarious man. As he sits in the large red and gold throne, he tells us he feels rather superior. He also tells us he loves our breakfast's. Australia is big on breakfast and he calls Melbourne the city of breakfast.

1.What advice would you give to actors who are starting out?

Do as much work as you can. Read a lot of plays and read Shakespeare. Really get involved about what a character is about in a show. Volunteer and do loads of extra work. It all helps.

2.Would you consider doing a LOTR convention?

I am! I'm here! So just LOTR? Yes I would. I can ask them and let you know!

3.Who is your favourite character to work with?

Dominic Monaghan! We have loads of　mischief　together. Once we built a time machine - called The Tardis! Haha, We went back into the past and got rid of Justin Bieber who was going to play Frodo and we allowed Elijah Wood get the part instead! haha

4.What is your main influence from pop culture?

There are loads here (Billy tells us a few now and shouts some throughout the session when he thinks of them). Star Wars - wanted to be a Jedi and use a hover board. Land of the Giants, The Tomorrow People. Blake 7 and Flash.　

5.What is your fondest memory in LOTR?

You hear that when people shoot a movie they all get along. But that is what really happened, everyone got along. When I was young I made swords and shields from polystyrene over summer and each day I'd wake up and look forward to playing with my friends. Working on LOTR was like that, waking up every day with excitement.

6.Did you miss your Hobbit feet once shooting had finished?

NO! I didn't like wearing them at all. When I first got my feet, they were too small and at each break I would release my big toe for a few moments. They were also very cold in the snow.

7.What is your favourite Beecake song? (Beecake is the name of Boyd's　band)

We have a new album out soon and I enjoy all of them but one that stands out is one about a friend of mine who lost his fourteen year old daughter to cancer. 　It was recorded in one day straight. Pulled the guitar out and sang straight through and it’s the best version.

8.Tell us about some frustrating scenes

One scene, where the Hobbits say goodbye to Frodo, had to be taken a few times. The first time Sean Astin (Sam Samwise Gamgee) forgot to put his waist coat back on so they had to film it all again. The second time the scene was shot out of focus so we had to film it again. It was meant to be a sad scene but after a few takes it was like "just bugger off Frodo!"

9.If you came to the expo today dressed in a costume, what would you wear?

Dom invited me to a party once; we dressed up as Batman and Robin. We looked great, I was Batman. We get to the party and I find out it’s not a party, its the Prom! So, I think I’d have another crack at wearing that outfit again.

10.Did you get to take anything from the LOTR set?

I took feet, bag of ears which I actually gave away to many people who were fans. I kept for myself the bag that has Pippin’s name on it, the clapper board from the final scene and a sword.

11.What was it like working with Christopher Lee?

He is amazing. I was so lucky he was in our dressing room. So when we were all getting our make up done, he would tell us stories and play heavy metal music! Can you believe that!

12.What is your favourite scene in LOTR?

Forging of the fellowship

　

Temuera Morrison - known for Once Were Warriors, Jango Fett, Barb Wire, Green Lantern

Temuera Morrison opened the panel with a song. What a glorious voice. He spoke about starting out playing a doctor in Shortland Street (TV series in NZ) and getting a break in Once Were Warriors (OWW) and what a passionate man he is. I was stoked to see Temuera live as OWW impacted on me as it was such a harsh movie, made so well and told with passion. OWW opened doors for him in Hollywood although it was hard getting casting calls with a New Zealand accent. Australians can do the American accent a lot better. He worked with Pamela Anderson in Barb Wire and worked with Marlon Brando in The Island of Dr Moreau. He is currently working on a reality TV show in NZ and he from what e says, he like horse racing!

1. How did you get the job in Once Were Warriors?

I was in LA and I got a letter from a casting agent　wanting　to meet me. I met with her and we had a friendly chat for a while. But it was months later I got the part.

2.What was it like, emotionally, to film Once Were Warriors?

Rena Owen (Wife in OWW and in real life) was a well of emotion to draw from. A real professional. She’ll tell me off to get in the zone. I had gone from working as the Doctor in a soap before this which was different acting. OWW was emotionally draining for Rena with long tiring days. I drew on my Hakka background for energy- I did the Hakka to myself before filming to work myself up and I held that energy.

3.Have you ever said no to a part before?

No. But I’ve never been in the position to say no. In Vertical Limits I thought I was going for the lead role as Peter Garrett and I got the role of Major Rasul. I've only said no to commercials that were a bit silly, they wanted me to be a doctor again to advertise something. I have auditioned for many parts but didn't get them due to the Kiwi accent. My agent told me that what is big in Hollywood at the moment are Australian female actors. If you want to be an actor, take any opportunity and keep inspiring yourselves.

Temuera ends his panel with a Hakka and I was blown away. You just can't take your eyes off him. He is a fantastic speaker and an interesting story teller.

Corey Feldman - The Goonies, The Lost Boys, Stand By Me, Dream A Little Dream, 　Gremlins, The Burbs and more

Corey came through from behind the audience, filming us on his camera as he walked through the middle aisle between the seats. Dressed in a cool　egotistical　jacket with studs, a red shirt and black pants with black loafers, he looked like Michael Jackson's brother (and I liked it!). Corey starts the session telling us about the story of how his jacket "with its ego" was stolen one night and eventually found. Read it here as it’s a long story　

http://www.inquisitr.com/681748/corey-feldman-gets-his-stolen-100000-jacket-back/　Underneath the red shirt he wore a tee shirt that fans made for him which said 'reward for lost jacket!'

1.Would you play Tommy Jarvis again in Friday the 13th movie?

Well its funny you should ask. I am currently pitching a campaign to do Friday the 13th part 13, Jarvis vs. Jason!

2.What is your favourite movie so far to be a part of?

The Goonies. We were kids making this cool movie with pirate ships and other cool items. Due to this I met actors such as Harrison Ford, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Dan Akroyd and more.

3.Has it been hard getting around for every day life?

Sometimes it’s tough. I've had a difficult but great life. Great experiences but hard experiences. Being a child star deprives one of a life path such as school, graduating but hey, I'm not complaining. I ultimately never had the choice as I was three years old and working as an actor and I feel that path was set for me.　

4.What film did you want to be in when you were younger?

Star Wars, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Indiana Jones and The Wizard of Oz.　

Corey tells us he's never met Stephen King (who wrote the book Stand By Me) and that he is still friends with many of the actors from The Goonies. Corey says he wishes River Phoenix was still alive as he was great to work with, a vegetarian, an activist and all round great guy. Corey's favourite movie with Corey Haim is Dream A Little Dream and a part he'd like to play in the future is to be Hans Solo's son (I think there is a common theme with actors and Star Wars!). His favourite Hollywood person is Paul McCartney as he is still rocking after a three hour show. Corey loves and honours the fact that Stand By Me is studied at school. He recognises it has touched many lives and many fans speak about how it helped them through life, from young to older generation. Corey will be a new turtle character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when it comes out, a part that was made for him, a turtle called Slash.

He ends the session saying things are steaming up for him with an autobiography coming out end of the year, his new album coming out titled 'Angelic to the Core' and there is even talk of a show called Corey's Angels.

Matt Melvin - Cyanide and Happiness webcartoons/animation

Cyanide and Happiness is a webcomic written and　illustrated　by Kris Wilson, Rob DenBleyker, Matt Melvin and Dave McElfatrick. The webcomic is published on their website

www.explosm.net which started back in 2004. They are simple cartoons with　controversial　humour.

Matt tells us they put it out there to raise $250,000 to produce the cartoons but they got a staggering $7000,000 which was thanks to the public. The boys were amazed. To get the comic ideas the four of them Skype weekly (they live in different locations) and put ideas out there to use. It all started with the four of them doing jokes as a hobby and now it’s a company.　

Matt loves Australia, loves a tim tam and a eat pie but isn't game to try　Vegemite.

1.Do you get much flack or complaints?

Yes! We need to handle the joke well, especially bad content. It needs to be worth it. These days it seems people are getting used to the humour. We used to get a bit of hate mail. But there are two sides to say a cancer joke. The people who have the cancer thank us for giving them a laugh whereas the friend of the person who has cancer gets upset. Religion is the worst subject to do. In the end, people pick and choose what they're touchy about.

2. How do you come up with new ideas?

Most of the stuff you see we've been sitting on for years. After we've done these the coming up with ideas is okay. We make news ideas on Skype now but before that we used MSN　messenger.　

3.What does your family think of what you do?

They tell me that they're proud of me so I assume they've seen all the good and bad animations.

4.What comic's inspire you?

I love Life in Hell (Matt Groening) which got me going to the library and Gary Larson. Initially I didn't get the urge to do cartoons. But humour in a good way to deal with things, this is part of the reason why cyanide and happiness works.

5.What is the reason behind the simplicity of the drawings?

Originally we used stick figures to start the process then the way they are now just fell into itself. I am a minimalist so it makes sense!

Armageddon Expo is THE two day event run by fans for fans with something for everyone.

http://armageddonexpo.com/au/

review seen on www.theaureview.com.au
 

 

　

　

　

　

You'll go Ape about The Ape - Tex Perkins

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

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.

Trilogy of The Beasts (of Bourbon)

Band: The Beasts of Bourbon
Venue: Memo St Kilda
Date: 29, 30 & 31 August 2013
Reviewed By: Lyn Harder

Three nights of The Beasts. Three nights that felt different yet unleashed a similar set. The first night crept out with Evil Ruby and brought the treasures such as Psycho, Hard For You, Drop Out, Let’s Get Funky, Cocksucker Blues and Execution Day (sung by Spencer P Jones).

The first bill is the Original Line Up featuring Tex Perkins on vocals, Spencer P Jones on guitar, Boris Sujdovic on bass, James Baker on drums, and Kim Salmon on guitar literally shredding the ears of anyone close by (which is me, but I loved it). The second bill is the Low Ride Line Up and the third bill is the Current Line Up. Night two changes are Tony Pola on drums and Brian Henry Hooper on bass and the third night change is Charlie Owen on guitar instead of Kim Salmon. Perkins and Jones are the only originals throughout the entire Beasts history.

The tour marks the bands thirty years of exposure to the world and over three nights the band played different tracks from different albums with different line ups. Although the set list is mainly the same, there are a few exceptions on the first and last nights. The final night saw songs from the last album titled Little Animals, songs such as I Don’t Care About Nothing Anymore, I’m Gone, New Day of The Dead, I Told You So and The Beast I Became To Be.

All three gigs are sold out at Memo in St Kilda (great venue with small bar) and at first most punters were so busy watching the band immerse themselves that any movement kicked in half way through the set, where the front section danced themselves to wreck and ruin. Tex played the stage like a man who was meant to be on it; with sarcasm and fury. His banter before songs and to hecklers is waggish to the bitter end where an idiot in the crowd grabbed the microphone cord and pulled on it to which Tex (Saturday night angry mode) screamed at him, and rightly so.

The sound is rather loud on Saturday night and I could tell Tex isn’t happy – actually a little animal could have felt the anger too. It's this Tex anger that fuels the songs even more so and keeps us punters on edge, I secretly loved it. No amount of ‘tea’ was helping Tex’s vocals by the last night but it didn’t matter, the band backed him up and sang any necessary louder than normal words that needed to be sung and it worked a treat. Salmon and Owen are an inspiration on guitar, they played their instrument like they were born to play it, riff upon riff carried out with perfection, and loud too (did I mention that already?!). Jones sang as well as played on his illustrious guitar, then there is the bassist’s Hooper and Sujdovic who grunted their bass to each song, leaving the drummers Pola and Baker who brought together the tight fitting sound of The Beasts of Bourbon.

The final night brought to stage Salmon as well as Owen on guitar and James Baker joined them for a encore special of the song Drop Out. Sensational gigs but I would have to say that the second night is my favourite due to the vocals and energy on stage.

I can’t wait for another Beasts show but I have a feeling it may be a while coming…..

Bernard Fanning, Big Scary and Vance Joy Review

Band: Bernard Fanning with supports by Big Scary and Vance Joy
Venue: The Palace Theatre
Date: 9th August 2013
Reviewed By: Espylyn

Vance Joy brought his low key set to a packed Palace Theatre tonight, playing many songs including his hit Riptide which is a wild crowd pleaser, a song with high range and catchy beat, enough to get the crowds heads bopping. A simple yet effective set, although I’d be keen to see him play with full band (can’t undermine the head act tonight I guess!).

Big Scary are a band to be seen. Melbourne based chick drummer Jo Syme creates a magical sound on drums and her vocals need to be recognised as well and Tom Iansek on vocals, piano and guitar takes stage like he was born on it. Together they have created music from their living rooms to bring it out on stage where they have created a big following with their music induced by indie, samples, delicate drum, ukulele, mandolin  which all blend together to create rock, pop, instrumental and folk  indie sound. On the last song, Gladiator, the crowd pranced around like a bacchanalian party enjoying the creativeness of the band Big Scary.

 

Half an hour later we are joined by Bernard Fannning and co. Still looking the same, same style and same smile. He bounces around stage like nothing had changed and into Hope and Validation he launched with aplomb and crowd go nuts. There are a few idiots around me who  started heckling Powderfinger songs (I mean, really?!) but Fanning showed no sign of stopping his solo musical career. Darren Middleton looks on from aside, I wonder what he is thinking as he bops his head. Would these songs have made the Powderfinger selection? We’ll never know.

Battleships is up next and the pop tune causes a few fans to push through the crowd to get closer to Fanning, whilst arms are going crazy here there and everywhere as they sway to the music as he sings "Battleships/grey is the colour/without you". The light show around the stage is electric, full of vibrant bright colours for the rock and pop songs and ambient colours when the songs get close to the heart such as Departures which is about losing his brother. Fanning moved through songs from debut album and his latest offering, including Inside Track, Limbo Stick, Believe, Songbird, Thrill is Gone and Here Comes the Sadist. After encore he plays What A Fool I’ve Been and Wish You Well which started another frenzy of dancing and singing, last song tonight is a George Harrison song called What Is Life. I am told by a huge fan that Fanning’s voice is almost the best he’s heard and I take that on board as he’s been a fan for donkey’s years now.

Bernard will always be a crowd pleaser and I feel he will always be in the hearts of many Australians. I still have my bets that PF will be back one day…..

APIA Time of Your Life tour - Camelleri, Wilson, Reyne and Braithwaite

Band: Joe Camilleri, Ross Wilson, James Reyne and Daryl Braithwaite
Venue: The Palais Theatre
Date: 26th April 2013
Reviewed By: Espylyn

 

Men be warned - Four male legends with four decades of hits are about to make your ladies get wild at the Palais Theatre tonight. These four talented Aussie musicians are about to grace the stage and melt our hearts and this, my friends, is exactly what they did.

Although the age of the crowd was of the ‘higher’ variety, there were still all ages present and glowing, ready to take part in one unforgettable experience called APIA Time Of Your Life Tour. (yes, A.P.I.A, no doubt many are chuckling about now).

This is the first time such a tour has been brought together with music legends Daryl Braithwaite, Joe Camilleri, James Reyne and Ross Wilson in a full house at the Palais Theatre which proved punters just love seeing Aussie home grown rockers. Looking rather avuncular, the men hit the stage with a presence that has to be seen to be believed, such a hedonistic performance from all four legends.

Camilleri was first off the rank and his solid set brought the house down including hit after hit of back catalogue tunes including Taxi Mary and with his delicious guitar riffs, it’s easy to hear and see why this man is a living legend in his own right.

Wilson was next and he had punters clapping and grooving with many hits including Bed of Nails and Come Said The Boy (rather icky song when you actually listen to the lyrics) but great melody and structure.

A short encore ensued and as soon as the lights dimmed we were greeted with that voice you just can’t miss, James Reyne and into Fall of Rome where the punters were up dancing and really enjoying themselves. Other hits included Reckless, Hammerhead and Errol just to name a few and Reyne’s voice is still impeccable, hitting the right note as he graced the stage with uber presence.

Braithwaite ended the solo part of the night and I would have to say that Horses was his crowd pleaser tonight. To say that the crowd went nuts is an understatement. One Summer and As The Days Go By got the crowd into a spin and by now most people were out of their seats having a grand time.

As you can imagine all four talented men came out at the end and performed one hit song they each had; Chained To The Wheel, Boys Light Up, Eagle Rock and Howzat and then into a Divinyls song, dedicated to the gorgeous Chrissie Amphlett (RIP), Boys In Town which was a fantastic rendition.

The crowd tonight were given full money’s worth and let’s hope such a tour comes around again and to spice it up, there are a few other legends out there who would suit a Time Of Your Life Tour.

Neil Finn and Paul Kelly - A Day On The Green (Rochford Winery)

Band: Neil Finn and Paul Kelly
Venue:   Rochford Winery - A Day On The Green
Date:23rd February 2013
Photograpy By: Lyn Harder

Julia Stone at St Michael's Church

Band: Julia Stone
Venue: St Michael’s Church
Date: 20th February
Reviewed By:

Melbourne was greeted on a gusty Wednesday night on the Heavenly Tour at St Michael’s Church in Melbourne, featuring Julia Stone. It seems unusual for us rockers to be heading out to a church for a gig, I felt like we were going to a church service and I’m sure all the people rubber necking as we waited in line were wondering what funky new style of church service we were attending. It seems gigs like this are big in Europe – maybe the church’s needs to raise revenue on another level these days? Makes me wonder.

　

I made my way up the little stairwell to the upstairs area and I found a pretty decent possie. The lights dimmed and the crowd fell silent but then nothing happened for a few minutes and I couldn’t help but laugh at the fact the entire room just starting talking again in loud voices until Julia came out in a radiant white frock and silver glittery shoes reminiscent of the red ones Dorothy wears. With her quirky stage presence she launched into her music which carried us away with her stunning range in vocals and cute smile after each song. Julia shared stories with us, mainly about ex boyfriends and heartbreak and whilst a lot of the punters were fanning themselves in the warm church, Julia filled the air with music about lost love yet as she says, happy to be in love at any time, no matter the outcome.

　

The band consisted of Ross Irwin (Cat Empire, The Bamboos), Ben Edgar and Ed Fairly (Goyte) who play a variety of instruments each and constantly changed areas on stage to fulfil their musical journey with Julia. By The Horns is her latest musical creativity and tonight she shares the new songs as well as the older songs and also includes a few covers before ending with My Girl with its hilarious backing vocals by the boys!

　

St Michael’s Church is a gorgeous old building, featuring old fashioned décor and lead lighting of The Last Supper with contemporary roof lights , all of which adorn my surrounds. Julia’s voice suits the church and her evocative sound carries to every nook and cranny and I find myself enjoying this creatures music and I laugh at her antics whilst forgetting I am in a church.

St Kilda Festival 2013

Band: @St Kilda Festival
Venue: St Kilda Neighbourhood
Date: 10th February 2013
Reviewed By: Espylyn


The St Kilda Festival is a relevant piece of history as well as merriment and pleasure. Each year sparkles newsworthy debates that it will end but these scares disappear in a blink of an eye and any wonder, the festival attracted 400,000 revelers in 2013 alone. Bottle shops no doubt do a roaring trade (although IGA is, one could say, smart and didn't sell alcohol on the day due to liquor rules for the festival) as does the local weekly market and not to forget the other market stalls placed around St Kilda promulgating their wares (@Wild Seed and @XVI just to name a couple great clothing stalls).
Check out motor bike displays, volley ball action on the beach, the amusement rides that may make you see your lunch for the second time, the colourful clothing worn by the public, dogs galore and lets not forget the main acts – the music, is just some of the highlights!

I managed to see @Dirt River Radio who sang with plenty of roar and enthusiasm before a chock-o-block crowd that bellowed and whistled with absolute devotion. @Quarry Mountain Dead Rats gave us some excellent blue grass music fusing into the modern day sound, a great band to dance and sing-a-long too. Take a walk around the various stalls such as RSPCA, drink free Lipton Iced Tea (do you like pina colada?!), get your face painted and learn how to build a bird nesting box. Discover the vaults under the Esplanade, seven former shops that are reminiscent literally of the underground, hardly smelling like they were part of the hustle and bustle in the 1890’s and then you could take part in the Games Tent, learn Latin dancing or leave the kids at the Zumba learning stage.

The weather held off and when the sun was out it was rather warm but take the sun away and with no clouds to blanket in the warmth, the cool did reign after sunset.

The main stage heralded some pearler acts like @Ash Grunwald, @Pez, @Blue Juice and the surprise sunset act (which was quite possibly the lamest surprise so far) @The Cat Empire, whose fans decorated the grass area in their thousands. I admit to not being a huge fan of the later and took this opportunity to look around the festival some more whilst most people flocked to the main stage. The Prince of Wales looked amazing as the seating spewed out onto the road and crates donned the area for seats (pity it can’t always be this way) and buskers gained their fortune and glory along Fitzroy Street as hundreds gathered to see men climbing poles and walking on nails.

Leaving St Kilda I could hear the hum of the crowds blended with the sounds of the music and I can’t help but think how lucky I am to be able to enjoy all the free entertainment in my local town.

as seen on www.theaureview.com