This was my first visit to the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. We enjoyed a couple of drinks before the show in the foyer, and the bar prices were very reasonable ($5 for premium beer, and $8.50/$35.50 for a Barossa Shiraz). The show took place in the performance space which was set up with cabaret style seating down the front with theatre style seating behind that (off course I was sitting down the front, second row of tables left of centre for the best view). This created a great relaxed atmosphere. The sound was superb, just to prove to all those n00bs in most live music venues that loud is very rarely best (exception Mogwai), it’s the correct mixing that matters the most.
Andrew Morris
I have only recently reviewed Andrew Morris for a December gig, however his performance this time was a much more relaxed solo acoustic set. He had a selection of 2 or 3 harmonicas to accompany his guitar. This time he had a fixation on beer, throughout the set he kept looking for his beer on stage. I am sure this led to him mentioning some of the guys sitting up the front were “hitting the Golds” which led to Channel 10’s Beach Cricket and to Australia’s current losing streak, he promptly stopped himself and said “we’re here for music”. I think I liked this set better than the one I saw in December at The Zoo. The main highlight was when Andrew Morris completed this set with “Let It Roll”. I guess nothing really struck me about Andrew Morris’s set, it was a good performance. I am just a bit indifferent to this particular genre of music.
Performance 7.5
Technical 10
Kate Miller-Heidke
Kate Miller-Heidke commenced her set with the opening track from her second EP (Circular Breathing) “Out and in”. Immediately following the rest of band took their positions on stage. Kate Miller-Heidke is a phenomenal performer. Her voice is pure and operatic. There was only 2 other hits from Kate Miller-Heidke’s previous EP’s namely, “Space they cannot touch” and “Apartment”. The rest of the set was filled with new songs from the upcoming album and live favourites. One of the major highlights was when Kate Miller-Heidke played tribute to Britney Spears (current perils) with her own version of “Toxic”. This version of Toxic was outstanding, crossing genres from pop to a bit rock to heavy rock to Kate Miller-Heidke’s own style. The boys (Keir and Scotty) seemed to really enjoy the chance to rock out during the heavy rock section of “Toxic”. A Kate Miller-Heidke set would not be complete without “Australian Idol” and “Psycho Killer”, and a costume change. The costume change gives Keir Nuttall a chance to entertain the crowd this was done with a little number called “Piece of shit”, which involved calling a lot of things a piece of shit (e.g. James Blunt, Nickleback), and finishing on one everyone can agree on “Paris Hilton, silly tart”. Just before Kate performed “Little Adam” she informed us of her upcoming debut album to be released in June, would be titled “Little Eve”.
A great use of lights through out the set helped establish the mood (and comedy) of the performance (e.g. green lights used during “Australian Idol” and red lights used during “Psycho Killer”). No digital media can ever do her justice. If you can get along to see Kate Miller-Heidke live just do it. It will be a night to remember.
In the mean time be sure to catch Kate Miller-Heidke on RocKwiz on SBS TV this Saturday 24th February 9.20pm performing “Australian Idol”, I quote, “in what will be it's ONLY television airing” and a special duet with Paul Dempsey (from Something for Kate) of a 1980’s hit for Wham!
Performance 10
Technical 10
Saturday, 24 February 2007
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
Big Day Out (21/01/07, Parklands, Gold Coast)
I probably approach Big Day Out a little different to most people. Firstly, I try to see as many of the international acts that I want to see, and then I fill in the gaps with acts that I wouldn’t normally go to see. Obviously scheduling comes into it, and I may have to struggle through a set in order to find a good vantage point (e.g. Jet). This year all the bands that I saw I had never seen before live.
Operator Please (Green Stage) where a good way to kick off the Big Day Out, the reason the technical is low is due to some feedback issues and they were really loud even for a festival.
Performance 7
Technical 6
Macromantics (Hot House) carry a lot of energy and even though rap isn’t particularly a genre I enjoy, I could appreciate what they were doing.
Performance 7
Technical 7.5
That 1 Guy (Hot House), well to quote the words from the Big Day Out website, “a one-man band straight outta your imagination who plays a home made, seven foot tall, metallic Magic Pipe”. That is exactly what you get. I don’t think I would fully appreciate a recorded version of That 1 Guy’s music, however very entertaining to see live.
Performance 8.5
Technical 8
DJ Aniki (Boiler Room) whom I have always a soft spot for, presented a very professional set, slowly building the energy, getting everyone primed for Lily Allen.
Performance 7
Technical 8
Lily Allen (Boiler Room) one of the biggest highlights and she is far too popular to be contained by the Boiler Room. The marquee was packed and people standing everywhere outside and around anywhere. This was a full class act by Lily Allen, supported by a full band including a three piece brass section.
Performance 10
Technical 9.5
The Sleepy Jackson (Green Stage) is hard for me to rate their performance as I was sitting back just chilling for a bit, but what I heard and did actually see (their last song) was good.
Performance 7.5
Technical 8.5
Kasabian (Green Stage) provided some good straight up British rock. I didn’t really know what to expect from these guys. All I can say is that these guys have definitely won a new fan. I look forward to when they return to Australia for a headlining tour.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
The Killers (Orange Stage) produced a great sound, but where a little bit boring with their on stage performance. I think The Killers would be more spectacular in a large indoor venue (e.g. Brisbane Entertainment Centre). Somewhat disappointing, but enjoyable.
Performance 7.5
Technical 10
Jet (Blue Stage). Let me say straight off the bat, I don’t think I have ever become so bored during a live rock set. Jet were trying really hard to keep the crowd going during their set. I think that the majority of the people in the D were there to see Muse and Tool, with little or no interest in seeing Jet.
Performance 6.5
Technical 8.5
Muse (Orange Stage) MUSE! Now this is who I really came to see and “oh my god”. As one of my friends simply put it “Best live band. Ever!” These guys put on a class act and even provided me with entertainment before they were on stage. During the aforementioned Jet and became bored my eyes wandered over to the Orange Stage and I was already in awe. Some of the equipment on the stage, was but not limited to, two massive screens, these strange but very cool looking plastic tube things with lights, and from another review I read, apparently a plethora of foot pedals/switches connected to there guitars.
I think the set list was as follows:
Knights of Cydonia
Starlight
New Born
Supermassive Black Hole
Hysteria
Map of the Problematique
Invincible
Time Is Running Out
Plug in Baby
Stockholm Syndrome
Take a Bow
Just outstanding if my scale went to 11 Muse would definitely get it. I have my fingers crossed and hope that Muse will be returning for a headlining tour of Australia again soon. I have achieved a new benchmark, from which all other live performances will now forever be judged by.
Performance 10
Technical 10
Tool (Blue Stage) did what Tool are known for, and provided us with the heaviest modern metal experience ever.
The set list went something like this:
Stinkfist (extended)
The Pot
Forty-Six & 2
Jambi
Schism (extended)
Opiate
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Ænima
And all that lasted 90 minutes. The stage had three (maybe four) screens across the back. The best thing about seeing Tool live is the drummer, Danny Carey, two kick drums, countless other drums and symbols, and to top it all off a gong positioned behind him. According to other Tool fans it was a real surprise and a treat to get Opiate live. The most exciting thing about Tool’s set was when they announced that they would be back in November/December this year. Just outstanding!
Performance 10
Technical 10
All in all the technical was of a high standard through out the day and various stages. The highlights from Big Day Out 2007 with no surprises were Muse, Tool, Lily Allen, and Kasabian, with the most interesting going to That 1 Guy. I don’t know if I will do a festival again ... but if the headlining acts are of the same quality again I might just put up with the aching legs.
Operator Please (Green Stage) where a good way to kick off the Big Day Out, the reason the technical is low is due to some feedback issues and they were really loud even for a festival.
Performance 7
Technical 6
Macromantics (Hot House) carry a lot of energy and even though rap isn’t particularly a genre I enjoy, I could appreciate what they were doing.
Performance 7
Technical 7.5
That 1 Guy (Hot House), well to quote the words from the Big Day Out website, “a one-man band straight outta your imagination who plays a home made, seven foot tall, metallic Magic Pipe”. That is exactly what you get. I don’t think I would fully appreciate a recorded version of That 1 Guy’s music, however very entertaining to see live.
Performance 8.5
Technical 8
DJ Aniki (Boiler Room) whom I have always a soft spot for, presented a very professional set, slowly building the energy, getting everyone primed for Lily Allen.
Performance 7
Technical 8
Lily Allen (Boiler Room) one of the biggest highlights and she is far too popular to be contained by the Boiler Room. The marquee was packed and people standing everywhere outside and around anywhere. This was a full class act by Lily Allen, supported by a full band including a three piece brass section.
Performance 10
Technical 9.5
The Sleepy Jackson (Green Stage) is hard for me to rate their performance as I was sitting back just chilling for a bit, but what I heard and did actually see (their last song) was good.
Performance 7.5
Technical 8.5
Kasabian (Green Stage) provided some good straight up British rock. I didn’t really know what to expect from these guys. All I can say is that these guys have definitely won a new fan. I look forward to when they return to Australia for a headlining tour.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
The Killers (Orange Stage) produced a great sound, but where a little bit boring with their on stage performance. I think The Killers would be more spectacular in a large indoor venue (e.g. Brisbane Entertainment Centre). Somewhat disappointing, but enjoyable.
Performance 7.5
Technical 10
Jet (Blue Stage). Let me say straight off the bat, I don’t think I have ever become so bored during a live rock set. Jet were trying really hard to keep the crowd going during their set. I think that the majority of the people in the D were there to see Muse and Tool, with little or no interest in seeing Jet.
Performance 6.5
Technical 8.5
Muse (Orange Stage) MUSE! Now this is who I really came to see and “oh my god”. As one of my friends simply put it “Best live band. Ever!” These guys put on a class act and even provided me with entertainment before they were on stage. During the aforementioned Jet and became bored my eyes wandered over to the Orange Stage and I was already in awe. Some of the equipment on the stage, was but not limited to, two massive screens, these strange but very cool looking plastic tube things with lights, and from another review I read, apparently a plethora of foot pedals/switches connected to there guitars.
I think the set list was as follows:
Knights of Cydonia
Starlight
New Born
Supermassive Black Hole
Hysteria
Map of the Problematique
Invincible
Time Is Running Out
Plug in Baby
Stockholm Syndrome
Take a Bow
Just outstanding if my scale went to 11 Muse would definitely get it. I have my fingers crossed and hope that Muse will be returning for a headlining tour of Australia again soon. I have achieved a new benchmark, from which all other live performances will now forever be judged by.
Performance 10
Technical 10
Tool (Blue Stage) did what Tool are known for, and provided us with the heaviest modern metal experience ever.
The set list went something like this:
Stinkfist (extended)
The Pot
Forty-Six & 2
Jambi
Schism (extended)
Opiate
Sober
Lateralus
Vicarious
Ænima
And all that lasted 90 minutes. The stage had three (maybe four) screens across the back. The best thing about seeing Tool live is the drummer, Danny Carey, two kick drums, countless other drums and symbols, and to top it all off a gong positioned behind him. According to other Tool fans it was a real surprise and a treat to get Opiate live. The most exciting thing about Tool’s set was when they announced that they would be back in November/December this year. Just outstanding!
Performance 10
Technical 10
All in all the technical was of a high standard through out the day and various stages. The highlights from Big Day Out 2007 with no surprises were Muse, Tool, Lily Allen, and Kasabian, with the most interesting going to That 1 Guy. I don’t know if I will do a festival again ... but if the headlining acts are of the same quality again I might just put up with the aching legs.
Bob Evans with Andrew Morris (03/12/06, The Zoo, Fortitude Valley)
Well I have been really lazy this gig was over two months ago. So the review will be very short.
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris started his set in the alternative rock genre which morphed into folk and then some almost full blown country. Alternative rock tracks like “Let It Roll” made me think of Powderfinger’s earlier stuff with particular reference to his vocal styling. I quite enjoy the alternative rock and folk style music. I didn’t mind some of the country stuff but it got a bit too much country for my liking. However, though this he gave an energetic and refreshing performance which was entertaining and provided a relaxed feel for a smooth transition to Bob Evans. The Zoo lived up to its average technical skill, the mixing was a bit off in a few tracks, but we did manage to avoid and real nasty feedback. (So, I guess it was above average for The Zoo, maybe they are getting better or maybe I have suffered more hearing damage then I would like to admit too.)
Performance 7
Technical 6.5
Now this is going to test my memory.
Bob Evans
What I can remember of Bob Evans was he saved us from the terrible sound people at The Zoo by providing his own sound guy (as all musicians with any class should do). Also he expressed his love for the Brisbane fans and how supportive the Brisbane fans have been. He also mentioned how he should move to Brisbane not only for the fans but he seemed to imply it would help him with his finances, (well playing to sold out audiences has to be good for the bank roll). Towards the end of the set Bob Evans was attempting one of his earlier songs and was stumbling over the words, and noticed a girl standing towards the front who knew all the words. So like any professional, he admits that he can’t remember the words, so he drags her up on stage to help him out. If my memory serves me well, I think she corrected him 3 times during that one song. It was a fun relaxed gig.
Performance 8.5
Technical 7
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris started his set in the alternative rock genre which morphed into folk and then some almost full blown country. Alternative rock tracks like “Let It Roll” made me think of Powderfinger’s earlier stuff with particular reference to his vocal styling. I quite enjoy the alternative rock and folk style music. I didn’t mind some of the country stuff but it got a bit too much country for my liking. However, though this he gave an energetic and refreshing performance which was entertaining and provided a relaxed feel for a smooth transition to Bob Evans. The Zoo lived up to its average technical skill, the mixing was a bit off in a few tracks, but we did manage to avoid and real nasty feedback. (So, I guess it was above average for The Zoo, maybe they are getting better or maybe I have suffered more hearing damage then I would like to admit too.)
Performance 7
Technical 6.5
Now this is going to test my memory.
Bob Evans
What I can remember of Bob Evans was he saved us from the terrible sound people at The Zoo by providing his own sound guy (as all musicians with any class should do). Also he expressed his love for the Brisbane fans and how supportive the Brisbane fans have been. He also mentioned how he should move to Brisbane not only for the fans but he seemed to imply it would help him with his finances, (well playing to sold out audiences has to be good for the bank roll). Towards the end of the set Bob Evans was attempting one of his earlier songs and was stumbling over the words, and noticed a girl standing towards the front who knew all the words. So like any professional, he admits that he can’t remember the words, so he drags her up on stage to help him out. If my memory serves me well, I think she corrected him 3 times during that one song. It was a fun relaxed gig.
Performance 8.5
Technical 7
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