The Audreys
The Audreys are a South Australian band, and are best described in their own words taken from their website. “Country twang delivered with the smokiest of vocals, rolling roots and authentic banjo and violin picking.” I didn’t really know what to expect from The Audreys. Well what a great band they are. Taasha’s vocals are outstanding and well complemented by the mix of instrumentation used by all the band members. There were a couple of problems with the mixing, and the lighting was pretty standard, but suited the style of music.
Performance 8
Technical 8
Kate Miller-Heidke
The vocal acrobatics of Kate Miller-Heidke is something that should not be missed. The talent (and I mean TALENT, wink, wink, nudge, nudge, know what a mean) of this opera trained singer really shines through when she is on stage. No recording can ever do her true justice compared to her live performances. The lighting was superb, mixing was faultless, and to top it all of a costume change as well. The full exploitation of The Tivoli’s stage, curtains, lighting and props, including the use of a disco ball, made this concert a concert to remember. Highlights of the night for me included, “Blah Blah”, “Australian Idol” and Keir Nuttall’s song while Kate was off stage changing into another beautiful dress.
Performance 10
Technical 10
Saturday, 7 October 2006
Friday, 22 September 2006
Ben Folds with The Queensland Orchestra (15/09/2006, Concert Hall, QPAC, South Bank)
Yeah I went twice, so ha! But this time I was sitting front row centre.
I thought the Thursday night was impressive, until I went on Friday night. All the technical problems had been tweaked out of the system the night before, so no issues there at all. Biggest highlight was when Ben jumped straight into “One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces”, slightly catching the orchestra off guard. Ben played it with such pace, that I think the orchestra had trouble keeping up in parts, but the cellists added a bit of their own class, by giving the crowd not one but two twirls of their cellos, mid song.
I also thought the part where Ben freestyles (and “Misirlou”) towards the end of “Philosophy”, was impressive on Thursday night. Well, that was nothing compared to Friday night. Ben was teasing the Orchestra, pretending to be ready for the big finish, and then continuing with more freestyle piano, which I think contributed to the orchestra enthusiasm in big finish to “Philosophy”.
The Queensland Orchestra seemed to be a lot more relaxed, than the previous night, I think that’s because they knew what kind of crowd to expect.
Because this was the first concert to go on sale the atmosphere was far better, as the Concert Hall was packed with all the die hard Ben Folds fans.
Performance 10
Technical 10
I thought the Thursday night was impressive, until I went on Friday night. All the technical problems had been tweaked out of the system the night before, so no issues there at all. Biggest highlight was when Ben jumped straight into “One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces”, slightly catching the orchestra off guard. Ben played it with such pace, that I think the orchestra had trouble keeping up in parts, but the cellists added a bit of their own class, by giving the crowd not one but two twirls of their cellos, mid song.
I also thought the part where Ben freestyles (and “Misirlou”) towards the end of “Philosophy”, was impressive on Thursday night. Well, that was nothing compared to Friday night. Ben was teasing the Orchestra, pretending to be ready for the big finish, and then continuing with more freestyle piano, which I think contributed to the orchestra enthusiasm in big finish to “Philosophy”.
The Queensland Orchestra seemed to be a lot more relaxed, than the previous night, I think that’s because they knew what kind of crowd to expect.
Because this was the first concert to go on sale the atmosphere was far better, as the Concert Hall was packed with all the die hard Ben Folds fans.
Performance 10
Technical 10
Tuesday, 19 September 2006
Ben Folds with The Queensland Orchestra (14/09/2006, Concert Hall, QPAC, South Bank)
I have seen Ben Folds on his last three tours in Brisbane, The Three Bens (Ben Folds, Ben Lee and Ben Kweller), the Songs for Silverman tour and now with The Queensland Orchestra. He started the night with the classic Ben Folds hit Zac and Sarah. There were some slight audio problems during the first couple of songs, but it was all resolved quickly. It took me a while to get use the sound of being in a concert hall, so much more ethereal. The Concert Hall is a venue that has truly great acoustics, and not just a room filled with blaring amps and speakers to counteract the reverberation (like some live music venues I go to, *cough* The Arena *cough*).
The big surprise was when The Dresden Dolls graced the stage and gave a spectacular rendition of their “Coin-Operated Boy”. The Dresden Dolls stuck around to help Ben out with a song, providing drums and backing vocals. Another high point of the show was when Ben called on a tenor to add some vocal prowess to one of his songs.
Ben ended the show with my favourite song “The Luckiest”. What a night, I couldn’t wait for the next night when I got to go again, and sit front row centre, instead of in the third row to the right.
Performance 9
Technical 9
The big surprise was when The Dresden Dolls graced the stage and gave a spectacular rendition of their “Coin-Operated Boy”. The Dresden Dolls stuck around to help Ben out with a song, providing drums and backing vocals. Another high point of the show was when Ben called on a tenor to add some vocal prowess to one of his songs.
Ben ended the show with my favourite song “The Luckiest”. What a night, I couldn’t wait for the next night when I got to go again, and sit front row centre, instead of in the third row to the right.
Performance 9
Technical 9
Sunday, 3 September 2006
Gomez with The Vasco Era (02/09/06, The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley)
The Vasco Era
I hadn’t even heard of The Vasco Era, before this gig. One thing I can say about The Vasco Era is that they are enthusiastic. In particular the drummer (Michael Fitzgerald), who during a couple of songs was standing up at his drum kit and really bashing the hell out of the drums. The lead vocalist and guitarist (Sid O’Neil) showed off his slide guitar technique and drumming skills during a couple of songs. There were a couple of feedback problems early in the set but it was quickly corrected by the fantastic technical crew at The Tivoli. The lighting was off beat at the start of the set, but improved as the set progressed.
The sound of The Vasco Era is not for everyone, but the self described “raw and energetic rock / blues fusion” is generating quite a buzz in the Melbourne music scene.
Performance 6.5
Technical 6.5
Gomez
This was my first live Gomez experience and it was everything I hoped it to be. The unique sound of Gomez is captivating and all inspiring. (that was a bit wanky) These guys were fantastic and they really enjoy what they do. The set was a superb mix of new and old, and with a great and memorable back catalogue of music to choose from it was always going to be a great night. One of the two of the most memorable moments of the night was when Tom Gray forgot the words to “Sweet Virginia”. Tom stoped and asked the crowd for assistance, but everyone was suggesting different things, so he just picked thing up from the second verse. The other memorable moment was when they closed their encore with the old Gomez classic “Get Myself Arrested”. The lighting and mixing was of a high standard.
Performance 9
Technical 8.5
P.S. Have I mentioned that I love The Tivoli, the best live music venue in Brisbane.
I hadn’t even heard of The Vasco Era, before this gig. One thing I can say about The Vasco Era is that they are enthusiastic. In particular the drummer (Michael Fitzgerald), who during a couple of songs was standing up at his drum kit and really bashing the hell out of the drums. The lead vocalist and guitarist (Sid O’Neil) showed off his slide guitar technique and drumming skills during a couple of songs. There were a couple of feedback problems early in the set but it was quickly corrected by the fantastic technical crew at The Tivoli. The lighting was off beat at the start of the set, but improved as the set progressed.
The sound of The Vasco Era is not for everyone, but the self described “raw and energetic rock / blues fusion” is generating quite a buzz in the Melbourne music scene.
Performance 6.5
Technical 6.5
Gomez
This was my first live Gomez experience and it was everything I hoped it to be. The unique sound of Gomez is captivating and all inspiring. (that was a bit wanky) These guys were fantastic and they really enjoy what they do. The set was a superb mix of new and old, and with a great and memorable back catalogue of music to choose from it was always going to be a great night. One of the two of the most memorable moments of the night was when Tom Gray forgot the words to “Sweet Virginia”. Tom stoped and asked the crowd for assistance, but everyone was suggesting different things, so he just picked thing up from the second verse. The other memorable moment was when they closed their encore with the old Gomez classic “Get Myself Arrested”. The lighting and mixing was of a high standard.
Performance 9
Technical 8.5
P.S. Have I mentioned that I love The Tivoli, the best live music venue in Brisbane.
Sunday, 27 August 2006
Bluebottle Kiss with The Gin Club, and An Horse (11/08/06, The Rev, Fortitude Valley)
An Horse
Kate Cooper, aka An Horse, and band member of Iron On, kicked things off for the night with a nice relaxed set. An Horse joked with the crowd and performed somewhat nervously. At one point she even admitted to only writing a song a couple days prior and apologised in advance in case she stuffed it up. The performance all in all was interesting and I probably wouldn’t have seen her otherwise, but it’s always nice to experience new things. There were a few technical problems such as feedback.
Performance 6.5
Technical 5
The Gin Club
The Gin Club were fantastic as always live. The Gin Club share the love, all the 5 guys up the front swapped guitars and each had a chance to woo the crowd with their vocal greatness. Even though The Gin Club was a support act they played a full set, to the crowd’s delight. The set was plagued with technical problems, mainly a very uncomfortable feedback problem. The Gin Club persevered and their overall performance prevailed.
Performance 9
Technical 4
One thing I should have mentioned earlier is how long this concert was. Doors opened a 8:30pm, with the first act starting at about 9:00pm and Bluebottle Kiss concluding their encore act at 1:30am.
Bluebottle Kiss
Bluebottle Kiss have been on the Australian music scene for some time now (since the mid 90’s). Bluebottle Kiss in its full greatness has 13 band members including, 2 drummers, 4 backing vocalist, 1 trumpeter, 1 trombonist, 1 saxophonist, 1 bass guitarist, 1 lead guitarist, and 1 second guitarist. It was an extremely tight fit on the small stage at The Rev. This combination adds extra depth to the music that Bluebottle Kiss produce. Unfortunately, just as The Gin Club battled with technical problems, so did Bluebottle Kiss, main problem being feedback again. Songs which I enjoyed the most was when all 13 band members where on stage, these songs just carried a lot of depth and the mastery required to compose such pieces is outstanding.
So, why haven’t Bluebottle Kiss made it big? This was a question that we tried to answer as we walked back to our cars after the gig. A friend of mine suggested that it might be because Bluebottle Kiss are just too much rock for the average person to handle. I tend to agree, and I am not saying that they should tone it done to get a big fancy record deal. Bluebottle Kiss has a lot to contribute to the indie music scene just the way they are. A stellar performance and the long awaited encore personified the band well.
Performance 8
Technical 4
Kate Cooper, aka An Horse, and band member of Iron On, kicked things off for the night with a nice relaxed set. An Horse joked with the crowd and performed somewhat nervously. At one point she even admitted to only writing a song a couple days prior and apologised in advance in case she stuffed it up. The performance all in all was interesting and I probably wouldn’t have seen her otherwise, but it’s always nice to experience new things. There were a few technical problems such as feedback.
Performance 6.5
Technical 5
The Gin Club
The Gin Club were fantastic as always live. The Gin Club share the love, all the 5 guys up the front swapped guitars and each had a chance to woo the crowd with their vocal greatness. Even though The Gin Club was a support act they played a full set, to the crowd’s delight. The set was plagued with technical problems, mainly a very uncomfortable feedback problem. The Gin Club persevered and their overall performance prevailed.
Performance 9
Technical 4
One thing I should have mentioned earlier is how long this concert was. Doors opened a 8:30pm, with the first act starting at about 9:00pm and Bluebottle Kiss concluding their encore act at 1:30am.
Bluebottle Kiss
Bluebottle Kiss have been on the Australian music scene for some time now (since the mid 90’s). Bluebottle Kiss in its full greatness has 13 band members including, 2 drummers, 4 backing vocalist, 1 trumpeter, 1 trombonist, 1 saxophonist, 1 bass guitarist, 1 lead guitarist, and 1 second guitarist. It was an extremely tight fit on the small stage at The Rev. This combination adds extra depth to the music that Bluebottle Kiss produce. Unfortunately, just as The Gin Club battled with technical problems, so did Bluebottle Kiss, main problem being feedback again. Songs which I enjoyed the most was when all 13 band members where on stage, these songs just carried a lot of depth and the mastery required to compose such pieces is outstanding.
So, why haven’t Bluebottle Kiss made it big? This was a question that we tried to answer as we walked back to our cars after the gig. A friend of mine suggested that it might be because Bluebottle Kiss are just too much rock for the average person to handle. I tend to agree, and I am not saying that they should tone it done to get a big fancy record deal. Bluebottle Kiss has a lot to contribute to the indie music scene just the way they are. A stellar performance and the long awaited encore personified the band well.
Performance 8
Technical 4
Saturday, 19 August 2006
Augie March with Jolie Holland, and David Ford (10/08/06, The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley)
David Ford
The mood at the start of this gig was very relaxed. The crowd gathered on the main floor and sat down, which was nice. I along with most others had not heard of David Ford before tonight, which is sometimes the best, no expectations. David Ford came out and played his first song just his unique vocal sound and guitar. During his second song we became aware of his real talent, when part way through he stoped playing his guitar but it didn’t stop, then he moved to the piano, then to the tambourine, (etc.) all playing in loops, with perfect timing. The number of layers that he could add to the music was endless. State of the Union, ended in a big way, I lost count of the number of samples/loops that he had towards the end. There was so much going on, a massive build up of vocals, with some in canon.
David’s vocal talent (range) alone should see him go far, but as a complete one-man-band, his performance was incredible.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
Jolie Holland
Personally, I would have hated to be the act that followed David Ford, especially after the crowd really got into David’s performance. I was informed that Jolie Holland had a somewhat large following. I think I am being a bit harsh here, but Jolie Holland didn’t really fit in with the feel and flow of the concert. David built the crowed up nicely, but Jolie Holland couldn’t maintain the interest and enthusiasm. The music was good, just out of place between David Ford and the headlining Augie March. (In my opinion a better order would have been, Jolie Holland, David Ford, then Augie March.)
Performance 6
Technical 8
Augie March
One thing I can definitely say about Augie March is that they are even better live. They have a slightly different sound live when compared to their CD recordings, more rock when live. The guys have a good amount of banter both with the audience and with each other and leads to a few good laughs, why they change guitars, tune, rest, etc. Augie March is definitely a band on the up and up.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
Did I mention that I really like The Tivoli, and hence why the technical marks are all of such a high standard. YAY, for The Tivoli, my favourite live music venue.
The mood at the start of this gig was very relaxed. The crowd gathered on the main floor and sat down, which was nice. I along with most others had not heard of David Ford before tonight, which is sometimes the best, no expectations. David Ford came out and played his first song just his unique vocal sound and guitar. During his second song we became aware of his real talent, when part way through he stoped playing his guitar but it didn’t stop, then he moved to the piano, then to the tambourine, (etc.) all playing in loops, with perfect timing. The number of layers that he could add to the music was endless. State of the Union, ended in a big way, I lost count of the number of samples/loops that he had towards the end. There was so much going on, a massive build up of vocals, with some in canon.
David’s vocal talent (range) alone should see him go far, but as a complete one-man-band, his performance was incredible.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
Jolie Holland
Personally, I would have hated to be the act that followed David Ford, especially after the crowd really got into David’s performance. I was informed that Jolie Holland had a somewhat large following. I think I am being a bit harsh here, but Jolie Holland didn’t really fit in with the feel and flow of the concert. David built the crowed up nicely, but Jolie Holland couldn’t maintain the interest and enthusiasm. The music was good, just out of place between David Ford and the headlining Augie March. (In my opinion a better order would have been, Jolie Holland, David Ford, then Augie March.)
Performance 6
Technical 8
Augie March
One thing I can definitely say about Augie March is that they are even better live. They have a slightly different sound live when compared to their CD recordings, more rock when live. The guys have a good amount of banter both with the audience and with each other and leads to a few good laughs, why they change guitars, tune, rest, etc. Augie March is definitely a band on the up and up.
Performance 9.5
Technical 9.5
Did I mention that I really like The Tivoli, and hence why the technical marks are all of such a high standard. YAY, for The Tivoli, my favourite live music venue.
Sunday, 13 August 2006
Artic Monkeys with The Grates (06/08/06, The Arena, Fortitude Valley)
The Grates
I am going to be upfront about this and say, I don’t really like The Grates. It’s mainly the style of Patience’s singing, which I am fully aware is a big part of The Grates overall style. Even though The Grates are not my cup of tea I will try to be fair in reviewing their performance. John and Alana both performed exceptionally well, and I personally immensely appreciated the music behind the vocals that they produced. Patience added a lot of energy to The Grates performance and really got the crowd going, jumping and dancing around the stage. Patience’s singing was not being helped by all that jumping around. As a result in my opinion the best song she performed all night was their last song of the set “Science Is Golden”, simply because she was not jumping around and could actually sing. There were no major technical hitches that I picked up, and the lighting was fantastic.
Performance 6
Technical 8
Arctic Monkeys
To be honest I was undecided about the Arctic Monkeys, and this concert was either going to lead me to like them or just be impartial towards their music. The crowd completely packed the dance floor in front of the stage. Forming an intense mosh pit, which had some crazy sideway movement even before there was any sign of the Arctic Monkeys. The lighting really set the scene and contributed to the concert, giving it plenty of rock status. The only thing which I am unsure whether it added or took away from the overall performance was how drunk Alex was (he was pretty smashed). Alex in between song banter was in a mumbling British accent, which he apologised for. (HAHA) I recommend keeping an eye on these guys, future shows should be a real treat once they have another album or two out. I hope to see a second album from them soon.
Performance 8
Technical 9
I am going to be upfront about this and say, I don’t really like The Grates. It’s mainly the style of Patience’s singing, which I am fully aware is a big part of The Grates overall style. Even though The Grates are not my cup of tea I will try to be fair in reviewing their performance. John and Alana both performed exceptionally well, and I personally immensely appreciated the music behind the vocals that they produced. Patience added a lot of energy to The Grates performance and really got the crowd going, jumping and dancing around the stage. Patience’s singing was not being helped by all that jumping around. As a result in my opinion the best song she performed all night was their last song of the set “Science Is Golden”, simply because she was not jumping around and could actually sing. There were no major technical hitches that I picked up, and the lighting was fantastic.
Performance 6
Technical 8
Arctic Monkeys
To be honest I was undecided about the Arctic Monkeys, and this concert was either going to lead me to like them or just be impartial towards their music. The crowd completely packed the dance floor in front of the stage. Forming an intense mosh pit, which had some crazy sideway movement even before there was any sign of the Arctic Monkeys. The lighting really set the scene and contributed to the concert, giving it plenty of rock status. The only thing which I am unsure whether it added or took away from the overall performance was how drunk Alex was (he was pretty smashed). Alex in between song banter was in a mumbling British accent, which he apologised for. (HAHA) I recommend keeping an eye on these guys, future shows should be a real treat once they have another album or two out. I hope to see a second album from them soon.
Performance 8
Technical 9
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