Nevereverland: Daft Punk, SebastiAn & Kavinsky, The Presets, and Cut Copy @ Riverstage, Brisbane (20/12/07)

Cut Copy

I was pretty keen to see Cut Copy, given all the hype. Cut Copy performed a pretty tight set with major highlights were So Haunted and Hearts on Fire (which incidentally is a song I really like). I am not typically a huge fan of DJ/Dance music, but I can appreciate what these guys are doing. I wouldn’t say they lived up to the hype but most DJ/Dance acts don’t tend to be that entertaining as a stage act.

Performance 6.5
Technical 8.5


The Presets

The Preset delivered a set that was high energy and entertaining to watch. The Preset put a lot into their live performances which is refreshing in Psychedelic / Techno scene. They aren’t tied down to their sound gear and move around the stage which adds to the overall energy of their set. Current single My People was well received, but the biggest highlight was the song that really started it all for these guys Are You The One.

Performance 8.5
Technical 9


SebastiAn & Kavinsky

I didn’t really know much about either of these guys before I saw them on the support list. They have been supporting Daft Punk on this worldwide Alive tour. The only one that I can say got a big reaction from the crowd was their remix Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name. I was a pretty good lead in set for the main act, Daft Punk. They finished their set by playing LCD Soundsystem’s Daft Punk is playing at my House.

Performance 6.5
Technical 9


Daft Punk

The two wondrous robots appear on stage in their giant pyramid, the electro noise slowly starts to make sense. Human. Robot. The crowd is going absolutely nuts in anticipation of what is ahead, slowly it builds and before too long the sounds of Robot Rock are being belted out across a hyped up Riverstage crowd. And the music just doesn’t stop it’s over 30 minutes in before we even get a short break, one track just morphing into the next. This experience is hard to put into words. Firstly you have the music (obviously), they there is the lights, the lasers, the lights, the screens, the lights, the pyramid, the lights, the robot suits. Did I mention the lights? During Television Rules the Nation they drop in the chorus from Around the World as a teaser of what is still to come. Daft Punk did not disappoint, this show was astonishing, life changing even. These guys are up with Muse as a live act (dare I say maybe even better) and I wanted to give them an 11. I really hope that Daft Punk release a DVD of their pyramid shows. When Daft Punk got to Around the World it morphs into Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger with the lyrics flashing up on the massive screens when the track get to the glitch loop section saying “fuck it”, FUCK is flashing on the screen in time with the music. The same thing with the lyrics flashing on the screen in time with music also happened earlier during Technologic. One More Time was simply amazing and the crowd was going ballistic likewise for Da Funk. Wait, who am I trying to kid? The whole show was just one colossal high. Just when you thought the stimulation had reached its highest point the robots come back out for an encore but this time there isn’t a heap of flashing lights, instead total darkness and the robots suits light up (as per picture above). They play about a 10 minute track which includes Human After All, Together, One More Time (Reprise), Music Sounds Better With You. I was buzzing so much after this concert that I only got about 4 hours sleep, and I was still smiling like a git for days afterwards. I will definitely be seeing these guys again if I have the chance. Come back soon.

Performance 10
Technical 10

Amanda Palmer with The Danger Ensemble, The Red Paintings, Emma Dean, and The Follow @ The Zoo, Fortitude Valley (19/12/07)

The Follow

Amanda Palmer liked The Follow that much that she dragged them up to Brisbane to support her at The Zoo and gave them a personal introduction. The Follow’s music is best described simply as alternative rock. I can see why Amanda Palmer likes them, and they deliver a very energetic performance. Highlight song was the slightly more poppy Happy Now which is featured on their EP “Hope You’re Happy”.

Performance 6.5
Technical 5


Emma Dean

Emma Dean has been building quite the fan base during 2006 and 2007 since departing from Kate Miller-Heidke’s band. Emma Dean has an alternative pop folk sound, similar to Kate Miller-Heidke but with her own uniqueness. 3 Meals is very similar to some of Kate Miller-Heidke’s more recent songs like Words. Her performance style is similar to Kate in the way that she comes across a bit cheeky between songs and enchanting during the songs. This combined with her immense confidence on stage, this all adds up to a greatly entertaining set. Surprisingly the sound was pretty good (very good if you compare it to The Zoo’s usual subpar sound).

Performance 7.5
Technical 7


The Red Paintings

I need to more of The Red Painting in my life. I always say that after seeing The Red Paintings, but I very rarely do anything about it. The Red Paintings combine classically driven stings with psychedelic rock and Trash Mcsweeney’s haunting vocals that are similar to Placebo’s Brian Molko earlier releases. When you see The Red Paintings’ live performance there is much more to experience than just their music. There are elaborate costumes, artists creating their art works (David Hooper from CBD Gallery on this occasion), and usually something else special and tonight that was burlesque performer Miss Bertie who performed throughout the set. The Red Paintings are real treat to see live. Sound was still surprisingly good. The strings ended up a bit buried on a couple of tracks under all the heavier rock. I was shocked that they didn’t play Mad World during their set but I wasn’t disappointed as Trash Mcsweeney and Amanda Palmer performed it at the end of the night as a lovely haunting duet.

Performance 8.5
Technical 6.5


Amanda Palmer with The Danger Ensemble

Amanda Palmer (of The Dresden Dolls) was in Australia to promote her soon to be release debut solo album “Who Killed Amanda Palmer” produced by Ben Folds after he sent her some fan mail. In keeping with the theme of this release, a dead Amanda Palmer was carried out onto the stage and propped up in front of the microphone that slowly came to life as the music built up around her. Amanda Palmer is an excellent stage performer her performance was full of attitude and theatrical to watch. Amanda has a natural openness that makes her live performances feel so relaxed. The set was filled with songs from the upcoming solo release as well as The Dresden Doll’s classics and a few covers. Coin Operated Boy was probably the crowd highlight. Amanda was joined on stage throughout the set by The Danger Ensemble who provided the performance art, dance and mime. The crowd went absolutely crazy when Amanda Palmer performed a hilarious cover of Rihanna’s “hit” Umbrella, complete with umbrella dancers. Amanda got a huge response to her sing-along ukulele cover of Radiohead’s Creep. But if I had to pick one song of the night, it would have to be the very last song of which was the evocative cover of Roland Orzabal’s Mad World. This show was amazing and Amanda Palmer put everything she had into it.

Performance 9.5
Technical 7.5

Kate Miller-Heidke with Dead Letter Chorus, and Tjupurra @ The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley (09/12/07)

Ah reserved seating upstairs at The Tivoli, well worth the extra money.

Tjupurra
Couldn’t find a website, Indigenous musician Tjupurra is best described as the David Ford of didgeridoos. Well its sort of a didgeridoo, but its length was adjustable (a didgeribone, or a trombidoo maybe). Using loops and playbacks he managed to create some amazing sounds at one point you could have sworn he was playing a guitar. Anyway he was quite entertaining to watch and made good use of humour between songs, although it did take me a little while to get into it. Only one word can be used to describe Tjupurra, “deadly”.

Performance 6.5
Technical 6


Dead Letter Chorus

I was excited to finally see Dead Letter Chorus. Unfortunately I was murderously let down by the sheer incompetence of the sound technician. I can’t express how disappointed I was. The Tivoli renowned as one of the best live music venues in Brisbane and one that I rave about technical sound quality. Dead Letter Chorus did put on a good performance. The mixing wasn’t all bad except we were getting blasted by and over amped drum kit. I was mainly to do with the fact that the volume was just far too loud. Also I am sad to report that there were feedback issues and the sound technician did nothing to try and rectify the situation. I hate it when the technical work is this bad because it takes away from the band’s overall performance. I do want to see these guys again, as long as it’s not the sound technicians goal to make everyone’s ears bleed.

Performance 6.5
Technical 4


Kate Miller-Heidke

The 4 months (or so) of solid on the road constant touring has obviously taken its toll on Kate Miller-Heidke and her voice. Her performance was still outstanding and full of energy, which is a huge testament in its own. Kate just wasn’t at her best. Kate’s set was what has become pretty standard opening with Little Adam and closing with Space They Cannot Touch. I am going to steal a quote from the Kate Miller-Heidke forum.

“After Little Adam she said that when she was in NSW a girl came up to he after the show and asked what the song was about. Kate told her it was God writing a letter to Adam. The girl looked blank.
Kate: "You know, Adam and Eve from the Bible." The girl still looked totally blank and confused.
Kate: "Actually it's about a little retarded boy called Adam who is downstairs playing with himself."
Girl: "That's EXACTLY what I thought it was about!!"”

You’re the voice was fantastic, as well at Kier and Sally’s Speed of Red Intermission as always. Thank god it was a different sound technician on for Kate, although I suspect that lighting technician might have still been in training it was only a bit off but still good.

Performance 8
Technical 8

Rooftop Nightwatch @ The Zoo, Fortitude Valley (29/11/07)

Firstly there were other bands on that night, but it was mid week, I was tired, feeling antisocial, and I was really only there to see Rooftop Nightwatch.

Rooftop Nightwatch

Since my last review Rooftop Nightwatch they have become more comfortable with performing live. They seemed quite relaxed on stage but I think they might have been shitting themselves on the inside at landing a gig at The Zoo so early in their short history (debut gig at Ric’s was only in August). Pat and Mellissa’s vocals complement each other well. All the members play their instruments with care and what at time looks a bit like restraint, resulting sound is quite unique. I enjoy the subtly of Rooftop Nightwatch’s music. This is one Brisbane indie pop group to keep your eye on in 2008 with there EP to be released sometime (hopefully) early in 2008.

Performance 6.5
Technical 6.5

Muse with The Checks @ Riverstage, Brisbane (21/11/07)

The Checks

The Checks are a rock band from New Zealand, this could have been a big break for these guys, touring with Muse, however they failed to impress. The Checks are best described like a bad version of Jet, and remember Jet isn’t all that good one could go as far as mediocre. I was impressed with the sound quality. (Afterthought, maybe Muse chooses a really bad support band to make them look even better, and the support even worse.)

Performance 4.5
Technical 7.5


Muse

I thought Muse was more than impressive at the Big Day Out and that was just a festival performance. (Festivals act as good samplers, always better to see a headlining show.) My expectations were set really high for this concert, and Muse didn’t fail to smash through them and go way beyond my expectations. The stage was set up with a grand piano with a clear Perspex lid to minimise impact on the supermassive screens, lights and visual show. Even the drum kit was clear to allow the audience the chance to see Dominic Howard at work. The set list was epic, just when you thought they couldn’t take it any further they still managed to take it to the next level.

Take a Bow
Map of the Problematic + Maggie's Farm outro
New Born+ Microphone Fiend riff + Ashamed outro
Butterflies & Hurricanes
Microcuts +riff
Supermassive Black Hole
Feeling Good (cover)
Ruled by Secrecy
Soldiers' Poem
Invincible
Hysteria
Fury + Whole Lotta Love riff)
Starlight
Time is Running Out
Stockholm Syndrome

Plug in Baby (balloons released)
Deadstar riff + Hypermusic riff
Knights of Cydonia (release the CO2)

Truly an amazing show! Matthew Bellamy vocal talent is amazing. This live show showed off everything that is good about Matt’s vocals, his range, his control. It just looks so simple and natural. The use of all the equipment only enhances the experience you might think that screens, lights, balloons and a truly epic release of co2 at the end might be distracting from the music. Well you would be wrong! The strike a superb balance and well timed musical and visual stimulation that just makes you wide eyed, smile from ear to ear, and just taking you to the point before you are about explode from the sheer awesomeness, and holding you their for the entire show.

The cover of Feeling Good gives Matt the real chance to show off his amazing vocal talent, showing off both control and range. Describing these guys music as progressive just doesn’t even cut it. They combine so many genres and styles of music. {Insert insightful detailed music break down here if you can find one.} Matt’s piano skills are quite amazing (would not surprise me to find out he is classically trained), as well as, the at times unorthodox technique with the guitar. When does a musician or group of musicians know that they have achieved the following transitions from, simple musicians, to rock stars, to revolutionaries, to rock gods? Provided Muse continue to produce their truly outstanding progressive (I know it doesn’t cut it) music and back it up with absolutely epic live concerts, I believe Muse who are definite revolutionaries are destine to be rock gods.

Muse has broken my scale yet again, however deserving of 11 the scale only goes to 10. There was one ever so minor glitch with the mixing early on but it was quickly rectified. No recording does Muse justice to them compared to their live performance, and I really love their albums too.

Performance 10
Technical 9.5

Bill Callahan (aka Smog) with The Small Knives, Chris Pickering, and Shiver Like Timber @ The Troubadour, Fortitude Valley (03/11/07)

Firstly, The Troubadour is a fantastic venue which I don’t attend nearly enough. Everyone needs more Troubadour gig’s in their lives.

Shiver Like Timber

Shiver Like Timber tries to warm the crowd up with some minimalist solo folk combining only her electric guitar and her vocals. I can’t quite decide whether I like her vocal style or not. I quite liked the track called Wandertumble. Shiver Like Timber is an act that you would have to make up your own mind about because I haven’t at this point. There is potential but it needs some work or something.

Performance 5.5
Technical 7.5


Chris Pickering

Chris Pickering performed a solo set accompanying his vocals with his guitar and harmonica. Chris Pickering’s inherent alternate country style captivates the fast growing Troubadour crowd. The thing I like the most about The Troubadour is that it attracts a respectful and intimate audience. This is the case during Chris Pickering’s set and the crowd warms to him quite well. Chris’s set finishes with a huge round of applause from the now almost full-to-capacity Troubadour.

Performance 6.5
Technical 7.5


The Small Knives

The Small Knives from Melbourne play to a restless crowd as it is now getting late and people are eager to see the main act for the night. The chatter of the crowd builds during their set but they push though with what is a pretty tight performance. The Small Knives are a folk group with pop influences. I am sure I would have enjoyed this set more if I myself wasn’t starting to get tired and restless and wanted to see the headlining act for the night. As a reviewer pointed out on FasterLouder, The Small Knives have a very similar sound to Norwegian band “Kings of Convenience”.

Performance 6
Technical 7


Bill Callahan (formerly Smog)

I went into this gig having not heard much of Callahan’s discography. I went purely on a friend’s recommendation. Since seeing him live, I have spent a bit of time researching and listening to some of his earlier works. Bill Callahan’s music has an elegant and simplistic feel that is reminiscent of his former Smog days however this newer material incorporates a greater depth of instrumentation. Bill Callahan and his single small acoustic guitar is joined on stage by three female violinist who double as backing vocalists on some tracks, a bass guitar player and a drummer. The band never attracts your attention away from Callahan’s guitar and vocals, rather providing simply subtleties that bring depth whilst still maintaining that simple and natural feel. Diamond Dancer and Sycamore are set highlights from the latest release Woke on a Whaleheart. Other highlights from the two hour (from 11pm to 1am) long set included, Teenage Spaceship, Rock Bottom Riser, and Cold Blooded Old Times. The Troubadour’s sound gear held up surprisingly well to Bill Callahan strong and commanding baritone vocals.

Performance 9
Technical 9

Josh Pyke with 78 Saab, and Whitley @ Concert Hall, QPAC, South Bank (01/11/07)

Whitley

Whitley warmed the crowd up with his subtle country folk sounds, a good opener for Josh Pyke. However I was too excited about seeing Josh Pyke in the QPAC Concert Hall to take too much of Whitley’s set in. I would definitely like to see Whitley perform at The Troubadour sometime. I Remember is an absolutely lovely song and getting some well deserved air time on triple j.

Performance 7
Technical 10


78 Saab

78 Saab seemed a bit of a strange choice for this bill to me. Their performance was good but didn’t really fit in with the feel of the evening. 78 Saab have been around the Australian indie rock scene for quite sometime now (over 10 years I believe). I am sure I would have been a lot more interested in 78 Saab’s set if it wasn’t put between Whitley and Josh Pyke. I can’t see me going out of my way to see 78 Saab again soon. It’s not that they aren’t any good (far from it), I am just not that into their music. Overall their performance was good, with only a very minor technical problem.

Performance 6.5
Technical 9.5


Josh Pyke

I have seen Josh Pyke a couple of times now and he acts just keep getting classer and classer. Firstly by stepping out of The Zoo to The Tivoli and now performing in the Concert Hall at QPAC. There were back drops, UV lights, stage props and backgrounds. Josh Pyke did mention that Monkey with a Drum Tour would be special and he didn’t disappoint. Josh seems much more comfortable on stage, and I don’t think he believed that he could sell out the Concert Hall. Josh interacted with crowd with some story telling of his home life. One of which was about when he purchased a piece of furniture from Ikea for his wife. He got the right style/model but the only problem was that he got the wrong colour. Josh didn’t even like this piece of furniture and his wife hated the colour, so now they are stuff with this thing that neither of them like. Anyway the set was good, Josh previewed some new tracks that he had been working on and they had a slightly more country/folk sound which was great. Sound was great naturally. It’s great to see a live act in a room with the acoustics specially designed for that that purpose.

Performance 9.5
Technical 10

Klaxons @ The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley (27/10/07)

Klaxons

It was strange lining up at The Tivoli at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. Even stranger was being in a line with a bunch of under 18 year olds as I was going to the all ages concert. It was so incredibly hot waiting in that line especially since doors didn’t open on time. The atmosphere was crazy, the under 18’s go off, I don’t think I have seen a mosh-pit so big at The Tivoli before. The crowd was loud but the Klaxons were even louder. The Klaxons pumped out a very enthusiastic set of their psychedelic rock. I was sceptical about going to an all ages gig, but the crowd really made this concert. I don’t think I would like to go to too many all-ages gigs, but they are definitely not as bad or annoying as I had imagined. Gravity’s Rainbow along with Golden Skans and Atlantis to Interzone were all major highlights. Probably most of all Atlantis to Interzone as this is where the Klaxons really take that psychedelic edge up a notch, such a high energy song and the crowd just soaks it all up. On a technical side the light show was pretty good, but the sound was good for the most part albeit too loud. It was so strange when I left The Tivoli afterwards. It was only 5pm so it was still hot outside and the sun still shining.

Performance 7.5
Technical 7

Ben Kweller with Iron On @ The Zoo, Fortitude Valley (24/10/07)

Iron On

Once again I was at The Zoo and experiencing the truly woeful sound that went beyond just poor mixing, it was also far too loud and as a result all the vocals became muffled. This was obviously not bands fault at all, as even they were complaining about the volume being far too loud. It has been quite a while since I have heard anything from Iron On and the new stuff (from what I could make out though the painful sound mixing) seems to … well be better. Iron On struggled with their on stage performance due the incredibly horrific sound mixing and volume. The Zoo is capable of good sound, such as the set that followed for one.

Performance 6
Technical 3


Ben Kweller

I had waited far too long for this. First thing I am sure everyone noticed was that we could not only hear Ben’s voice but listen to it comfortably. Ben opened with I Need You Back and a much more alternate country vibe builds with Family Tree and numerous new tracks. Ben turns solo for a bit and delivers a tingling crowd sung version of On My Way and a beautiful cover of Brian Wilson’s God Only Knows. Only further proving that Ben Kweller is not only a fantastic singer/songwriter but also a great performer, who knows how to build the intimacy even in a pack hot stuffy Zoo. The set takes another turn and sees Ben Kweller with the band back on stage to give us Hospital Bed and Make It Up. Ben Kweller admits to us that this is his first time in Brisbane without visiting the casino, at which point his bassist attempts a spontaneous version of Steve Miller Band’s The Joker. Ben jokes that The Gambler would be more appropriate, but the bassist wins out and a somewhat comical version develops. Sundress was the last song of the main set, which left me hopeful that Ready and Wasted was still to come (along with some other hits of Ben’s). However it was not to be with the band returning to only perform The Rules before the ugly light come on, and the crowd disperses into the night.

This set was proof that good sound is possible at The Zoo. It will never be great or amazing sound quality due to the complete lack of acoustics that The Zoo offers, but good is possible.

Performance 9
Technical 7.5

Kate Miller-Heidke with Tara Simmons, and Liam Griffin @ The Globe, Fortitude Valley (13/10/07)

Liam Griffin

As I arrived late I only got to see Liam Griffin’s last song. Since the gig I have listened to a few of Liam’s tracks on his MySpace and I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to see more of Liam’s set. Liam list of influences is pretty awesome: “The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay, Miles Davis, Silverchair, Radiohead, The Dears, Arcade Fire, Rufus Wainwright, Elbow, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Muse, Gomez, The Shins.” Check him out if you are still interested.


Tara Simmons

Tara Simmons has an interesting sound that combines, acoustically driven cello and keys with bits of pre-recorded electronica from a laptop. The result is a lot better than that description might lead you to believe, however still odd. Ballet was probably the highlight song for me. Not really my sort of thing, and I probably wont seek Tara out on her own, but I wouldn’t avoid her if she was a support.

Performance 6
Technical 7


Kate Miller-Heidke

Pretty much the same show as last night, same set list. But the whole show just seemed to be better, don’t know if it was the atmosphere as both shows went on sale at the same time. See the previous review for set list. Kate gig has one drunken heckler which she handled like the professional that she is.

Performance 9.5
Technical 8

Kate Miller-Heidke with Kristy London & The Other Halves, and Jacob Diefenbach @ The Globe, Fortitude Valley (12/10/07)

Jacob Diefenbach

Jacob Diefenbach screams musical theatre all rolled into a one man (boy) show. His technique on the keyboard doesn’t look relaxed which makes me think that Jacob is mostly self-taught. Jacob’s enthusiasm and honesty shines through like the big bright show lights of Broadway. Jacob’s younger days as a gay teen growing up in the central Queensland town of Rockhampton has provided him with a fair dose of material to draw from. Jacob both reflects back to the past and looks to future with a breath of fresh air and humour. Jacob’s highlight song of the night for me was Take Him Screaming.

Performance 6.5
Technical 7


Kristy London & The Other Halves

Kristy London & The Other Halves bring some indie rock to the Brisvegas scene (also not to mention the very sequin-esk dress of Kristy). Kristy London and The Other Halves produce a varied sound though never steering to far away from their distinctive indie rock sound (soft though to some quite hard and heavy). Although Kristy London & The Other Halves music isn’t off putting it didn’t really grab me. I have a feeling that they may struggle to gain popularity. I didn’t find Kristy London particularly entertaining with her on stage performance. There were a couple of technical hiccups.

Performance 6
Technical 6.5


Kate Miller-Heidke

Set list style review, because we should all know by now what I think of this amazing chanteuse.

Out & In – this is appears to becoming Kate’s opening song, no complaints here, it is a beautiful song to open with
Little Adam – always a hit, Kate’s vocals never fail to impress
Make it Last – the current single so it gets the crowd going
Mama – strong vocals with some gritty guitar
Ducks Don’t Need Satellites – simple really isn’t it
Dreams – the song that was inspired by a bit of nasty unrequited love

Intermission: Speed of Red (Sally and Kier) – Sally and Kier show off for us, usually a costume change would occur here but not tonight.

Bored With Me – inspired by the “cunt” (Kate’s words I swear) that became bored with her
Apartment
Shoebox – does anyone else get the feeling that Kate doesn’t like living in an apartment
I Got The Way – inspired by catching the train to school, Ben McCarthy is really impressive during this song with his one handed bass action and a shaker in the other
You’re the Voice – yep the Kate Miller-Heidke cover of a John Farnham classic
Australian Idol
Words – the first single from Little Adam

Encore: Space They Cannot Touch – probably my favourite Kate Miller-Heidke song

I would have like to have seen, some more older stuff in there as well, like Blah Blah, but all in all it was a great set.

Performance 9
Technical 8

Angus and Julia Stone with The Orange Bird @ The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley (05/10/07)

The Orange Bird

The Orange Bird played an eclectic set, crossing all genres from folk to alternative to experimental to roots, all with a minimalist theme. If you mix The Stranglers with a smaller version of The White Buffalo you might be somewhere in the ball park. I quite liked some of The Orange Birds songs, however during the more experimental bursts throughout the set it was hard to determine where one song finished and the next began (a little too experimental for my liking). Free to Burn is one song that really got my attention and I don’t really know why. The Orange Bird seemed to quite enjoy performing and appeared relaxed on stage. Technical side of things were pretty good, but did struggle with the mixing at times (that tends to happen with experimental music).

Performance 6.5
Technical 7.5


Angus and Julia Stone


I have been trying to get and see Angus and Julia Stone for ages, but their Brisbane dates always seemed to clash with something else that I already had tickets for. And what a very cool pair of siblings they are. Even though Angus and Julia Stone were performing before a sold out Tivoli crowd they both have this ability (warmth) to strip that away and create a very intimate atmosphere. Angus and Julia interact with the crowd well and occasionally explain the underlying inspiration for their songs (or Julia just gets side tracked telling a little story). The major highlights of the set were Paper Aeroplane, Wasted, Private Lawns and The Beast. Angus and Julia Stone just create such a relaxed environment that allows their beautiful music just to flow over you and leaves all warm and fuzzy and thinking about the simple things in life. (Clichéd, I know.) The sound was quickly bought up to a high standard after just a few songs and the volume was just right. I can’t wait to see these guys in Brisbane again (I just hope I don’t already have tickets to something).

P.S. I probably just jinxed myself.

Performance 9
Technical 9

Birds of Tokyo with Soft White Machine, and The Gallant @ The Zoo, Fortitude Valley (04/10/07)

All bands, in particular local bands, need to heed this warning:
“Don’t trust The Zoo sound techs with your music. Provide your own tried, tested and trusted sound techs. Please. For your sake and ours.”

The Gallant

The Gallant was a band that I had never even heard of, although they did seem to have quite a few fans in the small early crowd. Unfortunately the sound was terrible. However like a lot of new alternative rock bands they focus too much on the instrumental side. Producing a hard hitting rock sound and not paying a great deal of attention to their vocals. I can see how some of the Birds of Tokyo fans may have appreciated this music. However I am not one of them. I doubt I will seek The Gallant out again. In fact if they were to a support at a future gig it would give me a good reason to turn up late. The sound was just woeful, even for The Zoo’s standard.

Performance 5.5
Technical 3


Soft White Machine

Soft White Machine was only a mild improvement on The Gallant. The vocals were slightly better, from what I could hear anyway, the sound mixing was appalling. Soft White Machine is everything but soft, they describe themselves as progressive rock, I would go further and say that they are progressive hard rock. A couple of Soft White Machine’s songs have potential. Soft White Machine was only able to hold my attention for a couple of songs. I just don’t think this kind of music is my thing.

Performance 5.5
Technical 4


Birds of Tokyo

The crowd has grown dramatically and has tightly gathered in front of the stage for the arrival of Birds of Tokyo, and remains tightly packed for the first few songs. Before the heat of an un-air-conditioned Zoo becomes too much and the crowd spreads outs. The biggest disappointment for me again was the sound. The mixing was dreadful and it was far too loud. A huge part of the Birds of Tokyo’s sound is Ian Kenny’s fantastic vocals, which you couldn’t hear due to the incompetent mixing. Typical highlights were Wayside, Off Kilter, Minor War and my personal favourite which they opened with Black Sheets. Birds of Tokyo seem to have a harder sound live (although this gig is not the best to judge that). Birds of Tokyo look really good on stage and the crowd respond accordingly (I didn’t expect such a hardcore crowd). All I can hope is that when these guys return they either play a decent venue or ensure someone they can trust is on sound.

Performance 6.5
Technical 2.5

Mt Augustus with Rooftop Nightwatch @ Ric’s Bar, Fortitude Valley (09/08/07)

Rooftop Nightwatch

I later found out that this was Rooftop Nightwatch’s debut show, quite impressive albeit a bit nervous. Rooftop Nightwatch managed to pump out a tight indie-pop sound. The set involved a lot of instrument changes, similar to what you expect from Mt Augustus. I suppose that’s what happens when the bands influences goes as far as some of the band members coming from other local Brisbane bands such as The John Steele Singers, Mt Augustus and Roman History. Once these guys become a bit more comfortable on stage, I am sure they will be one band hard to miss on the Brisbane local scene.

Performance 6
Technical 6.5


Mt Augustus

I have said it before, I really like Mt Augustus. Their sound is getting better and better regardless of how self-deprecating Cam attempts to be. I am sure they are learning just as much about some of their instruments as I am about their sound. Cam’s vocals still amaze me they have matured beautifully. I really need to get along to some more local gigs. The Brisbane scene is alive and well. The true highlights of the set for me were The Warmest Winter and Club Soda. There was a couple of technical hiccups, but quite good considering the cramped space of the Ric’s downstairs bar.

Performance 6.5
Technical 6

The Cure @ BEC, Boondall (08/08/07)

The Cure

This was an experience. The Cure were on stage for almost 3 hours, performed a total of 38 songs.

Main Set:
Tape
Open
alt.end
A Night Like This
The Walk
The End of The World
Lovesong
Pictures of You
Lullaby
Catch
Hot Hot Hot!!!
Push
Inbetween Days
Friday I'm In Love
Just Like Heaven
Primary
Shake Dog Shake
Never Enough - as a three piece, Robert didn't play guitar
From The Edge of The Deep Green Sea
A Strange Day
Wrong Number
One Hundred Years
Shiver and Shake
End

Encore 1:
Let's Go To Bed
Close To Me
Why Can't I Be You?

Encore 2:
At Night
M
Play For Today
A Forest

Encore 3:
Three Imaginary Boys
Fire in Cairo
Boys Don't Cry
Jumping Someone Else's Train
Grinding Halt
10:15 Saturday Night
Killing an Arab

I use to think that The Cure created somewhat simplistic alternative rock music. However after seeing them perform live the talent of all the band members really stood out. It’s a testament to their music creating abilities. I guess I assumed their music was a bit simplistic purely because of the fact that it sounds so right. Weak explanation, I know. The highly tuned skill that each member of The Cure exudes with their chosen instrument is nothing short of amazing. The guitar expertise is most noticeable. The accompanying light show filled the BEC and added to the whole experience (albeit slightly annoying at times, I don’t particularly like lights that shine directly into my eyes. The crowd was a mix of the old fans from the early 80’s right through to teens that probably have only just discovered The Cure. Like I said, “This was an experience”.

Performance 10
Technical 9.5

Arctic Monkeys with Operator Please @ The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley (04/08/07)

Operator Please

I had the opportunity to see Operator Please at the Big Day Out earlier in the year. Whilst I think their performance at the Big Day Out was slightly better, I must admit that the crowd warmed to them better here. I guess that’s what happens when you get a fair amount of national air time, and have such infectious catchy songs. Big hits with the crowd were all the usual suspects of Just a Song About Ping Pong and Get What You Want.

Performance 6.5
Technical 8.5


Arctic Monkeys

I don’t think I have seen The Tivoli crowd so packed. The main floor area was packed with eager fans with the balcony equally packed with fans hanging out and over the railing to try and improve their view of the stage. I haven’t been in such an enthusiastic crowd for some time. The crowd really made this a great experience. They were singing along, dancing, throwing their hands up in the air. Every song was a highlight. The Tivoli just had such a great atmosphere all night. The only disappointment came when the last song was played and we all had to go home. I said in a previous review that was undecided about the Arctic Monkeys. That is no longer the case with the continued superb releases since then and following it all up with live show like this one. This is yet another band that I will be taking an interest in and eagerly await the next full length release.

Performance 9
Technical 9.5

Regina Spektor with Only Son @ The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley (09/07/07)

Only Son

Only Son kicked things off with a couple of “solo” songs just him and his guitar. After which he introduces his “backing band” an iPod. Only Son’s set wasn’t all that amazing. I mean he loses a lot of depth of his performance when his backing band is an iPod. I can only assume that his set would have been a completely different experience with a real backing band.

He was quite good with the crowd, quite self-deprecating which most Australian’s appreciate. He did win some fan with a little story about his new found love for koala bears. Which personal annoyed me, because they aren’t koala BEARS, they are koalas they are NOT BEARS.

Anyway, technically everything was fairly sound for the Tivoli however some direct control over the sound was lost due to his backing band being an iPod.

Performance 6.5
Technical 8


Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor slowly made her way out onto the stage with the assistance of a cane. Regina limped across the stage and sat herself down in front of mic, and opened the set with an a cappella version of Ain’t No Cover. Regina then made her way slowly to the piano and said that she may be loopier than normal tonight due to the drugs for her leg. The audience sings along to the chorus of TV on the Radio, and Fidelity. Toward the end of the set Only Son accompanied Regina on Hotel Song featuring some deft beatboxing which drew a huge applause. Regina’s peculiarly quirky personality shines though her songs both with the lyrics and her unique vocal styling. Regina seemed to be still amazed, slightly uncomfortable and very modest with the appreciation we show her after each song, thanking the crowd after every song.

Performance 8
Technical 9.5

Kate Miller-Heidke with Cuthbert and the Night Walkers (30/06/07, The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley)

Cuthbert and the Night Walkers

I wasn’t sitting in the best spot for Cuthbert and the Night Walkers. I was in the third row, to the right of the stage (it was a reserved seating event). Cuthbert and the Night Walkers provided the crowd with a fun and thoroughly entertaining set. Cuthbert and the Night Walkers music is lyrically driven with immense harmonies. The 4 singers (Night Walker Choir) became the “big band” during one of the songs, comprising of all the usual “big” brass instruments but only in kazoo form. The 2 guys dressed like clowns provided the percussion and other sound needs of the band, as well as some on stage shenanigans. Front man Richie provides the lead acoustic guitar and vocals dressed all up with a top hat and tails. This complemented their sound well, which I want to say had a 1930’s – 40’s feel, but a whole lot better. Highlight was Red Frogs. Technical was of the usual high Tivoli standard.

Performance 7.5
Technical 9


Kate Miller-Heidke

I am going to do this review in set list form with comments about some of the songs because you all already know what I think about Kate Miller-Heidke. Technical was great throughout, expect one song needed a tad more vocal.

Little Adam
Apartment
Make It Last - (Kate made a comment about a fan talking to her after the show about how nice it was to have a song understanding the nature of the problem the said fan and her partner were having (in the bedroom), however in this song Kate is actually reflecting on the disposable nature of our society.)

Mama
Ducks Don’t Need Satellites
Toxic – (HIGHLIGHT, Britney Spears cover)
Bored With Me
Dreams

Intermission (costume change): Speed of Red (Sallie & Kier)

Space They Cannot Touch – (HIGLIGHT, This song make me tingle all over, in the very good way)

Shoebox – (Kate commented about the fact that Shoebox carries a very similar theme to Apartment.)

I Got the Way
Don’t Let Go
Australian Idol – (HIGHLIGHT, As always)
Words – (HIGHLIGHT, Naturally as it is the current single.)

Encore: Monster - (Another song that I really like.)

Kate thanked Cuthbert and the Night Walkers for their support, and commented “… and you thought I was weird”.

Kate was excited that Words getting air play on ABC 612, in particular during a segment called “polarisation”, which they ask people to ring with opinions (like/hate). Most people liked it. However one guy who hated it said on live national radio “I would rather scratch my bowels out with a stick than hear that song again”.

I personally believe that Kate’s first single Words was a gutsy move, but it does personify Kate well. The new album sees Kate taking her music to a different level.

Performance 10
Technical 9

Mt Augustus with Joel Saunders, and Rialto Decibel Choir (20/06/07, The Troubadour, Fortitude Valley)

My first night at The Troubadour in ages, oh how I have missed The Troubadour. Disclaimer: I know members of Rialto Decibel Choir and Mt Augustus.

Rialto Decibel Choir
Rialto Decibel Choir seemed a little nervous which is expected when this is their first gig in the well respected Troubadour. Rialto Decibel Choir’s songs mainly comprise of catchy guitar riffs mixed with their soft and unique vocals. Rialto Decibel Choir is unlike anything that I have ever really heard before, as such I am undecided as to whether I personally really like their music. However I do appreciate what they are doing. Definitely worth a look if you are looking for something a bit different.

Performance 6.5
Technical 7


Joel Saunders

I don’t really know what to say about Joel Saunders, I think a friend of mine summed it up quite well, “I think we aren’t cool enough anymore”. Joel Saunders has a very unique sound. Joel mainly did covers of some pop hits, with his very own twist (e.g. “Say It Right” by Nelly Furtado). The sound tech looked very stressed, as he didn’t know what to do with Joel’s music, and I don’t blame him. I can’t really explain it any better, so if you are still interested go and have a look at his videos on his (evil) myspace (evil). Joel had two guys dressed as robots to provide us with some other enthusiastic dancing and shenanigans.

Performance 5
Technical 6


Mt Augustus

I may just be getting into Mt Augustus a little too much. I think it’s the best music project that the Cameron Smith and Patrick Elliott duo have been a part of thus far. These guys throw a bit of everything into their various songs (e.g. Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Musical Saw, Keys, Accordion, just to list a few). Their sound is best described as Indie Folk Rock with a hint of Pop. The biggest change that I noticed compared to pervious Cam and Pat projects is the quality of Cam’s vocals. The Warmest Winter is one of my favourites and verges more on the pop end of the Mt Augustus scale.

Performance 7
Technical 7.5

Kate Miller-Heidke with The Hampdens, and Speed of Purple (12/05/07, The Zoo, Fortitude Valley)

Speed of Purple

I think I saw Speed of Purple not at their best, especially since there were only two of the three members on stage. The music lacked depth, and they seemed to struggle with their nerves. The set up was a bit strange and crowd was fairly sparse for The Zoo, but it was early. The setup on stage was strange especially with the percussionist straddling her drum. I suspect that Speed of Purple are fairly reliant on each other to create a good sound, which just doesn’t quite work when you take someone out of the picture. Mixing was surprising of a high standard for an early act at The Zoo, however it was only a keyboard, drum and vocals.

Performance 6
Technical 7


The Hampdens

The crowd started to build during The Hampdens set. The crowd became noisier as it grew, with very few people taking the time to shut-the-hell-up to take in the pleasant relaxed ambient rock set. Susannah Legge’s vocals are something really special. It would have been a far more enjoyable set without the noisy crowd and feedback issues.

Performance 7
Technical 6


Kate Miller-Heidke

Kate Miller-Heidke opens her set with a lovely solo version of Out and In before the rest of her band joins her on stage. This gig was about a month before the release of her debut album “Little Eve”. Consequently her set drew heavily from it. Little Adam sounded better then it had ever before. Kate’s cover of Britney Spear’s Toxic really got the crowd going. Other highlights included, The Space They Cannot Touch, Mama and of course the then very new quirky single Words to finish the set. The crowd were left wanting more and Kate didn’t disappoint with an encore including the cult hit Australian Idol. The only thing holding this back from another perfect 10 performance was that it lacked the now expected costume change.

Performance 9
Technical 7

Josh Pyke with Old Man River, and Melanie Horsnell (05/05/07, The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley)

Melanie Horsnell

Melanie Horsnell failed to capture my attention, her music would suffice as background noise at a quite pub. Most of her songs sounded very similar, and didn’t excite me. I am always open to the possibility of changing my opinion, but a lot would have to change. The best song of the set was a cover of Gotye’s Heart’s A Mess. Melanie failed to get the crowd interested in partaking in the filming of her “possibly” new film clip. Melanie wanted people to use their video phones to film whatever they want during the song and send it to her. Technical standard was of the usual high Tivoli standard.

Performance 5.5
Technical 8


Old Man River

Old Man River (aka Ohad Rein) and his band walk out on stage to Barry White’s Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Baby. One thing that I can definitely agree on with the Old Man River fans is that Ohad’s strength is in his song writing. It will be interesting to see what Old Man River does next. My jury is still out until the second album is released. He has the potential to be a great singer/songwriter or just become another Jack Johnson (which no-one wants). It was a Tivoli gig so you should by now know the story by now about the technical side of things.

Performance 8
Technical 8.5


Josh Pyke

Josh Pyke kicks off his set with a solo performance of a cover of House at Pooh’s Corner. After this the curtain rose to reveal the backing band (drums, bass and violin) and they launch into Fill You In followed by sing-along Memories & Dust. Other highlights from Josh’s set include Lines on Palms, Private Education, and Middle of the Hill. The encore saw Josh return to the stage to perform a song with some good old banjo, followed by Kids Don’t Sell Their Hopes So Fast and finished with Feeding the Wolves. Josh Pyke seemed a lot more comfortable on stage with a full backing band than at pervious gigs. Mixing and lighting were almost perfect throughout the set.

Performance 8.5
Technical 9.5