Spunk Rock @ A & I Hall, Bangalow, NSW (21/01/08)

Spunk Rock was a 10th birthday celebration for Spunk Records. Spunk Records is an Australian Label that looks after the releases of some independent artists (and distributed through EMI). Well, Spunk Rock was a very different and memorable experience all round. Tickets were only available though the Love Police website, there was very limited advertising (if any). The venue was a small country town hall in the little town of Bangalow in northern NSW (about 2 hours south of Brisbane). The event was BYO and had a strange vibe that brought back memories of the end of year concerts from primary school. When I arrived there was a fair amount of disorganisation, they were running a bit late with opening the doors, but no one seemed to mind. The even was a community group (something like the rural fire-fighters) were there selling curry and soft drinks. The concert had an overall birthday vibe with the crowd singing happy birthday once to Spunk Records. And later in the night all the artists came out and sung happy birthday to Spunk Records one more time. I was quite impressed with the sound quality given the venue, but it’s amazing what a qualified sound technician can achieve. (I assume Spunk Records used one of there own guys and possible their own gear, so it should have been good.)

Jack Ladder

I wasn’t particularly drawn into Jack Ladder’s set. I didn’t find the music bad in the same way I didn’t find it great. Mostly a matter of personal taste I think. Jack Ladder’s performance came across nervous and awkward. My lack of enthusiasm for these earlier acts on might have had something to do with how excited I was about the international acts.

Performance 5.5
Technical 7.5


Holly Throsby

I thought I would have really enjoyed Holly Throsby live. I quite like her music and I have started too really like this style of female vocally drive soft-folk. But once again I had trouble getting into her set. I would like to see Holly Throsby live again before I make up my mind about her live performances, but I do like some of her recorded stuff.

Performance 6
Technical 8


Joanna Newsom

I was so excited to finally see Joanna Newsom live. I had only heard great things about her live performances. Joanna Newsom lived up to all those expectations. What a truly talented musician, and its not everyday you get to see a harpist. The great technical skill that Joanna Newsom exhibits on this beautiful instrument is absolutely mesmerising. I will grant that her music didn’t particularly fit-in all that well with the other artists in this line up, but I was still blown away. I will definitely be seeing Joanna Newsom next time she is in the country.

Performance 8
Technical 8


Jens Lekman

I don’t know how anyone couldn’t be left smiling after seeing Jens Lekman live. Jens was so charismatic and funny that even the toughest bloke would have be left swaying to his music with a great big girly smile. This is music that just makes you feel happy. Jens was working as a solo act at this show so he was doing some looping and the like to add a bit more depth and commented that he is no Andrew Bird. The totally combination of Jens Lekman’s feel good songs, dreamy eyes, warm vocals and charisma is more than enough to melt anyone heart. A truly remarkable musician, I hope to see him again very soon.

Performance 8.5
Technical 9


Andrew Bird

I hadn’t really had much exposure to Andrew Bird’s music prior to this concert. However I was aware about the rather large amount of rapidly growing hype around him and his new album. What an interesting live performer. His music is quite remarkable and performing as a solo act he shows off his talent of mastering his own looping with great ease. If I had to pick one word to describe Andrew Bird’s live performance I would say have to say eccentric. Very entertaining to watch and amazing what you can do just with a violin. I look forward to seeing him again when he returns.

Performance 9
Technical 9


Spoon

Even though I was very excited about seeing these guys I skipped seeing them at the Big Day Out (to get in the D for Arcade Fire). Well I was very impressed with their set (even if it was a bit too loud, but the mixing was still superb). I like it when bands can live up to and exceed your expectations at a live show. My love for Spoon’s music has only grown even more since seeing them live. Yet again I can’t wait for these guys to return.

Performance 9
Technical 8.5