Apr
30
Groovin The Moo, the review
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Finally after more than a week of solid downpour the rain clouds made way for the sunshine, leaving glorious black, smelly mud for ‘Groovin The Moo’ festival –goers to dance in… or rather to trudge through. A special mention should be paid to those who opted for sliding through the mud, and extra kudos given to those who decided to actually wrestle in it. Personally not my style, but hey guys: this years’ festival was for you.
First and foremost let me apologise to local bands The Sacred Stereos and Lover for missing their sets, unfortunately the morning after Anzac day really just did not agree with me. Matt, the editor here at I’m With The Band, said that both bands were really solid and in both cases were better than some of the bigger acts that followed.
My day officially kicked off by being left awestruck by ‘That 1 Guy’. This man is quite possibly the most uniquely talented musician I have ever witnessed, with his crazy instruments and madcap lyrics he left the crowd begging for more shortly affirming the conspiracy that the moon is actually made from cheese.
Skip to Custom Kings, never seen them play? You’re missing out. This is a band whose music exudes something so pure that they left me beaming for the rest of the night. What I especially love about Custom Kings is my inability to just shove them into a genre, they take elements of pop, roots and god help us, country; and blend it together to form something uniquely memorable and breathtakingly fresh. Their frequent four piece harmonization together with their obvious onstage passion made this band an absolute pleasure to watch.
Karnivool were dynamic as always, mixing it up between their old and new material. Gyroscope were similarly energetic, giving both diehard and new-to-the-wagon fans something to scream about. I’ve never been a massive Spiderbait fan, however they were well worth the wait, the hard hitting threesome gave festival goers their final dose of no frills, straight up rock for the evening.
I chose not to venture into the King Street Hotel tent, although witnesses reported it as being invariably similar to the actual King Street Hotel, only with the added advantage of a three-inch thick muddy floor…I’ll let you form your own opinion on this topic.
Whilst for the most part everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, I for one felt a severe sense of déjà vu. This years line up was fundamentally the same as 2007, only this time without any real ‘headlining’ acts. 2007 sported You Am I, The Black Keys and Silverchair, all acts who were equally capable of headlining a sold out festival and yet this year, festival organisers resorted to re-booking The Presets and Sneaky Sound System. Please don’t get me wrong, I enjoy these bands as much as the next pill-popping-dance-club-attendee, however I found it quite ridiculous that Sneaky Sound System could go from being a freshly emerging dance band playing in the king street hotel tent in 2007, to ‘headlining’ the Cattleyard stage this year, honestly Mr Organiser Sir, jump further onto the band wagon.
The lack of international and/or headlining acts indicate to me that the promoters simply did not want to spend any money after the festival was sold out, which is all well and good in theory however I feel that this was a detrimental move for the life of the festival. If organisers want ensure the longevity of Groovin’ The Moo, they really need to start spending big money in order to secure actual headlining bands and not to just simply cater for the latest trend to sweep through the iPods of fifteen year olds.
By Linsey Wilson
Apr
11
The Black Crowes - Civic Theatre
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There was a lot of denim, button-pins and long hair last Thursday night as I strolled into the foyer of the regal Civic Theatre to hopefully see The Black Crowes. Through the open theatre doors I could hear The Casanovas wrapping up their lucky support set. There was also a lot of anticipation surrounding the mostly modern-nostalgic gig. The last time The Black Crowes graced that same stage was back in 1992 on the “High As The Moon” tour after the release of The Southern Harmony And Musical Companian. As I hadn’t purchased a $130 ticket, I waited for my opportunity, flashed an old Loudon Wainwright III ticket and The Guerilla Reviewer walked straight on past the vested ticket-taker, perching myself towards the back, behind where it was filling up.
The lights went out and the roar started as silhouettes formed on stage and people made out The Robinson brothers and their gang of troubadours from the heart of Georgia! Rich’s guitar set the tone with a sexy riff, soon followed by the rest of the masterful band and Chris’s perfect rock ‘n’ roll lungs! Chris looked the part as “Rock ‘n’ Roll Jesus” and danced his Jagger-stagger around the stage with ungraceful grace. The set stretched from the Shake Your Money Maker album through to their latest fantastic release, Warpaint! “Evergreen” and “Movin’ On Down The Line” from Warpaint got surprisingly roused reactions, and very deservedly! Chris often entertained the crowd with short stoner quips to further endeer the crowd.
Audially and visually the vintage aesthetic confirmed that they are no less a legend than Skynard, just newer, and of the same stock! The music was loud, and as clean as it was dirty! The stage was set like a shabby chic antique store, with well-weathered instruments and amplifiers, adding to the image that everyone in the room already knew… this is a hard-working consistant rock ‘n’ roll band! Despite Chris’s nonchalant breezy attitude, he was loud and proud and knew exactly how to keep all eyes and ears on him.
After a 90 minute set and a short encore break The Black Crowes re-emerged to please fans with more including “Remedy”. My own selfish bug-bear was that they didn’t include “She Talks To Angels”, “Walk Believer Walk” and played not much at all from Amorica. Still, I exited after 2 hours wearing a grin!
Chris’s voice is still at it’s best! The Black Crowes are at their best! And the new record is amongst their best!
Apr
7
Raggamuffin
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Wyndham Estate
Sunday February 16, 2008
Perfect weather greeted the early arrivals as they rushed to the front of stage to claim their patch of grass. Within a short period of time, King Tide make their one and only appearance for the Ragga Muffin tour. I caught these guys on a tiny stage at Kantara House a few months back, and they have made the move to the big stage with ease. MC/Toasters Tony Hughes and Paul Snatch work brilliantly with each other. King Tide kick started this party well and truly.
With 90’s hits like ‘Mr Wendel’, ‘People Everyday’ and ‘Tennessee’ backing them up, Arrested Development kept the mood on a high with the breeze hip hop and soul. With vocalists Speech and One Love pacing the stage, and spiritual advisor Baba Oje in attendance, it was too easy for them to win the crowd. ‘People Everyday’ is also one of the best crowd participation songs going.
Maxi Priest also scored big with reggae hits in the early 90’s, songs that this crowd clearly remembers. With arse length dreads intact, Maxi gave out as much love as he received. The crowd’s mood had shifted to Classic Hits, and even though both Maxi and Arrested Development had new material, it was the well worn chart toppers that received the biggest reaction.
The Wailers also found themselves in a similar circumstance. I am sure that the crowd would have been happy with a Bob Marley covers show, so some may have been disappointed with what was delivered. Sure there were Marley classics scatted amongst the set, but it was rounded out with new Wailers tracks, and solo material from singer Elan Atias. Not prepared to simply live off their rich history, The Wailers set was a bold statement that clearly looks towards the future.
UB40, one of the most successful reggae bands of all time close out Ragga Muffin. Hugely popular with a set full of hits, it was a totally professional and slick show. Highlight was when all the other bands were called out for a roaring rendition of ‘I Shot The Sheriff’. It was also a special occasion as it will be the last time we will see vocalist Ali Campbell out front of the band. It is interesting that his replacement is rumoured to be Maxi Priest.
All up, Ragga Muffin 2008 was a wonderful achievement. Large crowd, perfect venue, clear weather, and wonderful music. Planning is already underway for next year’s Ragga Muffin. The big question, with possibly the two biggest reggae bands having come out this year, who will be on next year’s lineup.
Review and Photography by Kevin Bull.
Apr
7
Parkway Drive
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Supported by 50 Lions, Word Up! and Dropsaw
Tonight at Panthers, it was hardcore, all-ages style. Over 800 punters packed the room to catch the sweat and heat from the stage. For those close enough to the front, it was an experience to remember. They went absolutely wild for Parkway Drive.
To take us up to drive time, Word Up!, Dropsaw and 50 Lions primed the crowd. Word Up! must have felt a little out of sorts in front of such a crowd however, you could see they were putting in 100%.
Both Dropsaw and 50 Lions were defintely up to the task. The name of the game was ‘in your f**kin’ face, kids’, and that is exactly how it felt. This was a mighty leadup to the headliners.
Parkway Drive have been kicking some major goals of late. A place on the US Vans Warped Tour 2007, 10/10 from Blunt Magazine for Horizons, and 800+ battered and bruised punters tonight can’t be wrong.
It was manic up front, and all powered by Winston McCall and his merry men. A blistering performace showing what years on the big stage and in major company can do. I narrowly missed a boot to the back of the head. Our photographer Matt unfortunately didn’t. He simply smiled at me and kept shooting.
Review by Kevin Bull, Photos by Matt Packer
Apr
7
Datarock + Ergo B Bag
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Newcastle Panthers
Friday March 7, 2008
Not that kind of a band, Booger!
Check list for tonight: Dancing Shoes – check, Good deodorant – check, Love for a disco beat – check and check. After feeling slightly deflated following Datarock’s last gig at the Bar On The Hill in 2006, I braced myself for another onslaught of Norwegian digi-pop.
A seriously overlooked venue, Newcastle Panthers, played host to Norway’s finest this time around and the hassle of becoming a member was quickly forgotten after enjoying a number of members price beverages.
RealHorrorShow DJ Roy Mac, set the mood for the night with a selection of classic and current party starters. This reviewer will confess to dancing almost solo to the Frankie Goes To Hollywood masterpiece ‘Relax’.
Ergo B Bag, one of the best-kept secrets in the local music scene, opened the night in full sparkle suit disco glory. The crowd was at first astonished, but quickly warmed to Ergo and his troupe as they played such instant classics as ‘Tambo Rambo’, ‘Crackers’ and ‘PARTYHARD’. By the end of the set Ergo had only cemented his status as Party King to all in attendance.
Not to be outdone, and believe your humble reviewer when she says Ergo B Bag were disco-licious, Datarock whipped the crowd into a frenzy, opening with their song ‘Bulldozer’. And although crowd numbers were a bit disappointing, Datarock didn’t seem to notice, instead launching themselves into a massive set that was less electro, more groovy guitar pop a la Stone Roses or Happy Mondays.
The casio-esque classics ‘Computer Camp Love’ and ‘Sex Me Up’ were still the big hitters of the night, however song of the evening was definitely Datarock’s loving rendition of ‘Time Of Our Life’ sung in unison by the 200 strong crowd. “This could be love”!
Review by Amy Barnwell. Photos by Sean Roche
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