I'm With The Band

PUSSYCAT DOLLS + LADY GA GA - Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Thursday May 21, 2009

Kevin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:46:57 +0000

A crowd of 95% female, 5% very patient boyfriends braved this wet and chilly Thursday night, all to take in the spectacle that is the PCD. Having Lady Ga Ga open for you must be daunting. She was brutal, aggressive, and totally dominated the stage. Proudly displaying her g-stringed and fish-netted arse to the audience, she lapped up the attention. Wearing a skin coloured bodysuit wrapped in plastic bubbles, she began ‘Poker Face’ quietly behind a piano before it erupted into deep beats. Her set was way too short.

Pussycat Dolls, what can I say. It was a visual orgy. Pyrotechnics were used in many of the songs, along with 5 rather buff male dancers, one for each Pussycat. The choreography was spot on, full of energy. That said, the ‘Hey Big Spender’ burlesque number did faulter. It came across as rather dull, with much of the crowd taking a breather.

Stepping back from all the dancing and pyro onstage, it was clear that Nicole Scherzinger is the lead vocalist. It did feel like the Nicole show, with four backing vocalists and five male dancers. Her name was even blazed across the video screen as she sung. There was also no actual musicians to speak of. All this dancing and singing was done to a
backing track, with a lot of the vocals being recorded.

There was also a rather disturbing moment during ‘Bottle Pop’. Four audience member were invited on-stage to show off their dancing prowess, one being a 7 year old girl. To see this very young child being encouraged to dance suggestively, to thrust her butt to the audience was very off-putting. Bad move PCD, bad move Mum. I’ll leave it at
that, I’ve seen all I need to. ~ Kevin Bull

THE ARMADA - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, Sunday May 17, 2009

Kevin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:40:59 +0000

Former Screaming Jets guitarist Grant Walmsley, opened the night with his blend of roots and blues based music. As the crowd slowly grew larger they warmed to his efforts, which included stomping on the smallest kick drum I have ever seen, whilst effortlessly playing slide guitar and singing.

After a Middle-Eastern sounding intro tape, The Armada took to the stage and launched into the Tea Party classic ‘The Bazaar‘. This was closely followed by another Tea Party song ‘Coming Home‘. Singer/guitarist Jeff Martin (ex-Tea Party) brought a strippeddown acoustic version of the Armada to Newcastle. Nonetheless, it was hard at times to believe that there was only Martin and percussionist Wayne Sheehy on stage creating their amazingly lush wall of sound.

The Armada played a range of crowd favourites from the Tea Party’s back catalogue, as well as selections from the Armada’s self titled debut album and Martins solo offerings. A highlight of the show was the performance of ‘The Kingdom‘, which Jeff dedicated to those affected by the recent Victorian bushfires. He also impressively covered a
melody of songs by Australian band ‘Dead Can Dance‘.

Despite touring Australia regularly for a number of years it has been quite some time since Jeff has visited Newcastle. Let’s hope he brings the full Armada experience back soon, for a large dose of his trademark Middle Eastern inspired hard rock. ~Torin King. Images: Terry Paull

GROOVIN THE MOO - Maitland Showground, Saturday May 9, 2009

Kevin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:32:47 +0000

It was like the sun came out in Maitland just for Groovin the Moo. With a chilled out atmosphere in the afternoon, the new drinking regulations and sections were probably the best thing for the festival, with hardly a drop spilled from any
drunken dancer.

Everyone but the dancing queens were basking in the sun on the hill while Tame Impala wowed the crowd with ‘Half Full Glass of Wine’. Okkervil River impressed the audience but the standout for the many Groovers on the day was The Grates, who had endless amounts of energy. I don’t think there is anyone but Patience Hodgson who can dance like that and sing at the same time, while jumping from speakers to stage.

Another stellar performance on the day was Architecture in Helsinki, who dedicated one song to chicken and another to beef. A cover of the 80s classic, ‘Break My Stride’ by Matthew Wilder had the crowd singing along while their own hit, ‘That Beep’, inspired a large group of men to dress like the blue characters on the popular music video.

With the feel of a larger music festival, like Big Day Out, this year’s Groovin the Moo was probably the best yet. Hilltop Hoods were in their usual form, stirring the crowd with their introductions to their most famous hits. Props to DJ Matt Saxon who played an amazing set, warming the crowd up for what was the best performance of the day — Muscles! The man from Melbourne was hypnotic as he played to what seemed like thousands of his sweaty, dancing friends. He served up two flavours of ‘Ice Cream’, and amongst a few microphone issues, made every girl in the room want to have his babies. ~ Abbey Wright. Images: Chrissy Kavalieros

DYLAN MORAN - Civic Theatre, Newcastle, Saturday May 16, 2009

Kevin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:24:47 +0000

Dylan Moran’s twin sold out shows at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre was concrete evidence that Coal City is indeed a comedy town. Having the internationally famous Irishman perform in our backyard was indeed a coup and few in the audience were disappointed with his tight, but frustratingly short gigs.

Right from the beginning, it was vintage Moran. His half-drunk ramble began with a gruff greeting to the crowd, then quickly turned to Newcastle CBD’s vacant shop fronts and the Australian government’s stimulus package. “How much does an Australian cost? $900 exactly!”

The comedian’s normal stage routine, which usually involves chain smoking and red wine, was toned down to a stubby of Australian beer. He was quick to point out digital camera in the audience that were filming him, and demand that they stop it instantly.

Overall, Moran’s material on the What It Is tour was up there with his best. His cynical take on relationships and comparisons between the Irish, the British, America and Australians was quite hysterical. His second Newcastle performance was easily as funny as his Monster tour and far succeeded his Like, Totally… material. Let’s hope Moran hurries back. ~ Nick Milligan. Images: Sean Roche

SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM - Newcastle Panthers, Friday May 15, 2009

Kevin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:19:09 +0000

DJ Johnny Powell got the crowd pumping and the energy rising. With his beautiful beat blending, Powell moved from one song into the next before anyone had the chance to truly notice. Upon the Panthers’ dancefloor, a giant dance party was unfolding. As a teaser, Powell played Sneaky’s ‘Goodbye’, sending the crowd rushing into the mosh pit, only to find out it was a teaser. Clever stuff from Powell.

The crowd was captivated the moment Sneaky Sound System set foot on the stage. Connie Mitchell and Damon Downey have a great stage presence, and vocally they really complemented each other. Playing a mix of new and old, Sneaky had the crowd moving to every beat. The set list included ‘16 lyrics’, ‘Pictures’, ‘Promises’, plus ‘UFO’ performed as the finale, to name just a few. We were even played a special song, ‘What’s The Matter With You?’ as a personal thank you from Connie for returning to this previously postponed gig.

Since the gigs’ announcement, my excitement has been building. Sneaky Sound System delivered on every account. ~ Courtney Fitzsimmons. Images: Tim Boehm

BOB EVANS - Bar On The Hill, Newcastle Uni, Wednesday May 13 2009

Kevin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:52:43 +0000

Supporting Bob Evans at the Bar on the Hill, American Steve Poltz was an energetic and theatrical start to the night. His performance included a witty rhyme about the journey from San Diego to Newcastle, a moment of audience vocal participation and an entertaining tale about a friend’s request to create a song based on a sewing machine and the cabaret result.

Touring the country to promote his third album, Goodnight, Bull Creek!, former Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell, now known as the illustrious Bob Evans, performed both old and new songs including highly ranked 2007 Hottest 100 hits ‘Nowhere Without You’ and ‘Don’t You Think Its Time.’ Backed by the drummer from The Sleepy Jackson and the keyboardist from Jet, with Evans himself playing a guitar sporting fairy lights, the night promised to be entertaining.

During the course of the evening, Evans pulled a woman from the crowd to serenade. Perched on a stool and armed with a glass of red, the woman proceeded to sing and comically act out the lyrics. In obvious surprise, Evans could only insist that he hadn’t expected the song to be a duet. Crowd highlights included his song ‘Pasha Bulka’, further emphasising his obvious love of Newcastle, and the encore where Evans answered crowd demands, playing an old favourite ‘Ode to my Car’ and a version of Lily Allen’s ‘Not Fair.’ Overall, an incredible must see performer. ~ Mel Woodward. Images: Courtney Fitzsimmons

CHASE THE SUN - Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland, Sunday May 10, 2009

Kevin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:42:37 +0000

Venturing to the Grand Junction Hotel in Maitland is like stepping back 20 years into my youth. This is not a hotel that has had its heart ripped out and replaced with stainless steel and glass. It is honest and true to itself, much like the Family Hotel was. (It will never be the Duck’s Nuts, always the Family). Seeing a band at the Grand Junction is always an experience, and that is why I travelled up from the Central Coast to catch Chase The Sun.

There is no stage. The band sets up in the corner, and lighting is a sole globe that hung over the pool table that has been wheeled out to make room. It is personal and intense, and you are right on top of the band. Nothing better.

Chase The Sun were in fine form, always are. As a band, they have found the ability to take traditional blues songs and inject them with their own personality. Add to this their own originals off their self-titled debut and it is a fabulous mix.

Hendrix/Band of Gypsy’s ‘Who Knows’ is a surprise inclusion, and proves that this band has a real groove that they can tap into. Their own ‘You Gotta Go’ is a dirty blues stomper that allows vocalist/guitarist Jan Rynsaardt to show off on the steel guitar.

On the subject of that, the musicianship that is displayed is amazing. Rynsaardt is one of the best blues/rock guitarists I have seen in many years, with vocals that add so much to the music being played. The bass work by Ryan Van Gennip is imaginative and free. If you are a bass player, just come and watch Van Gennip at work. It will bring a smile to your face. Jon Howell is as solid as a rock behind the drums, never overplaying, simply providing the foundation.

‘Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)’ turns up late in the final set and is blistering. Not simply a copy of Hendrix, it has been reworked with breakdowns allowing them to work off each other. Sending us home is their new single ‘Living Free’. It is noticeably looser than the rest of the night, but drives along at a frantic pace.

I will state this right now, though I have believed this for well over a year, Chase The Sun are quite possibly the best blues band this country has. ~ Kevin Bull

CHUCK RAGAN + TOM GABEL - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, Friday May 8, 2009

Kevin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:47:16 +0000

Local artist Jen Buxton landed the support slots for both the Newcastle and Sydney shows of this tour. Jen took a moment between executing some damn fine tunes and necking Coopers to graciously thank Resist Records for the opportunity. Jen’s intricate finger picking, accompanied by a remarkable voice are well deservedly gaining her a
wholesome following.

You wanna know how good Chuck Ragan was? Well, with my front row positioning, coupled with a desire to see every second of Ragan’s set, I neglected to realise I was about to wet my pants. Fortunately, things worked out in my favour and a performance by Hot Water Music’s talented singer/guitarist was thoroughly enjoyed. Ever humble Ragan credited fans for supporting his band over the years and hinted that there may be an Australian tour in the near future. Ragan delivered a few of his own jams, some HWM tunes, a Billy Bragg song and a superb cover of ‘Bleeder’ by Chicago punks Alkaline Trio.

Tom Gabel took the stage to join Ragan for a few songs together. The overlapping approach meant no change over time between sets. This was exceptionally pleasant indeed. The front man for Floridian quartet Against Me! followed a similar method to that of his predecessor, playing a handful of his own songs and some solo versions of hymns borrowed from his band. ‘Random Hearts’, taken from Gabel’s debut EP Heart Burns was a stand out inclusion. A punter who had also attended the Brisbane show claimed that the night fl owed better with Ragan playing last. This may have been so, with Ragan’s raspy voice and heavy strumming over shining Gabel, who at times seemed to be suffering without his band to fi ll things out. But hey, it’s not a competition. ~ Nathaniel Try. Images: Joel Attenborough

DAN GRANERO - Diggers at the Entrance, Sunday May 3, 2009

Kevin — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:42:27 +0000

Dan Granero’s long awaited album launch was everything and more than expected. Can’t Stand To Lose was recorded at the end of January this year at “The Oakglen Treehouse” on the Central Coast with producer/engineer Dave Scotland, featuring Lawrence Gambale on bass and Michael Williams on drums.

Diggers at The Entrance was the venue for the launch of an album that reflects Granero’s “raw power” on stage. His fans anticipated a high energy, audience involved performance with the typical rockin’ funky blues rhythms that now have him sitting at the number one spot on mp3.com.au’s blues and electric blues charts. They were not disappointed.

The newbies in the audience were immediately shown why he has been Fender endorsed since 2006 — what this guy does with his 1979 Fender Stratocaster has to be seen [and, of course, heard!] to be believed!

He had promised that there would be plenty of surprises at Diggers, and he left no stone unturned - or should we say no “rock” unturned, as he played nearly the entire contents of his new album plus an encore of a rendition of the classic Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix song ‘All Along The Watchtower’. It went for a staggering twenty plus minutes, an incredible finale leaving the audience screaming for more.

And more they will receive when they listen to the new album which has all the passion, enthusiasm and energy of Granero’s live performance. Just as well, because we won’t be catching him live in Australia for a few months as he leaves our shores for a second tour of Europe returning in October. ~ Veronique Moseley & Ross Beckley

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA - With Roots Above and Branches Below

Kevin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:16:53 +0000

Drop D guitars. Check. Double-kick drumming. Check. Screaming vocals accompanied by clean vocals. Check. Heavy verses followed by emotional breakdowns. You better believe it. The Devil Wears Prada instantly kicks off to a fast and aggressive start with the opening song ‘Sassafras’, seamlessly running into the next track entitled ‘I Hate Buffering’, to create the illusion of one epic song. The new album, With Roots Above And Branches Below has it all if you enjoy metalcore and the occasional haunting keyboard melody coupled with reverberating guitars. But don’t be fooled by the humorous song titles, the mood of this album is anything but light-hearted with most songs containing some moral or religious inference. For fans of: All That Remains, Vanna. 3/5 ~DEAN JOY