IMAGES BY: SOPHIE MASSAROTTI
A first timer at NSC, it took a good couple of minutes to wander the (ultimately simplest) maze and find the band room. Thinking it was possibly a bit too late to catch the first supporting act, I wandered in to the mellow pop sounds of Melbourne outfit - Hoshi in the Clouds. A few songs into the set and after slight discussion with a friend, it was decided that Hoshi are quite superb newcomers to the indie scene. Their songs are somewhat Bloc Party-esque with a dreamier vibe…possibly a love child with the unique keys of the Shout Out Louds, nonetheless, definitely catchy. The cosy Northcote room was only partially filled with bodies sitting down in random clusters at this stage, although I can say that heads were swaying and feet were tapping along. It was a shame to have missed the start of their set, then again, debut single “Panda Express ” in its sweet melody instilled the right amount of pleasure and contentment to kick start the night.On the other hand, each time these zany boys come on stage with their fist-pumping shows, Philadelphia Grand Jury never fail to leave some sort of lasting impression. They have the ability to get an entire crowd moving despite interrupted sets in which song intervals are filled with a chipmunk voice plugging the band’s ’awesomeness’ or announcing news (psst: The Philly Jays kick off their first headlining tour this week in Brisbane, followed by a re-enactment of their antics back at NSC on Saturday 18th July, and the chipmunk says he’s worried no one will come back to watch).
Taking a peek at the set list with its kooky, alternative spelling, proceedings began with “Redi to rohl ” (Ready to Roll). No longer sitting down, people were geared up to secure prime viewing spots for the next two acts, joining in to sing along -for those who knew the words- to crowd pleasers “Going to the Casino (Tomorrow Night)” and “Growing up Alone ”. Featured on the EP and quite conveniently the name of their next tour, “I’m Going To Kill You ” raised the energy of the room to a palpable level (I’m gunna keel u, ded!). It’s certainly hard to watch the trio whilst they jump and bounce around with the most highly animated faces to keep still yourself; so kudos to front man Berkfinger, happy drummer Dan W Sweat and the bearded all rounder MC Bad Genius. (Fact: Dan’s other side project Art VS Science is also rapidly gaining popularity, you may have heard of them already).
Finally, to follow the softer “Wet Winta Horlidai ” (pronunciation and correction speaks for itself by now), the Philly Jay’s threw out to the crowd: cymbals, drumsticks, guitars and even the keyboard for everyone to have a jam as ironic “Partie Partie ” (I Don’t Want To Party) wrapped up their time slot. With each appearance, they will always do something different to amaze and surprise the punters, making them one of the most memorable bands to watch live.
Worried to lose front spots, the very dedicated fans stayed rooted to their claimed space in waiting for the Yves Klein Blue lads. From behind the obscuring black curtain, snippets of songs for sound checks teased those not focusing on ‘Pretty Woman’ and the various other cheesy songs of the 90’s blasting through the speakers in the background. Having seen these guys incidentally on a trip to Ballarat earlier in the week, it took effort not to be bias and prematurely conclude that the night would also be fantastic.
After what seemed like too long a wait, the curtain drew back, a sold-out room condensed and YKB quashed all anticipation with a track from their 2008 EP “Silence is Distance ”. Yet another group of performers who exude infectious stage presence (in adorable facial expressions and crowd involvement), debut album “Ragged & Ecstatic” was well showcased throughout the night.
Yves Klein Blue have been riding on a gradual whirlwind of success since they broke into the alternative music scene a few years back. Busily compiling songs in between performing both nationally and internationally, they have managed to secure a legion of fans that no doubt span from their hometown of sunny Brisbane all the way to North Hollywood where they shacked up for some months to undertake serious recording. Even my mum likes their music, perhaps a little cliché in that she endearingly recognises their sound first from a television campaign but this goes to show just how versatile vocalist Michael Tomlinson’s penned songs can be, and how many age groups can appreciate the subtle indie/jazzy/soul/punk influences contained within each track. At least having their music cranked up won’t fall on deaf ears in my household.
Together with drummer Chris Banham, bassist Sean Cook and guitarist Charles Sale, this genre hopping four piece have produced an album with such a delicious variety of songs that the entire thing can be enjoyed from beginning to end. All the better for providing a fresh performance in person with different moods, when Michael sings the likes of dopamine referenced “Digital Love ” or ‘a song about good sex‘ with very uplifting beats in “Summer Sheets “ (makes you wonder in what way “it’s like great conversation“).
Each one of these tracks has its own distinctive lick, leading to the audience cheering enthusiastically as they recognise the next on Yves’ set list - from “Dinosaur ” to “Queeny”, to the highly touted tracks “Getting Wise ” and “Make Up Your Mind ” that were popularized in the lead up to the album release date late June. There is a lot of lyrics and verses or choruses that change slightly, a reflection of the abundant thoughts that Tomlinson has whenever he goes to write, and with which he acknowledges those front row fans who know every word.
Stepping off for a well-deserved breather, the room immediately broke out into a chant for ‘Polka’, trying hard to get the boys back on stage to perform what has become their band’s signature. To everyone’s delight, “About The Future ” -performed acoustically without the lights and backing vocals attraction unlike the earlier songs- packed a most evocative and meaningful punch to the three song encore. An energetic cover of Springsteen’s hit “Born to Run” was dedicated to drummer Chris for his recent birthday before “Polka ” brought the Victorian leg of the Ragged & Ecstatic tour to an end.
A bunch of really good-natured musicians, YKB delivered in style, smiles and witty stage poses for photographers as the light and shade in their very first album demonstrated the tonne of talent that these four encompass. Those who are very aware of music can understand how difficult it can be to master multiple instruments, however, these four seem to swap them with ease. Highly entertaining to watch, they continue to charm guys and girls alike, and it will be quite interesting to follow their whereabouts to see what new material comes up in future - surely more lyrical genius. As they remain after gigs to personalise album covers and sign arbitrary items, sincere thanks is expressed to each fan, but I’m sure that the thank-you’s remain with them for a fun night.
taken from: http://www.ravereview.com.au/category/new-reviews/
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