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Gig ReviewsReviews

[Review] Jack Johnson @ Brisbane Rivestage, Brisbane 3/12/2022

“It seems to me that maybe”….. I should start calling myself a Jack Johnson fan.  I’m embarrassed to say that prior to Saturday’s Brisbane show, I’d never seen the American singer-songwriter before. I’m embarrassed to say that, had someone asked me to name five of his songs, I would probably have struggled.  And yet, during Jack’s near two-hour long set, it was odd to realise that there were few songs I didn’t know the words to. This perhaps best speaks to the power of this artistic juggernaut.  While Jack could boast (unlikely) of his multiple Grammy nominations, his worldwide fandom or of his millions upon millions of views on the socials, to experience that kind of reach – where your songs actually become part of common, even unconscious, vernacular, is hard to imagine.  Fortunately for us, Jack’s lyrics typically preach life and love, including a love for our environment. For more than a decade now his record label (Brushfire Records) and touring crew have worked towards ‘greening’ the music industry by expanding eco-friendly touring practices and promoting sustainable food and plastic free initiatives.  To celebrate his eighth studio album, Meet the Moonlight, the surfer-turned musician played five Australian shows: all outdoors and under said moonlight. On the Brisbane leg Jack was supported by none other than Ziggy Alberts and Indigenous newcomer Emily Wurramara, both of whom returned to the stage later to join the headliner.

To suggest that there was ‘standing room only’ by the time Jack came on is a huge understatement.  It was obvious people had gotten there early, laid down their picnic blankets and settled in to watch the sunset. Brisbane had put on quite the sunny summer afternoon for us too which meant punters were very happy to wait.  We didn’t have to wait long though – Jack came on right on time despite his warning us that he may not. Surf was up on the Goldy and an earlier post on his socials suggested Jack was having a hard time tearing himself away from the beach.  The band is certainly no stranger to Australia, having toured at least six times before and while I have seen countless shows in Brisbane over the years, I can honestly say I have never heard a crowd roar like they did for Jack Johnson on Saturday night.

One doesn’t become a multi-platinum selling musician, nor have a career that spans decades without truly understanding their audience and making a connection.  Johnson’s care and attention to detail in this regard was once again obvious on tour with Saturday night’s setlist sure to please even the ‘oldest’ of fans. Yes, there were songs played from the latest album (Costume Party, One Step Ahead, & Don’t look Now) but these were carefully weaved between twenty or more beloved tracks from the entire array of Jack’s back catalogue.  Those who’ve followed the artist for more than two decades would have no doubt approved of Jack’s heavy drawing from debut album Brushfire Fairytales and from his 2005 In between dreams. Taylor from the latter started the show and allowed the crowd to quickly warm up their vocal cords before the real singalong began during Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, up next.  By the time the familiar riff to Flake began, there was no stopping the capacity Brisbane crowd – Jack now had 9500 backup singers and you know what, they did alright! Next came one of many mashups – a combo of Upside down / Time is the master/ Badfish and John Holt cover You can’t control it

In Inaudible Melodies, drummer Adam Topal gets the first chance to show off his numerous talents. Actually Jack takes the time to introduce and pay tribute to all long-term band members during the set (bassist: Merlo Podlewski; and pianist but also singer/songwriter/ ALO member: Zach Gill).  When Emily Wurramara returns to the stage to sing Lady Blue as a duet, it is easy to see why Johnson chose the up-and-comer to support him. The song’s calming melody and hypnotic ukulele  immediately transport us to the water, like so many of the headliner’s tunes. This was followed by crowd pleaser Bubble Toes – you know the one – la-da-da-da-da-da – just try not to join in.  Next, it’s Zach Gill’s time to sing along, offering the last verse of the undulating and understated Wasting Time.

In between new tracks, Costume Party and Don’t Look Now, Ziggy Alberts returns to the stage. Here we are treated to Heaven, the first single of Ziggy’s second album ‘Laps around the Sun’ and the first of his tracks to ever reach ARIA chart status.  Ziggy clearly has a good fanbase here too – and why not; he tells us ‘you sound beautiful Brisbane’ before heading backstage again.  Ultra-fun Banana Pancakes follows before the rhythmic Rodeo Clowns. It seems like an odd note to finish on in some ways as the band leaves the stage.  Fortunately, we are not done yet! Jack returns amid thunderous applause, the likes of which I have not heard in Australia before.  I also can’t recall seeing an artist give us seven, yes seven, encores.  How blessed Brisbane feels at this point. Most of these see Jack on stage solo doing acoustic versions of classics like Do you remember and Breakdown while the crowd whistle along to I got you.  The full band returns for final track, unsurprisingly, the infamous Better Together. This, like so many of Jack Johnson’s songs, has undeniably entered the realm of cultural artefact. Like so many of his songs, the track just vibrates in a way like it was always going to be written and always going to be so special to so many. Will I be signing up to see Jack and band again? Absolutely. But how to end this review? “There is no combination of words I could say. But I will still tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together”.  So get there Australia.

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Gig ReviewsReviews

The Darkness @ The Tivoli, Brisbane 19/10/2022

Brisbane music fans were in for a night of high-octane rock ‘n’ roll with UK rock icons The Darkness drawing out a capacity crowd at their midweek gig at Brisbane’s equally as iconic music venue The Tivoli.

Over their 20+ year career, The Darkness has become synonymous with the pure essence of rock, breathing a whole new life back into glam metal and heavy rock.

Bringing their 2021 album, Motorheart to the fans, the band wrapped up their Australian tour on Wednesday night in true Darkness fashion.

The Darkness have lived the epitome of a rock n roll life covering all the highs and lows that befit the genre. Line up changes, addictions, recoveries, massive hits and struggles to keep it all going. Despite their challenges, one thing was evident on this wet and windy ‘school night’ gig – their fans love them faithfully and unconditionally.

With the current line-up of original members Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain along with epic young drummer Rufus Taylor (son of Queen’s Roger), The Darkness have not only stayed current in the world’s giant pool of mass-produced music, but they have also continually taken rock by the balls and held up the essence of what this genre represents. Big riffs, exploding drums, killer bass and vocal dexterity defines a classic rock voice. And that is exactly what the crowd were in for at their final Aussie show.

But first – we need to talk about The Southern River Band.
One of the best things about international touring up and running again is the chance to get in early to check out our local talent and maybe find your new favourite local artist. I am more than confident to say that, judging by the crowds’ (and later the headliner’s), response to TSRB, many indeed, discovered their new favourite Aussie band this night.

The Southern River Band are Cal Kramer, Dr. Dobbin’ Donny Carter, Pat Smith and Todd Pickett. Imagine a musical stew where you took a little bit of Def Leppard, Status Quo, Rolling Stone, The Black Crows and Queen and seasoned it with a big dose of Aussie rock flavour from Skyhooks to AC/DC to Stevie Wright. What a feast.

For those old enough to remember, let me take you back to a day (the ‘70s) when the Ted Mulry Gang were one of the hottest touring acts in the country. The Southern River Band have the same Aussie larikin spirit, entertaining storytelling and authentic rock soul that gave TMG its iconic reputation.

They opened their set with Second Best winning the crowd over with frontman Kramar (looking like he just walked off the set of Stranger Things) oozing charisma and winning the crowd over by the first chorus. The band are as tight as a drum, performing like seasoned pros. Kramer’s hilarious random crowd banter advising everyone to never buy a pie at Canberra airport, had the crowd hooked.

Taking the punters on a journey through their tracks from the bluesy Chasing After Love (I’ll Burn A Hole In Your Shoes) to the fully charges Cigarettes (Ain’t Helping Me None) TSRB had The Tivoli eating out of the palms of their hands. They played, joked and rocked through their set blowing everyone’s musical minds along the way.

Kramer is a rock star in looks and sound. Shirtless with studded leather pants, he had the crowd hooked in with their ballsy track Chimney. The band don’t miss a beat and was having as much fun on stage as the almost capacity crowd. Headbanging their way into the hearts of Brisbane music fans. They took the set out with big guitar riffs and belting drums on Vice City II. The crowd were happy and showed their love with a roar.

It wasn’t long before the crowd had refilled and refreshed and found their place for the show. The Darkness didn’t keep the fans waiting for long.

Their entrance onto the stage was hyped up with the befitting musical introduction of Abba’s 1975 instrumental track, Arrival, belting out across the crowd.

The Darkness have an army of faithful fans and they were ready to see the band hit the stage. Their arrival on the stage had the crowd moving to throw their horns and headbanging to the opening track Motorheart. Dynamic frontman Justin Hawkins worked the stage like the seasoned pro he is, showing off his famous vocal skills.

If you had to define to someone what pure untarnished rock sounded like you would play The Darkness. Growing on Me had Hawkins using the stage to its full potential playing directly to the fans. His love of being on stage comes through in his lively banter with the crowd. The fans take on this energy with a playful vibe running through the floor.

More from the latest album with Welcome Tae Gasgae then back to the early days with One Way Ticket bringing out the pipes from their faithful fans. The song ends with a riff explosion then we go back to the new with It’s Love, Jim. The band are the epitome of rock n roll. They wear their image like the icons they are, Guitarist Dan Hawkins with his Thin Lizzy t-shirt and leather jacket, Frankie Poullain pulling off the glitter and glam with his sparkly jacket and Rufus Tiger Taylor belting away at the back like the star drummer he was born to be.

An eager fan threw a bra on stage and Justin puts it on backwards drawing out cheers from the crowd, wearing it through the next few tracks. They gave Give It Up the ‘boogie woogie’ treatment with a bluesy tempo through the first half of the song.

They then welcomed their guitar tech Ian Norfolke on stage, with a semi-acoustic addition to Heart Explodes. The crowd responded, hands high clapping along to the opening beat reminiscent of Queen’s Radio Ga Ga. They played non-stop through tracks old and new including epic tracks Barbarian, Love Is Only A Feeling and Japanese Prisoner Of Love. Friday Night had the Wednesday night crowd singing along in mass.

The band took everyone back to where it all started with their debut single Get Your Hands Off My Woman, with the frontman jumping into the crowd. 

His agile antics took him from standing on the hands of the fans to climbing onto the balcony and diving into the waiting hands of the crowd below. 

With the night almost done Justin, back with the band, called The Southern River Band back onto the stage and gave the lads massive praise. They led the crowd into their smash hit I Believe In A Thing Called Love asking that all phones be stashed away and to just enjoy the moment. The crowd were on a high and when the band left the stage they knew there was more to come. They returned with encore tracks Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End) and Love On The Rocks With No Ice.

The fans left The Tivoli and headed out into the rain happy and fully satiated with their dose of The Darkness.

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[Review] Hilltop Hoods @ Brisbane Entertainment Center, Brisbane 27/08/2022

Over a ‘Great Expanse’ of 20 plus years, I would have seen the Hilltop Hoods perform live six or seven times now. While, yes, the sets and crowds continue to get bigger, and the pyrotechnics, lighting and venues continue to improve, what hasn’t changed – and what I suspect is the real reason thousands flock year after year to see the Hoods – is the energy the famous trio bring to every city they visit. Enamoured by fans young and old, Suffa, Pressure and DJ Debris blessed a sold out crowd in Brisbane on Saturday night. Here’s just one Brissie girl’s recollection of her time in ‘The Nosebleed Section’.

An X-ecutioners fan from way back, I was disappointed to not quite get to see all of DJ Eclipse’s set. Fortunately, Brisbanites can catch the Brooklyn born turned Aussie local fairly regularly. It’s obvious why Eclipse continues to receive accolades for his blending, scratching, and beat juggling. Having been in the business; the ‘Show Business’; for nearly three decades now, and having even being credited with helping to pioneer turntablism, Eclipse still knows how to hypnotise an audience. Previously, he’s explained the benefits of playing to an Australian crowd: a crowd noticeably more open to showing their excitement than those in the Big Apple. He takes us on a journey. His own journey emanates from every set performed – there’s no mistaking the sounds of the New York scene in the late 90’s, a time referred to as the Golden Era of Hip Hop for a reason. How appropriate then that the revered DJ is now signed to the Hoods label entitled, Golden Era Records. Fortunately for me, this also means Eclipse returns to the stage for A B Original’s set.

Until then though, crowds are treated to an all-too short set by young Kenyan powerhouse Elsy Wameyo. Like the Hoods, this talented vocalist grew up in Adelaide and though relatively new to the scene, it’s obvious she won’t be an ‘Outcast’ for long. Her flow is flawless, fast paced and frenetic. Her professionalism and range allow seamless switches between soulful ballads like Daily and festival-bound bangers like the River Nile. Come the third song, Promise, Elsy entices the Brisbane audience, initially hesitant to get involved, to sing along. Though just four of her usual 7-piece band join her this time, they too are exceptional. If you are yet to listen to Elsy, make it a priority. I genuinely can’t help but move when her beats drop.

When aptly named A B Original (say that quickly now) hit the stage, the energy continues. Unapologetically political, Briggs and Trials continue their mission of presenting young Indigenous Australians with a vision and a sound of what’s possible. Previously they’ve reflected on not having local Indigenous rappers to look up to as children. Like Elsy before them, they are initially – and visibly – disappointed with the audience replies, but soon get us joining into their passionate set which includes King Billy CokeBottle, 2 Black 2 strong, Black Balls and their version of Paul Kelly’s Dumb Things among others. Joined by a pianist, DJ Eclipse, guest vocalist for January 26 and the equally powerful and multi-talented Mo’Ju, A B perform passionately. They suitably warm the audience up for what is sure to be a killa night ahead.

At about this time, my friend and I start taking bets on whether the floor-to-ceiling maroon velvet curtain hiding the ‘real’ stage will drop or rise when the Hoods come on. It drops…revealing a 5 metre-high, platform for Debris constructed upon a massive HTH fluro-illuminated emblem. Perhaps the Hoods need to get better at keeping secrets though – ha ha – fans like me had already seen the set when they’d posted it on social media earlier that day. Hey, it’s understandable – as was Debris’ obvious excitement during footage of him first seeing his coveted office-space for the night. Who says working from home is the best?!?

And so, the stage alights – literally with fire -and Suffa and Pressure start their marathon performance with Leave me Lonely, running to and fro, jumping non-stop and leaving no doubt that these veterans can still cut it. In May I had the privilege of sitting down with Suffa Mc (see that whole interview here). During our chat he was telling me how earlier that day his personal trainer had nearly broken him – you can see why that’s necessary – neither him nor Pressure stop to take a breath for most of the 90plus minute set, a set they’re next taking to Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide. Though an older fan like me would have liked more from the first two albums, their inclusion of Chase that Feeling made me very happy, and reminiscent. It’s also during this song that I first realise just how far out into the crowd the rappers can come.. and they do so often. Indeed, making their crowds feel welcome and involved is clearly a mission of the trios. Favourites Nosebleed Section and 1955 come next, the latter of which sees guest vocalist, Nyassa, join the stage. She wears what has come to be her signature look including headband, and a boxy jumpsuit with shoulder pads that would impress even the 1980’s. Her mic seems quite quiet at first but this is later rectified. Like time travellers we’re suddenly thrown back to the present, with not one but two new songs busted out: first Show Business – normally featuring Eamon and the song that gave the tour its title and then Whole Nights Day, the tune that got ‘the 1955 band back together’.

By now I’m predicting a few slower tracks – surely these two are going to pass out at any minute…. but I’m wrong. They pick up the pace once again and get everyone back on their feet for I Love It. This track is hot, and not just because the flame throwers have come alive again. Suffa and Pressure alike are sweating. So are we but in the best way possible. Ok, so I was one song off. The pace does slow briefly for Let You Down. Clark Griswald follows – but where are those grey wigs, plaid vests and Chinos fellas? Nearly didn’t recognise ya!

Despite being a diehard fan, there are a few songs, typically those with guest vocalists, that I haven’t always appreciated as much as I should have. Songs that just ‘bang’ with so much more ‘buck’ when live. This is true of Exit Sign I think. It’s so much fun. Live and Let Go follows with the crowd singing along in the absence of Maverick Sabre and Brother Ali. It is at this point, during Through the Dark that the Hoods, and Pressure specifically, remind us of just how far they’ve all come, just how versatile they are … and how blessed. Written hospital bedside in 2014 while his son battled Leukaemia, Pressure explains this was one of the hardest songs to ever write. Thankfully, this prayer “to Hip Hop Almighty” was answered and post a full recovery, his son’s battle has inspired a collaboration with CanTeen offering young cancer patients Side of Stage perks. If you’ve never looked at the lyrics for Higher – the set’s next track- go check them out. With almost as many cultural references as an all-time fav of mine, Fifty-in-five, such writing reminds us that the Hoods are indeed dope lyricists, poets even, not just Emcees with flows for days. At this point, Nyassa leaves the stage. Though clearly a talented vocalist, the Hoods ever the professionals, are generous to a fault and gracious, even giving her literal centre stage for the entire time she joins them. Perhaps Suffa and Pressure instead envied Debris birds’ eye view – both joining him at different parts of the set. Counterweight channels eerie Radiohead vibes to start but also lets the drummer and the horns section show off their skills. This is a great example of a tune that should shut down any haters who might dismiss Hip Hop as lacking melody. Indeed, the Hoods don’t just “write rhymes” but have consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre – highlighted best perhaps by their ongoing collaborations with symphony orchestras both on stage and in the studio.

And just like that “they came and they conquered”… well not quite. I sometimes get annoyed at Brisbane crowds – often their demand for encores are not what they should be! But, true to form, the Hoods treat us to not one but two extra songs: Rattling the Keys to the Kingdom and, as predicted, Cosby Sweater. All supports are welcomed back on stage too and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre really lights up. “And it’s all good. And it’s all good. And it’s all good”.

Suffa, Pressure, Debris you continue to amaze. You continue to educate but “it would take a nation of millions to stop” me requesting that you play your millions of fans more of The Calling, The Hard Road and State of The Art next time. Cos, like you, “we’re still standing and we’ll be back again.”

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InterviewsTour Interview

Interview with Travis Everett (Witchgrinder)

Mitch recently had a chat with Travis from Witchgrinder to talk about their upcoming Queensland show “OUR PARTY”

(MC) Long time no chat! The last time we caught up was Aftershock Festival in 2021. How has everyone been since then?

(TE) Since we came out of lockdown and things opened we have been really great. Just getting together to rehearse and go check out other bands and clubs. It’s just been awesome to hang out together again.

Has there been much live playing?

Yes, as soon as restrictions lifted we booked a couple of local Melbourne shows and one in Sydney. With it being a year since we had a played live show we booked these pretty quickly just to get out there and on a stage again. We missed it so much.

I did hear there was a mishap at the Evelyn show a while back?

Yes unfortunately our first show back in Melbourne we had to cut it short. We were about halfway into our set when we noticed something was not right in the mosh pit. One of our fans somehow managed to dislocate his knee while rocking out to the band.

The venue was so packed and short-staffed. There was no way to safely move him until the paramedics arrived so we had no choice but to finish up.

Care to share some background on the setting up of the next big thing, “Our Party” up in QLD?

Vamp Barbie (aka Vee) has been hard-working interviewing hundreds of bands for years. We first met her at a festival in Brisbane back in 2010. When she interviewed us and has continued to support us ever since. Vee and her team have now put all focus on their site/channel Vampedup.tv . and now are ready to move on to running festivals. This is the first festival they are putting together, so when we got the offer we were very excited to be a part of it. They have an awesome mixed bunch of bands on the bill it’s going to be so much fun. Vamped up festivals look like they are going to be an ongoing thing as they have also just announced a boat cruise festival next year.

Have you gigged with or do you know most of the bands on the line-up?

Yes, there are a few bands from Brisbane and a few from Sydney we have either toured with or played with while in their state. It’s going to be great to catch up. Also very excited to meet and play with the bands we haven’t.

Keen for anyone in particular?

Yes, heaps of bands. Very excited to see Dept. of Gloom as they have just dropped a new single. Our Last Enemy will be amazing as they have said they will be playing new music from their latest ep. There are heaps of bands we have never seen live so we will be making a huge effort to check out as much as we can on the day.

It’s been a little while between releases, are you guys working on any new material?

There are heaps of new material. Over the last few years, there has been so many setbacks that has made it impossible for us to finish writing and hit the studio. We have managed to get a few singles out but the big ones we have saved for the full album. We are just finishing up pre-production and are booking recording dates soon. We were never going to rush this. It has to be right for us and also our fans.

Is there somewhere or someone you would like to record with in the future?

We record a lot of our music with Chris Themelco at Monolith studios and also at our home studio setups. Adrian Windsor has always been a key part when recording keys and extra samples. They both have a great understanding of our sound. I think what we have at the moment is very special and captures what and where we are at at the moment.

I did have a chat with Peter Tägtgren when we toured with his band Pain a few years ago about possibly one-day recording together if we were ever to make it over to Sweden. That would be amazing.

The last thing released was the Through The Never cover, how was that received? Did you guys have fun recording that?

Yes, we released that as it was the 30th anniversary of Metallica's black album. A band that has continued to be a huge inspiration to us. We had so much fun recording it. The tracking was done mostly at home so we had the freedom to take our time with it. We added a bunch of ideas to give it that Witchgrinder feel without straying to much from the original. Which I think is why it worked so well. We received great feedback from both our fans and Metallica fans.

What are next year's plans for Witchgrinder?

Album release, Tours, and more! Don’t want to give too much away

If Witchgrinder was going on tour, what are the essentials?

A phone and charger! A few examples…

  • Using it as a distraction. On tour, you can be stuck in a van for hours and hours, and sometimes it’s good to have a break from talking to each other before you end up killing each other haha.
  • We all like to listen to different music. So good to plug into your phone and listen to what you want at times 
  • We can keep Witchgrinder's social media platforms up to date. Keep people in the loop. Posting photos and stories etc.
  • All the information about the tour is easy to access on your phone. Where to be and what times. Things like that.
  • It’s very important that we can always get in contact with each other. It can be easy to stray off at times. After parties can get pretty wild!

Our Party Festival is fast approaching! 😁🎉

July 30 at The Back Room Brisbane !

Huge Double Headliner! 🤘

Artists from VIC, NSW, & QLD! ⚡️Jelly Wrestling & Jelly Pit After party! ~ VIP tickets Limited & General tickets selling fast!
Doors open 11:45 am til 12am ~ Get your VIP & General tickets now!

http://www.vampedup.tv/party

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