Last night was a bittersweet show at the Corner Hotel as much loved Melbourne band The Harpoons both launched their second album Amaro and played their final show together.
Opening the evening was Melbourne five piece electronic pop band Tetrahedra. Their songs were quite interesting and filled with complex time signatures and beats. The songs they played included some from their latest release SOMA, which is a visual EP project you can watch here. Next up was the Melbourne electronic duo SAATSUMA, who did a set of their atmospheric dance music that had the crowd moving.
The venue was really packed by the time The Harpoons took the stage for the last time. They started with the final song off Amaro "All I've Ever Done," and played a number of tracks off the album, including "Pressure," "Reassurance," "Do You Want My Love" and the standout song "Set Me Up To Fall." Band members did lots of thank yous to each other and their families, friends and supporters throughout the night. As always it was amazing to hear Bec Rigby belt out these songs, especially old favorites like "Ready For Your Love" and "Unforgettable," where they got a few friends and fans up on stage to sing along.
The absolute highlight of the night for me though was towards the end when they returned to their garage band roots and played some of their very first songs such as "Hey Girl," "Keep You Around," "Be My Lover, Be My Girl," "Garden City" and "Faith" to finish out the main set. For an encore we got one more song with "Swim My Baby" (used in a Big M milk commercial) and that was it from The Harpoons. It's been a joy to watch them grow and evolve their sound over these past ten years, and I wish each band member all the best for their future projects. You will be missed!
Here's an early live version of "Do You Want My Love"
The Harpoons have recently released their latest single "Reassurance" and tonight was its launch at Howler. Lead singer Bec Rigby did a Welcome to Country and was wearing her overalls with "Always was, always will be" painted on them. They opened with "Pressure" and played a few other songs such as "Reassurance" and "Do You Want My Love" off their upcoming album, which is finally coming out in April 2018 (the band thanked everyone for their patience).
There was lots of dancing and singing in the crowd throughout their hour long set. They also played some older tracks including "Can We Work This Out" and "Unforgettable," and finished the evening with "Faith." Despite some technical glitches they persevered and played an entertaining set. I'm looking forward to their new album finally getting released.
Melbourne Music Week kicked off today, and will feature a lot of different artists playing in some interesting and unique spaces around the city over the next week. Tonight Mary, Belinda and I met up at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) in Southbank to see The Harpoons. It's been a while since they last played live in Melbourne, so the crowd was pretty hyped to see them.
Their set was a bit of a preview of their upcoming album, which continues their dance and R&B sound with some beautiful harmonies and more songs about love. We also got to hear some older tracks such as "Can We Work This Out," "Unforgettable" and "Ready For Your Love." The foyer of ACCA where the stage was set up wasn't the most conducive to a good sound mix, although it did get a bit better as the show went on. It was a quick 45 minute set, but always a pleasure to see The Harpoons bring their positive energy to a live setting.
Support for White Night Melbourne 2016 was announced fairly late by the Victorian Government, which may have had an impact on the number of artists taking part this year at the all night arts festival. Compared to last year it didn't seem there was as much to see, and not having any projections on the Flinders Street buildings was a disappointment. However, there were some real gems that I discovered throughout the early morning hours as I wandered around the city.
The focus on Indigenous storytelling was the real highlight of White Night this year, and these artists had the best light projections of anyone. Federation Squared by Reko Rennie with the Electric Canvas lit up Federation Square with some bright colors and graphic designs on the facade of the building.
At the NGV was the very powerful Still Here by Josh Muir with Ample Projects. The illustrations, accompanied by music from Emma Donovan and James Henry, tell the story of Aboriginal people in Victoria before and after white settlement. It was a fast-paced visual narrative and the crowd applauded once it finished.
The best work though due to its sheer scale was Pitcha Makin' Fellas and OCUBO at the Royal Exhibition Building. Their piece told the story of the six Aboriginal seasons. It was stunning to watch and great to hear stories told using traditional language as well as English.
The State Library once again had light projections both outside and inside the building. Landscaping Architecture by Amanda Morgan and James HH Morgan had the front of the library bathed in a kaleidoscope of color. Inside the dome of the La Trobe Reading Room was Ideation by Nick Azidis, Lisa Greenaway, Adem Jaffers and Bentley Dean. Using soundscapes and light projections it celebrated the world's achievements in knowledge.
There were many music stages spread across the city that featured bands from different types of genres. With so many things to see throughout the night it's impossible to view everything. Of all the bands playing I didn't want to miss The Harpoons so I made sure to catch their 1:30 am set at the Live on Lonsdale stage. We were treated to a lot of new songs as well as old favorites "Falling For You," "Can We Work This Out," "Unforgettable" and "Ready For Your Love." The crowd was dancing and it was great to hear other people singing along to the lyrics.
Animals were a feature of some of the pieces at White Night this year. On the Melbourne Town Hall was Golden Monkey by Lisa Roet, which saw a giant gold inflatable monkey clinging to the building. At the Melbourne City Baths was Incubator by Craig Walsh with its 3D animations and projections of creatures swimming around in the pool.
My favorite interactive piece was Neon Laneway by Alana Hoggart and Michael Duncan in Rutledge Lane. This work brought together some of Melbourne's finest street artists with contemporary dancers under the neon glow from black lights. The neon street art, ominous music and dancers really made this the most creative thing I witnessed all evening.
Finally, the hills of the Queen Victoria Gardens were the perfect place to showcase The Dresses by Tae Gon Kim. These beautiful dresses were made of fibre-optic strands that changed color, symbolizing the dresses' history and transformation over time. These were amazing to see in person and another definite highlight of White Night.
It's taken over six years but The Harpoons have finally released their debut album Falling For You, which they launched at a sold out show at Howler in Brunswick last night. Although this venue is very close to home, it was the first time both Belinda and I have been inside. The design of the space is quite nice and the band room has a big stage.
We arrived midway through the set of opening act Dorkus Malorkus (aka Cassie Wood), who had more melancholy songs that she played both solo on electric guitar and with a couple other musicians. Next up was Kirkis, a five piece jazz-funk band headed up by Matthew Kirkis, which sounded pretty good and brought a lot of energy to the room. They played their songs live on instruments while also incorporating some samples into the mix.
The room was completely packed by the time The Harpoons hit the stage and launched into "Keep You Around." Most of the songs played throughout the night were off their debut album, with the highlights being "Never Stop Loving You," "Can We Work This Out" with Martin King up the front of stage singing, "Falling For You" and "Walk Away." Bec Rigby absolutely nailed her vocals on the soulful "Ring Ring" and old favorite "Faith," which was great to hear live again. We were even treated to a couple new songs by Henry Madin. Towards the end of the set they brought out members of the opening bands and other friends to sing and play along on some songs, including the single "Unforgettable," which got the biggest crowd response of the night. For the encore they did a cover of John Paul Young's "Love is in the Air." I'm so happy The Harpoons have finally released an album, and I hope we don't have such a long wait for the next one.
Here's the video for the latest single "Can We Work This Out"
Last night I headed to the Shebeen Bandroom on Manchester Lane for the sold out launch of The Harpoons' latest single "Unforgettable." The first act was electronic synth pop trio Habits, who ran effects on their vocals and utilised layered loops and a keyboard in their songs. Sometimes it worked and other times it was a bit of a mess, but I did appreciate their attempt at covering Silk's "Freak Me." Next up was a DJ set by male and female duo Friendships. I liked that they included visual projections to go along with their set, which included their remix of The Harpoons' "Unforgettable." Both acts were rocking a bit of a hipster chav look, which I guess must be a thing.
The crowd had really built by the time The Harpoons hit the stage. They started their set with "Keep You Around" and played a mix of new songs and more recent tracks such as "Falling For You," a funkier version of "I Walk Away" and "Hold On." Bec Rigby's voice was absolutely divine and soulful as always, and each band member took a turn on lead vocals throughout the night. Towards the end of the set they invited the support acts up on stage to play percussion and the audience to sing along on the last three songs, including the single "Unforgettable." It's always uplifting to see The Harpoons play live and it looks like their debut album will finally be released in August (although I think I'll believe it when I see it).
It wasn't until I was coming home on the tram earlier in the week that I realized the Sydney Road Street Party was on again this weekend. The weather today was quite nice, and I headed down to Sydney Road in the late afternoon to check out a couple of bands that were on the Local and Live Stage. First was Francolin, who I have been meaning to see live for a while now. They played songs from their debut album Won't Let You Down, which had a bit of a calypso feel to them with the trumpet and guitars. I really enjoyed their set and hope to catch them again soon.
While Francolin were playing Ruth and Danny joined me since they were in the neighborhood. We had a wander around the street party and checked out the various booths along Sydney Road. It was the usual things from previous years, although it did seem as though a few more of the shops had set up stalls in front of their stores.
We headed back to the Local and Live Stage in time for The Harpoons. As always it was wonderful to see them play live. The Madin brothers and Bec Rigby took turns on lead vocals and we were treated to a mix of songs including "Swim My Baby," "Walk Away" and the usual show stopper "Faith." They finished their 45 minute set with "Keep You Around" and I am hoping that this is the year that their debut album finally sees the light of day!
Last night Mary and I headed to The Toff in Town to see The Harpoons launch their latest single "Walk Away." The first act on for the evening was Oscar Key Sung of Oscar + Martin. It was a lovely, laid back set from Oscar who has a very soulful voice. He sang along to pre-programmed beats and also used a looping pedal for his vocals at some points.
Next up was Melbourne band The Neighborhood Youth. They sounded promising at the start with their indie rock sound and jangly guitars, but after a while their songs started to blend together. While I think they are talented their problem may be that they sound too much like a blend of other popular bands.
By the time The Harpoons took the stage the venue was packed. They played a great set with a mix of old favorites and new songs. "Faith" was the usual showstopper, showcasing Bec Rigby's amazing voice. It was also good to hear "Swim My Baby" live again and the new single "Walk Away" for the first time. We were even treated to a cover of Bill Withers' "Just The Two Of Us." They finished the main set with "Keep You Around" and played "Garden City" for an encore. I'm happy to see their popularity growing and can't wait for this debut album to be released.
Another year is coming to a close which can only mean one thing- time for all those end of year top ten lists. Not to be left out, here are my top ten favorite songs for 2011 (aka songs that make me want to hit repeat after having just listened to them).
10. Slow Dancer "Leave It To Me" Slow Dancer is the solo project of Simon Okely from Oh Mercy. "Leave It To Me" is the first song he has put up online and I really love the laid back feel to Simon's music as well as his excellent guitar playing. Definitely one to watch for 2012.
9. The Good China "No More Maps, No More Roads"
2011 saw the return of The Good China to the Melbourne live scene after nearly a year's hiatus. The single "No More Maps, No More Roads" was a live favorite and has all the great hallmarks of a Good China track, including lots of hand claps.
8. Boy & Bear "Feeding Line"
It has been a monster year for Sydney's Boy & Bear, having won 5 ARIA awards for their debut album Moonfire. "Feeding Line" was the first single off the album, and signaled a new musical direction for the band from their previous EP.
7. The Harpoons "Keep You Around"
Another favorite band of mine that reemerged this year was The Harpoons. "Keep You Around" showcases Bec Rigby's soulful voice in this song about love with the great lyric "when you smiled at me I was a hopeless case." I am definitely looking forward to their debut album coming out in 2012.
6. Liam Finn "Don't Even Know Your Name"
This song was not a single but it's my favorite track off Liam Finn's latest album FOMO. "Don't Even Know Your Name" has a driving beat and an optimistic energy to it, and I absolutely love the chorus (which for some reason reminds me of "Panic" by The Smiths). Here's a live version of song, but do seek out the album track.
5. Brous "Streamers"
The first single off of Brous' self-titled debut EP, "Streamers" sounds like a song from a 1960s James Bond film. Sophia Brous' voice is quite amazing and I love how the first verse of this song keeps speeding up. There is a definite cinematic quality to her music and it will be interesting to see what she produces next.
4. Seeker Lover Keeper "Even Though I'm A Woman" Seeker Lover Keeper is the female Australian supergroup made up of Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann and Holly Throsby. One of the initial singles off of their self-titled debut album, "Even Though I'm A Woman" is a song about long distance love sung by Holly and written by Sally with some biting lyrics such as "I love you more when I'm missing you, it's why I'm always away." The song is a bit of an anthem for female independence.
3. Kimbra "Cameo Lover" Kimbra is originally from New Zealand but has been living in Melbourne the past few years. "Cameo Lover" come off of her debut album Vows and won her the 2011 Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition as well as an ARIA award for best female artist. I love the contrast between the verses and chorus of this song as well as its fantastic video.
2. Gotye "State Of The Art"
You may have thought that I would pick Gotye's biggest hit to date, but no, my favorite song off of his latest album Making Mirrors is "State Of The Art." Only Wally would write a song about his beloved Lowrey Cotillion organ. My favorite part of the song is when the bossa nova rhythm kicks in to the lyric "start the bossa nova beat and limbo from the living to the kitchen." The video animation by Rubber House is also exceptional.
1. Oh Mercy "Stay Please Stay"
My most played song of the year is Oh Mercy's "Stay Please Stay," the first single off their second album Great Barrier Grief. I absolutely adore the chorus of this song, especially Thomas Savage's beautiful jangly guitar. It also has a great closing lyric by Alexander with "what can I do with a love that gathers dust in a busy room?" An indie pop classic.
This week is Melbourne Music Week, with today being the Live Music Safari where over 60 acts were playing for free in various venues around the city. Tash and I met up at The John Curtin Hotel in Carlton to catch the first act of the night on bill there, our beloved and much missed band The Harpoons. They started the evening with "You're The One I Love" and played a half hour set of old and new songs, including "Faith" and the fantastic new single "Keep You Around" (have a listen here). Bec Rigby's voice was as amazing and powerful as I remembered it to be, and the band harmonies were lovely. It is so great to have The Harpoons playing live again and hopefully a debut album is on the horizon.
I also had another concert to attend this evening, which was the first of two shows at the Palace Theatre by Boy & Bear in support of their debut album Moonfire. I arrived at the venue as Ball Park Music was finishing their set and caught their last two songs "Sad Rude Future Dude" and "It's Nice to be Alive."
Boy & Bear came out onto the stage to big cheers from the crowd and started their set with "Lordy May." They played the majority of both the Moonfire album and With Emperor Antarctica EP. Highlights of the set for me were "Blood To Gold," "Mexican Mavis," "Milk & Sticks" and "My Only One" (the end part of that song gets me every time). The band were accompanied by a violinist and cellist on several songs, and the crowd sang along to almost everything, including their cover of Crowded House's "Fall At Your Feet." Towards the end of the set they brought out all the supporting bands to sing backing vocals on "Big Man" and then finished the evening with their hit single "Feeding Line." Staying true to previous tour stops in Melbourne the boys continue to maintain their tradition of not playing encores. It was an excellent show and all the touring they have done this year has made them into a really tight live band.
Here's the video for the latest single "Part Time Believer"
Tonight I met Tash and her friend Nikki at the East Brunswick Club for a headlining show by Ground Components. The first band up for the evening was Shaman Son, whose sound I found to be a cross between wanna be grunge and a bad LA rock band. There were flannel shirts, scarves hanging off of instruments, and a lead singer way too interested in pushing buttons to get different vocal effects. Loud and unimaginative.
Next on stage were my favorites The Harpoons. There was a 20 minute delay to the start of their set because their drummer was M.I.A. However, he eventually showed up at the end of the first song. Their harmonies were just so fantastic and they played some new songs as well as "Faith," "Everywhere," and had everyone up the front dancing for their last song "Garden City." Unfortunately the set was 10 minutes shorter than scheduled, and I still have not managed to get a copy of their Demo CD.
It was good to see Ground Components again after watching them support Little Red last week (and all the Little Red boys were in the audience to return the favor). They played a very energetic set and highlights included "Our Sunshine" and "On Your Living Room Floor." It's really hard to describe their sound since it is such a mix of styles. I give them credit though for sounding like no one else currently out there at the moment. All in all it was a pretty good night.
After a yummy dinner at Mexicali Rose with Mel, we walked down to the Great Britain Hotel where we were joined by Tash for the 7" single launch by The Harpoons. The last time I saw them was in August so I was curious to see how the band has developed since that early show. The evening began with a short set of surf music by TAN, which is basically The Harpoons without Bec (although she did join them for a couple songs). They had the crowd dancing away, especially to "Wipe Out."
After a break, The Harpoons officially started their set in front of an enthusiastic crowd. They are so much more confident on stage now and the harmonies were just fantastic. Bec's voice was soaring throughout the night. They played some newer songs as well as what's on their Myspace page including "Swim My Baby," "Hey Girl," "Garden City," and the songs on their 7" record "Faith" and "Tonight Tonight." It was such a great set and nice to see so many people discovering and falling in love with them. Tash and I will be back at another show soon if only to get a chance to buy their demo CD.
Thursdays in August were a bit sweeter this month because The Basics had a residency at The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy. Below is a report from the shows that I attended over the past few weeks.
August 14 Opening bands for the night were The Sophisticants and Smurfinger. The Sophisticants are a punk/ska mix of music with a very entertaining and animated lead singer. We were kept quite amused my his shuffle and twist dance moves. Tash and I had seen Smurfinger before when they opened at The Empress show last month. I guess I would describe their music as more punk/grunge.
The Basics played a mix of old and new material over their hour plus set. There was lots of joking and dancing by Tim and Kris. Covers for the night were The Clash's "London Calling" and "Rock the Casbah" as well as New Kids On The Block's "You Got It (The Right Stuff)." They even threatened to play Bryan Adams and Kenny Rodgers!
August 21 After a very delicious pizza dinner at Bimbo Deluxe Tash and I headed over to The Evelyn. The opening bands this week were primarily girl groups- Hot Liquid Sex and Princess One Point Five. We didn't think much of either of them, but the second group was less annoying than the first.
The theme for this week's show could be photographers. There were about five people taking shot after shot of The Basics throughout their set. One of these photographers was from MySpace, and I noticed that he didn't care to take our picture in the crowd (I think he knew we were out of his demographic). The boys played a ripping set once again and fought against technical difficulties like the guitar and keyboard going out and Tim breaking a string. I was very happy to hear two of my favorites "Hey There!" and "Just Hold On." We once again got a cover of The Clash's "Rock the Casbah" as well as Wilson Pickett's "Land of a Thousand Dances." Tim and Kris brought the coordinated dance moves, and I enjoyed the fact that Kris kept his beer and water stored on the ceiling beam above his head. Tash and I have realized that we know the majority of the new songs, and "The Executioner" was particularly brutal tonight (I would hate to have a song like that written about me).
August 28 It was the final night of the residency and a packed house. I have discovered a new young band to champion due to the first opening act- The Harpoons! They are adorable and awesome and play some great tunes. Their 60's inspired three-part harmonies were fantastic. I will definitely be seeking out their gigs in the future. I cannot say the same for the second band, The Swindlers. They were just a mess and trying too hard to be avant garde and punk. The rhythm section actually showed potential at points, but the lead singer's shrieking got old really fast.
It was very exciting when The Basics came out on stage for the last time this month. They played a lot of songs off the album "Stand Out/Fit In" and we got energetic versions of "Memory Lane" and "Rattle My Chain." Poor Kris is a heartbroken boy, which you can tell from the lyrics of his new songs (see last week). Wally dedicated a song to Tash- well, perhaps not my Tash, but she'll take it. We even got an encore tonight and they finished off the residency with a cover of The Police's "Roxanne." My Thursday evenings will never be as fun as these past few weeks.
Watch The Basics play live at the Metro Theatre in Sydney on 30/11/07 here.
