July 14'

EP

Artist: Dan and Amy

EP: Sometimes Life
Year: 2014

Dan and Amy have just released their debut EP Sometimes Life and if early predictions are anything to go by, we should be hearing a lot more about them in the near future. Marketed as something between Paul Kelly and Fleet Foxes, these two possess a beautiful sound with some delicate guitar hooks and strong vocal harmonies.

‘Pretend’ is the pick of the tracks and has a wonderful build throughout. It is a very soothing song and keeps giving with each further listen.

They have an EP launch at the Northcote Social Club on Wednesday 6^th August….if you are round, get yourself a ticket and a copy of Sometimes Life.

Gig Reviews

Who: The Head and The Heart

Where: Howler (Brunswick, Melbourne)

When: Monday 28^th July, 2014

Support: Mosman Alder

Here we are at Howler, one of Melbourne’s newest live music venues and if the $6 pints of beer and cider aren’t a good way to appease potential new guests, then I’m not sure what will! This place has a lot of character; it has the newfound Brunswick hip element, mixed in with the bush vibes expectant of a pub in Sassafras both combining to create some warmth, enough to make you want to come back (and of course, there was the drink specials and tasty Asian delights on the menu).

Mosman Alder open the night with a strong showing of experimental ambient new wave synth pop all to the joys of the ‘almost capacity’ crowd who are jostling to position themselves well for the main act. There is a lot to like about this band from Brisbane whom seem confident in their diverse mix of instruments throwing in violins, synths and percussion to the usual band arrangements. Definitely keep the name in check for the drop of their debut LP this September.

The Head and The Heart enter the stage bang-on 10 o’clock and for the next hour and a half play the best possible performance you could hope for from this now experienced Seattle six-piece. Opening with the montage of songs from their debut LP, ‘Cats and Dogs’, ‘Coeur D’Alene’ and ‘Ghosts’, the crowd is instantly wowed. And to be honest, I think the band is too after the reception they receive from their adoring fans who give a cheer expectant of that at a 100 thousand strong football game. The band compose themselves before violinist and vocalist Charity Thielen proclaims something along of the lines of “…this is our first ever headline show in Melbourne and dam’ we are excited…”, thus further rousing the ever friendly and excitable crowd.

Pick a song off either of their albums, and yes they played it. From ‘Sounds Like Hallelujah’ to ‘Homecoming Hero’s’ nothing was missed. And as the night went on, the tempo lifted, the band became more in tune with one another and the beautiful new band room and Howler became all the more comforting.

Song of the night hands down was ‘Lost In My Mind’ whereby the band executed one of the most incredible harmonies I’ve ever heard after a long, up-tempo build up. Lead men Josiah and Jon played flawlessly whilst Charity hummed along beautifully in the background until that majestic crescendo at the tail end of the song. ‘Another Story’ (one of last year’s top singles) was also executed perfectly, along with ‘Lets Be Still’ and ‘Down In The Valley’ as encores after a solid 90+ minute set. I must mention the keyboarder Kenny who was as crucial as anyone in the band often playing the lead-role for multiple songs throughout the evening.

Who knows how many years we will have to wait to see The Head and The Heart in Melbourne again but what I can say is that those at Howler will remember this gig for a long time. The energy, enthusiasm and sheer musical prowess from this band will leave a lasting legacy on the lucky ones who witnessed it on this cold wintry night. Thanks for coming, hopefully we see you again very soon!

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Who: First Aid Kit

Where: The Hi-Fi Bar (Brunswick, Melbourne)

When: Thursday 31^st July, 2014

Support: Marlon Williams

If my struggles to review Stay Gold jumped out at you last month, then I suggest you forgo reading this piece as the sheer exhilaration and excitement I experienced from this show will completely overshadow any linguistic avenues that I could possibly put down on paper. To put it simply, First Aid Kit were unbelievable.

Marlon Williams opened the night in a strong way – possessing charisma, intricacy and general enthusiasm. He reminded the crowd of a young Elvis Presley, much to his satisfaction when a crowd member (maybe me!) requested an Elvis track and off he went into something straight from Blue Hawaii!!

But the stars of the show, and yes they really are stars, were the lovely two Swedish sisters who embraced the stage for one hell of a show. Klara and Johanna delivered one of the finest performances you will possibly ever see encompassing the best elements of their beautiful country-folk music that they have modelled from the greats such as Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris.

Who would have thought they would open with ‘Stay Gold’ and ‘Blue’, but of course they could probably do anything and it would be brilliant. ‘King of the World’ showed the girls willingness to rock as did ‘Heaven Knows’ from their most recent record.

Their star power was again on show as the traditional cut-the-microphones song was performed, being ‘Ghost Town’ from their first record. It was a fascinatingly haunting experiences and one that most people will not forget; the voices these girls possess are majestic in so many ways.

All the good stuff was played – ‘Wolf’, ‘The Lions Roar’, ‘My Silver Lining’, The Waitress Song’ and of course ‘Emmylou’ for the encore. Nothing says First Aid Kit more than this track and to hear it in all its glory was spine-tingling….literally.

I doubt we will ever see First Aid Kit play in such a small venue (not really that small, but you know what I mean!) but I do not doubt that this will be the best they get. I strongly believe that if they continue on current trends then we will have much more joy from them in years to come. If you get a chance to see them, and you remotely like their music or music of this ilk, then do yourself a massive favour and get along to see them!!