Tag: brisbane music

West Thebarton – the ‘Tops’ tour

becsadventuresinmusic

The Triffid – Brisbane – 21 June 2019

Ray, lead singer of West Thebarton at the Triffid 21 June 2019
Ray – West Thebarton – The Triffid – photo Bec Harbour

If you are not from Adelaide, you might not realise that you pronounce the second half of West Thebarton’s name as theb-arton not thee-barton. Formerly known as West Thebarton Brothel Party, they recently dropped the extra baggage and became a band to see live.

There are things that can make or break a show for a photographer and 2 of the biggest happened at West Thebarton’s stop at The Triffid, bad lighting and an unruly crowd. In between the venue getting plunged into darkness then bathed in all of the lights and being clocked in the back of the head by a punter we do what we can.

The evening kicked off with Being Jane Lane, one of my favourite local bands. They always seem to be having such a good time on stage and tonight was no different. They were followed by A. Swayze and the Ghosts. Frontman Andrew Swayze didn’t stay on the stage long, climbing over the barrier into the crowd to a chorus of “do a shoey” (note to fans – they dont do shoeys and they are gross – stop asking for them). I very much regret not going and seeing A. Swayze and the Ghosts at BIGSOUND last year, from all accounts they went off at all venues they played at.

After an amazing set from 2 amazing support bands the anticipation for West Thebarton was building. Touring for their latest single Tops and some great live shows to back them, this was a much anticipated gig for many. And they did not disappoint. They played a ripping set including Moving Out, Set It Straight and of course their new single Tops. Lead singer Ray telling the crowd at one point to “have fun and enjoy yourself, but don’t be dick” when drinks started getting dropped over the D barrier (maybe some people weren’t letting go of the shoey thing?).

West Thebarton were Tops. They have a loyal following and most people were there to have a good time and see some amazing music played. Great gig from a great band, with great choices in support acts.

Gallery – photos by Bec Harbour

Advertisement

Ezekiel Ox – Cheering Bombs from Deckchairs

becsadventuresinmusic

The Blackbear Lodge Brisbane – June 13, 2019 – words & pictures by Bec Harbour

Most people would be familiar with Ezekiel Ox from fronting funk metal band Mammal (who are on the line up for Dead of Winter festival this year). With a new EP Cheering Bombs from Deckchairs and touring Australia from top to bottom, the prolific Ezekiel Ox brand has a refreshing urgency not often heard in music right now, with the funk element making you want to dance right along to some hard rocking music.

Supporting band Born Lion from Sydney were first up, they were loud on their soundcheck, and they were loud during their set (thank fuck for earplugs). A hardcore influenced punk outfit, that would seem right at home in the 90’s, their blistering set should be taken in by more people (get there early to the gigs people – I can’t say it enough, there is a reason your band have chosen their support act – THEY like them).

Born Lion – The Blackbear Lodge – photo Bec Harbour

Ezekiel Ox and band were up next and tore through the new music from the EP (check out the video for Meglomania in fact you can check out the whole new EP here) as well as some older stuff. Zeke was off the stage early on, interacting with the audience and making the most of the small space.

The band was tight, and the front man was charismatic and fully engaged with the small crowd. I highly recommend getting along and seeing them as they are another step up live from their recordings (Adelaide and Darwin still to go).

Gallery

Press Club

becsadventuresinmusic

The Foundry – 1 June 2019

Natalie Foster – Press Club at the Foundry – photo Bec Harbour

Press Club have just finished touring around the UK and Europe and have just dropped themselves into an Australian tour. You would think that they would be exhausted but no. Press Club put on one of the highest energy shows that I have seen in a long time.

They were supported by local band Blussh (who I missed as I had a 40th to attend) and Melbourne band Mid City. Mid City played a high energy set but were left looking lethargic (they weren’t) in comparison to Press Club’s energy.

Singer Natalie Foster came on stage with the biggest grin and engaged with the front row of adoring fans. They reeled off song after song from their release from last year Late Teens as well as the single they are touring for “Get Better”.

It looks like they are back off to Europe and the UK again in August, if you can I highly recommend that you get along and see them while they play these smaller shows in Australia – the audience interaction and energy is well worth it.

Stones Corner Festival

becsadventuresinmusic

Sunday May 5, 2019 – Photos by Bec Harbour

The Stones Corner Festival raises money for MND and Me Foundation, while showcasing brewers and foodtrucks and celebrating Stones Corner.

Stones Corner is slowly coming out of a dry patch, many retailers left when the outlet stores that populated the shopping moved themselves out to DFO. The precinct was left a bit empty and with no reason for people to go there, the area went quiet. Newer retailers and eateries began moving in, the pub went through a revitalisation and the Stones Corner Festival was born 6 years ago.

Headlined by Jebediah, Area 7 and Brisbane favourite Darren Middleton, the music line up was stellar, with a bit of everything for everyone. With the biggest attendance to date, the crowds still moved freely, and people had places to sit and catch up. A kid oriented play area down the Old Cleveland Road end ensured that the festival had a family vibe. The festival is only going to get bigger next year (they might need to expand a bit!) and if they deliver the amazing music, craft brewers and food offerings again, it will continue to grow.

Gallery

Charlie Collins

becsadventuresinmusic

The Blackbear Lodge – Saturday 30 March 2019

Charlie Collins – Blackbear Lodge – photo Bec Harbour

I first saw Charlie Collins at A More Perfect Union last year, supporting Gang of Youths. Charlie was wearing this jumpsuit which she told us needed a good wash, then played some of the most amazing country inflected music.

Support act Jaguar Jonze has been on my list to catch live, I have crossed paths with Deena, the amazing person behind the “Jonze” brand at industry events. Jaguar Jonze was the perfect starter for Charlie Collins with her own brand of alt-country.

Charlie Collins came with her band and played a rocking set that had an interlude where she played with just her accoustic and then some violin. The set culminated with her single from late last year ‘Mexico‘.

Charlie said at the start of her set that she hadn’t expected the amount of people that came. Charlie captured Brisbane peoples attention at A More Perfect Union, and kept their interest by making really great music. Don’t be surprised if you’re at a bigger venue next time you’re in town, Charlie Collins.