{Revelling with the Rubens}

Last night signified the final outing in what has been an exhausting but seriously awesome week of live music for me. My trusty gig partner Cass and I went to see The Rubens at the The Tivoli. After deriving much enjoyment from their drummer's biceps (and of course their music) at last years Splendour in the Grass we jumped at the chance to see those muscles (and the band) again!

MT Warning

Support act MT Warning took the stage first. The Indie Rock band from the birth place of much musical talent, Byron Bay didn't disappoint. The sheer power of the lead singers voice wasn't missed by any! I really fancied their set and will be getting more familiar with their tracks in the near future.

Oh Mercy

Then the stage turned blue for Melbourne's Oh Mercy. Their set was polished, live performance perfection and I expected nothing less from these experienced musicians. It was quite surprising to see such an established act supporting a band on their first tour and I was left wondering if some of the crowd may have been in attendance purely to see Alex Gow in action. 

The Rubens rockin out

After a wait that in my opinion was faaarrr to long The Rubens hit the stage. The Tivoli have invested in a very exy lighting rig and they are certainly not afraid to use it. The band rocked out behind a light show that left River Fire looking like garden variety fairy lights. The music was great, the crowd interaction top shelf and those arms....... I wouldn't be challenging Drummer Scott to an arm wrestle ever!

I was a great night, an even better week and I'm spent! Tonight I have a date with the track pants and couch! What live music treats have you seen this week?

Happy Saturday, party on,

KT

{Local live music loving}

The theme of this week for me is live music and today was no exception. This time the venue was Room 60 and the bands, two I wasn't really familiar with. Harry Brown and Fire and the Whistle Theory. I'd come across Harry on a weekly Soundcloud expedition but as for the other, I knew nothing - and that was exciting as hell, would I discover something new and awesome?

Within moments of being on the stage it was apparent that Harry Brown had that 'thing', I guess you could call it presence, or charisma perhaps. There were plenty of Hiccups along the way and it was by no means a polished live performance but it lent itself well to the teeny tiny venue and was super fun! I kind of felt like I was at house party, in a random garage listening to a spontaneous jam. There were originals, both comical and serious and some spectacular covers including Britney Spears and my favourite for the night the Captain Planet theme song! Harry was down to earth and at times comically self deprecating, overall a seriously likeable guy. His EP is highly likely to feature in my collection soon.

Harry Brown

Next up were Fire and the Whistle Theory - three guitarists, a drummer and lead singer crammed onto the cosy stage. At first the vocals were lost, smothered by the instruments but after some quick adjustments by fellow musician Harry, I was suitably blown away by singer Mason. Amazing vocals- smooth but rough, bluesy but rock, spectacular range - so not what I was expecting to hear at a free local live music night! And like the previous performer this guy had 'it', scores a 10/10 for crowd interaction with me! I don't think these guys have a release yet but i'll be following them closely on Soundcloud, Unearthed and Facebook to make sure I don't miss their next move.   They have scored a main stage spot and the Red Deer Festival this year - If you are planning on going don't miss them - you'll be sorry you did.

Fire and the Whistle Theory

Only one work day left till the weekend! Yeee Haaaa! What have you got planned? I think I might head out the the Tivoli for some more live music tomorrow night (just for something different).

Happy one sleep till the weekend,

KT

{Vance - Joy to the ears}

Public Holiday eve for me was Vance Joy night! After slugging away at work for a day that felt like it might never end, I raced home, threw on my dancing shoes and trekked into the valley. I was off to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones and listen to a seriously good looking guy with the voice of an angel play some tunes from his EP God loves you when you're dancing.

A new friend of mine making a new friend in James (Aka Vance)

No doubt you've all heard of Vance Joy (James Keogh), his lovely folk tunes with pop influences have seen him go from unknown fresh talent to sell out artist almost overnight. Fans and critics alike have thus far had nothing but pure praise for this Melbourne based artist who has enjoyed support slots for Julia Stone and Of Monsters and Men as well as playing at SXSW.

Too much fun was had catching up with old mates and then meeting new ones before the gig and sadly I didn't get a chance to hear the first support act (a rarity for me!) I arrived just in time to see the second, Mosman Alder. The venue was pretty packed and we stole a sneaky vantage point standing on a chair. The music good and the band have talent but the tracks had a sameness and the band members spent more time starring at the floor than making eye contact with crowd. As a result we lasted maybe two songs before climbing down and letting the rest of the set provide the backing track to our chatter.

When it was just about time for Vance to hit the stage we quickly scrambled back up to our prime viewing position and waited.  His performance was just beautiful. This guy has an exquisite voice and is one hell of a story teller with his songs taking us all on a stirring journey of unrequited love, heartache and more. A band provided back up for some, but not all of the set and James seemed more at ease on stage alone with his guitar. I think it would be fair to say that he had everyone (or at least every woman) in the crowd captivated. 

The highlight of the night was definitely when he whipped out the ukulele to play Riptide, the crowd seemed to enjoy the whole set but this final song had them going wild! It seems that Vance Joy is the man of the moment - and I would say this is going to be one hell of a year for him! If you get a chance to see him defs don't pass it up! I'm in love!!

Happy ANZAC day and Lest we forget, 

KT

{When serious like blossoms into live music love for HKH's latest album}

Byron, sunshine, good friends and a Hungry Kids of Hungary  gig - there wasn't much room for improvement with my Saturday. I decided to bypass the Hi Fi gig and head the The Northern Hotel in Byron to see HKH this time. It's a much smaller venue and with the population of Byron and its' surrounds just a teeny bit smaller than Brisvegas, it guarantees a more comfortable and intimate gig experience.

Them Swoops hit the stage first and had already begun playing when we arrived. In short these guys were good. I certainly wasn't going to bar them from my music library, but I wasn't rushing to the merch desk to immediately add them to it either. I think I'll have to spend a bit more time getting acquainted with this band before I can pass a strong comment in either direction.

The Preatures hit the stage next. Their début track Take a Card had me impressed enough to go and see these guys live over twelve months ago and I was very impressed with their performance then, so expectations were high. Too high perhaps, overall their set was lack lustre. Aside from their two big hits they failed to engage the crowd. Why such a difference a mere twelve months later? The band set up. The female of the group performed in the lead vocal spot this time and while her voice is good, she's a bit dull and seriously lacks the charisma of her male band mate. I don't know why they made the change and can only hope it's temporary.

Finally the HKH were on! I've seen these guys live at least three times and their performance is always top notch. This was no exception. They managed to showcase their new album Like a Shadow well (and had me move from being in serious like with it to in Love with it in a jiffy!) but still played some of our old favourites  They were in touch with what their audience wanted and delivered!!

Me with a few of the Hungry (and Scary faced) Kids

I picked up their album at the end of the night and had every intention of getting it signed..... I'm not sure if it was the opportunity to have a photo with the band or the few too many beverages I consumed during the gig that distracted me but alas, I forgot! Next time perhaps.....

If you ever have the chance to see local kids HKH live jump at it! I can almost guarantee they will please with a track record of 4/4 for me!

With tomorrow being a public holiday tonight is a great opportunity to catch a gig, I'm off to see Vance Joy at Black Bear Lodge. What will you treat your ears too?

Image from here

Happy public holiday eve and giggin,

KT

{Hooray for Record Store day!}

This Saturday is Record Store Day and Jet Black Cat Music have some seriously smashing celebrations planned!

Image from here

Haven't heard of Jet Black Cat? You can find this groovy little record store on Vulture Street in West End. It's sure to be a spectacular day with in store performances from Thelma Plum, We all want to, Morning Harvey and a mystery band (ooooo surprises!! I love surprises!).

Morning Harvey - from here

Thelma Plum - from here

Just like your local RSL there will be a raffle! But I'm sure the prizes will trump the old meat tray any day. And as if that wasn't already good enough JBC promises some rad giveaways and drum roll .... CUPCAKES!

Image from here

They will be open from 9am till late! So if your Saturday is looking wide open, why not make a date with Music and head along. 

If you do please tell me all about it! I'll have to live vicariously as I've already got a hot date with some amazing music planned this weekend. Look out Hungry kids of Hungary, four seriously good looking ladies are heading to Byron Bay to spend the night with you ;)

Happy Record Store day for Saturday,

KT

{Not quite blown away by the ballet}

First of all I must apologise for my slackness over the last week, i've been so full of egg shaped chocolately goodness I have barely been able to move! But today is the first day of my chocolate detox and as a result I have been able to update this weeks toe tappin tunes and events I envy (sorry it's a week overdue). I hope you enjoy them as much as I have been enjoying choccie eggs!!

On Saturday I got all glammed up and headed along to see Cinderella the Ballet at QPAC.

We started with dinner at the Lyrebird restaurant and as always the food was to die for! Thoroughly enjoyed by all! Unfortunately I can't say the same for the ballet (for me at least). While the dancers and their physical prowess and technical skill were 10/10 I was left a little bored. In a word this performance was safe. The set, costume, characters and choreography didn't stray by even a step from the Cinderella story we all read as children.

Maybe this is what most were expecting and it was my solo desire to see something a little different that left me a bit sleepy. If you love sparkly costumes and brilliantly skilled dancers then you will love the Queensland Ballet's latest work, if you're after something different that pushes the envelope then you are best to sit this one out.

Happy Monday!

KT