{Jinja Safari Will Make You Wanna Jump! Jump!}

Ok, ok, so I know it's supposed to be Kriss Kross that make you wanna jump but Jinja Safari sure had the entire Hi Fi Bar in West End a jumpin on Friday night.

After an exhausting week of working days at my paid job and nights at Bigsound I was feeling a little flat but hopeful that my favourite live act would inspire all remaining energy to surface and get my tooties a tapping at the very least.

Support act Okenyo opened the evening. Their lead singer and namesake, Zindzi Okenyo provided some powerhouse, soulful vocals that were backed by psychedelic rock guitar, mystical synths and reggae-esk drums. They were good but after a few tracks I found their sound a little same, same and got lost in conversation with some lovely ladies (who have impeccable taste in music) that I unexpectedly ran into. The highlight was watching the truly unique and thoroughly entertaining dance moves of the guitarist.

Next was Cub Sport (formerly Cub Scouts). Their name might have changed but their music and live performance remains just the same... freaking awesome! These Brisbane sweethearts are just adorable. Their baby faced look, 90's inspired fashion, undeniable musical talent and infectious tunes had the crowd captivated.  The title track of their latest EP 'Paradise' and the song that started it all 'Evie' were stand outs.

Then it was the moment we had all been waiting for.... Jinja Safari took to the stage and they did not disappoint. The tootsies were certainly a tappin (I might have even managed a few jumps!)

The set was jammed packed full of energy and truckloads of fun! From repositioning the lead vocalist to the top of a table amongst the crowd, skilfully balancing on keyboard stands with keyboard held high above head, crowd surfing with said keyboard, seriously spectacularly sitar strumming and switching up instruments, this set had it all. The crowd went off and my energy levels improved ten fold. Jinja Safari still have a very firm grasp on the title of best live act for this music lover. It was all amazing but their cover of R. Kelly's 'Remix to Ignition' really went off. It was one big ol jar of awesomesauce!!

It was one hell of a night and the highlight of my weekend. Great food, great company and great live music! Next week is jam packed full of amazing artsy events with Brisbane Festival being in full swing. Make sure you head along over the next few weeks and catch some of the action. I'm off to see my favourite album of 2013 so far 'Not Art' by Big Scary performed live as part of the festival this Saturday night, Eeeeeee can't wait!!!

Suffering with Sundaynightitis? Why not check out next weeks events I envy and toe tappin tracks to lift your spirits!

Happy gigging,

Kt

{It's Official, I'm a TWT Groupie!}

Ok so it's no secret that there is a special place in my heart for Brisbane band The Trouble With Templeton. I've seen them play twice already and when the chance to head along to last weekends gig at The Zoo came up, I jumped at it.

I got to the venue not along after doors opened to see the band members along with other Brisbane music greats mingling with the slowly building crowd. A beer later and openers for the night and Triple J Unearthed High finalists Vancouver Sleep Clinic took to the stage. I was sitting when they started so they were heard before they were seen. The information my ears were getting did not compute with what my peepers eventually were seeing!

This band who have been compared to Bon Iver, have a mature and developed sound, like they have been at this for years and live they did not falter. When my eyes rose to the stage I was met with the image of five pre pubescent lads... I guess they are still in high school after all. They were amazing, angelic vocals, beautiful instrumentation and undulating synths, heaven to the ears and soul. I can only imagine what great things are yet to come from these lads. Haven't heard them? Have a listen now! https://soundcloud.com/vancouversleepclinic/vapour You won't regret it!

I'm writing this a whole week post gig (and the addition of tap king Lionel to my household) and as a result I can't actually recall who the second support act was... sorry, my bad. They were good, not bad but obviously didn't leave a lasting impression....maybe I was sooo excited for the TWT that I couldn't focus?

And then it was time for my favs to hit the stage! This was the best performance I have seen from them, they seemed at home playing in the Zoo and had the support of many - the gig was a sellout.

They started with well known track 'Six months in a Cast' and the crowd were singing their little hearts out in time with this rocking track. The set was over all to soon and as If I had some kind of unseen connection with Tom himself (I'd like to think we have a connection, he might disagree), they saved my favourite song off their album 'Rookie' till last. Keep and eye out for the release of single 'Lint' and see for yourself why I love this track so much!

It's a big week ahead for the Brisbane live music scene with Bigsound kicking off on Tuesday and you guessed it the TWT are playing!  They are keeping in good company with oodles of great acts joining the line up. Looking for something to do midweek? Come along and say hi, I'll be issuing wrist bands to all the lucky punters!

Happy Bigsound week, Gig on!

Kt