{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