Speedstar -- The Zoo
Speedstar - The Zoo
Friday, September 24, 2004
I went to this gig mainly to see the Boaties again - I really couldn't say I'd ever heard a Speedstar song before this.
Guy Webster kicks off the evening's proceedings though and gives an awesome performance in front of a nearly empty room. I swear there was maybe 50 people at most in the Zoo early on.
It's a shame that there's so few people around, because Guy rises above the small audience and performs a wonderful solo set.
In particular, his first song is a standout - an a capella tune where he lets his arms hang by his side and fills the Zoo with his sweet voice.
Guy is definitely one of the most underrated performers on the local rounds in Brisbane.
The room has filled considerably by the time The Boat People hit the stage.
Their sound has improved since the last time I heard them - a private gig at the Troubadour for some friends. They seem more together, and march rapidly and professionally through their set.
The set is very similar to the last time I heard them. On the upside, I'm really growing to like the B-side 'Quiet nights and cups of tea' in particular.
The set includes a couple of oldies from Squeaky Clean as well as 'Piece into a Part' and 'Arms Length'. They round out with a polished rendition of their new single Tell someone who Cares'.
Drummer Tony Garret is nothing but smiles. Looks like the Boaties are one big happy family again.
As the Boaties depart the stage, I wander off for a whilde to enjoy some hot chips at Rics'. By the time I return, headliners Speedstar are already well into their set.
Unfortunately, I've returned to a really shit cover of the Smiths 'There is a light that never goes out'. I am less than impressed.
It takes me half the set to get over my irritation.
To be honest, though, vocalist Alister Bell is struggles through the set with a serious bout of throatitis. A jar sitting on an amp behind him that he grabs fingerfuls of honey between songs is strong evidence that he's not having the best night ever belting it out.
Not that anyone else seems concerned. They're having a truly rocking time to this Bris Vegan six piece. Dancing, clapping, cheering and whistling.
This might be the Unbreakable tour, but tonight Speedstar seem a tad broken down to me. Better luck next time, perhaps.
Friday, September 24, 2004
I went to this gig mainly to see the Boaties again - I really couldn't say I'd ever heard a Speedstar song before this.
Guy Webster kicks off the evening's proceedings though and gives an awesome performance in front of a nearly empty room. I swear there was maybe 50 people at most in the Zoo early on.
It's a shame that there's so few people around, because Guy rises above the small audience and performs a wonderful solo set.
In particular, his first song is a standout - an a capella tune where he lets his arms hang by his side and fills the Zoo with his sweet voice.
Guy is definitely one of the most underrated performers on the local rounds in Brisbane.
The room has filled considerably by the time The Boat People hit the stage.
Their sound has improved since the last time I heard them - a private gig at the Troubadour for some friends. They seem more together, and march rapidly and professionally through their set.
The set is very similar to the last time I heard them. On the upside, I'm really growing to like the B-side 'Quiet nights and cups of tea' in particular.
The set includes a couple of oldies from Squeaky Clean as well as 'Piece into a Part' and 'Arms Length'. They round out with a polished rendition of their new single Tell someone who Cares'.
Drummer Tony Garret is nothing but smiles. Looks like the Boaties are one big happy family again.
As the Boaties depart the stage, I wander off for a whilde to enjoy some hot chips at Rics'. By the time I return, headliners Speedstar are already well into their set.
Unfortunately, I've returned to a really shit cover of the Smiths 'There is a light that never goes out'. I am less than impressed.
It takes me half the set to get over my irritation.
To be honest, though, vocalist Alister Bell is struggles through the set with a serious bout of throatitis. A jar sitting on an amp behind him that he grabs fingerfuls of honey between songs is strong evidence that he's not having the best night ever belting it out.
Not that anyone else seems concerned. They're having a truly rocking time to this Bris Vegan six piece. Dancing, clapping, cheering and whistling.
This might be the Unbreakable tour, but tonight Speedstar seem a tad broken down to me. Better luck next time, perhaps.