2 posts tagged “gig”
However, wild horses would not have kept me from the launch of Even's eponomously titled latest release - at the East Brunswick Club (not a bad venue, but suffers from too few bar staff, as did the Spanish Club).
EVEN is typical Even, with their many influences very obvious. Bowie, Stones, Faces and perhaps also a bit of glam in places (T-Rex anyone?) However, I'd have to say that more than anything, this sounds like Even. Now before you say "Well... DERR!" let me explain. In all but two of the tracks, I can see that each song could easily exist on a previous release of theirs. 'Only One', with it's far-more-complex-than-it-sounds riffs could easily have been from In Stereo. 'Rainbows' from Less is More. 'Keep on Burning' from Free Kicks. I could go on, but I won't. I'm just guessing that Wayne Connolly (engineer and co-producer with Even) is a bit of a fan, as you really do hear echoes of 'them', in this recording.
And, I'm guessing they know it too. For the launch, Ash announced that it "Will be a performance in thirds, 6-6-6. Six new, six new, and six of our older songs, if you behave yourselves". Following the first six, Anton [missed his surname] lent a second guitar to the rest of the CD's track. But, the final six chronologically went through each of their previous main releases, with a track from each. The whole gig really did sound like one big cohesive unit.
So - but the CD (at chaos, cheap, and signed!), see them live, or miss out on three guys who remain one of Australia's best bands.
Alas, another great venue disappears from Melbourne. The Spanish Club is exactly that - a club for Spanish people. But about 2 years ago they opened their doors to Melbourne's rock (and comedy and other) favourites. It is an awesome venue with a good array of beers (from Carlton on tap through Coopers to expensive Spanish imports), a great sized room and a good stage height.
However, it appears that the members want their club back. Well... it is theirs, so I s'pose that's their prerogative. It does, however, mean that there is again one less place to go see a good band.
We managed to call in the last minute baby-sitter (thanks Nanna) and say farewell to this venue in style, by attending Even's last gig there. I think the first gig I saw there was Even too, so there was a certain symmetry.
I am somewhat concerned for Melbourne. I still wince when I walk past what was the Punter's Club. As has been very well publicised, the Palace has now gone (so many great gigs there - Femmes, H&C, JSBX - and ones I missed like Soundgarden and Nirvana!) and the plan is for a venue to be built in the 'golden triangle' area, but I doubt it'll be any decent size.
The way I see it, we'll always have the venues for huge stadium gigs (Melbourne being such a sporting capital) so the big commercial successes can come and charge $45 for a T-shirt. The next level down from that we have the superb Forum, the almost-as-good HiFi Bar and the rediscovered Metro. (And why the Bull Ring still lays idle I'll never understand - it was never my cup of tea there, but it's a great room!) But beneath that, we jump straight to pretty-small pubs - Northcote Social Club and The Tote being personal faves. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving the smaller gig - but sometimes they sell out too early.
A little (Spanish) bird tells me that there may still be some use of the Spanish Club for gigs - but my gut tells me that with other people doing the bookings, they probably aren't going to be the ones I'd like to attend.
Anywayz - here's Even saying goodbye with their obligatory encore cover - this time The Stones, via dodgy phone recording...
(Oh... and I didn't mention Festival Hall. Perhaps that was my subconscious in action - MAN I hate that place!)
My Groups
-
Love where you live Updated: 1 hour ago
-
Indie Pop Updated: 4 hours ago
-
Cycling Updated: 2 days ago
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
