BIGSOUND: Must see acts of 2014
Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on September 1, 2014
BIGSOUND Live is just around the corner, and with an almost overwhelming array of acts to choose from, Scenewavers Emma and Andrew thought they’d give you a bit of a hand in who you definitely cannot miss this year! Check it out!
Andrew’s top 5:
Rolls Bayce (Wednesday 8-8.30 @ The Zoo)
Hungry Kids of Hungary have been sated, but vocalist and guitarist Dean McGrath has by no means had his fill. His new venture, Rolls Bayce, recently released their debut single, Don’t Get Me Wrong, which was immediately added to high rotation by triple j. Fans of McGrath’s former band will enjoy the similarities in Rolls Bayce’s sound, which is different enough not to be traversing the same territory at Hungry Kids, but which is pleasingly reminiscent of their seminal success. Celebrating a recently departed icon of the Brisbane music scene, while embracing its present exponents, is the perfect way to kick off BIGSOUND 2014.
Little Odessa (Wednesday 9:10-9:40 @ The Elephant Hotel)
Some say rock ‘n’ roll is dead. Others believe it’s in hiding, whacked on cocaine and in the depths of a mid-life crisis. My opinion is that rock ‘n’ roll is in Brisbane, embodied by local four-piece Little Odessa. These guys thoroughly rattled the Jack Daniels Barrel House at Falls Festival over the New Year. Even though the crowd was relatively meagre, their hour-long set was brimming with enthusiasm and charm, due largely to the inimitable charisma of frontman Marlon Hickey. Their song All Night is an absolute ripper, and even better live.
Lime Cordiale (Wednesday 9:40-10:10 @ The Zoo)
I’m a sucker for a horn section. So, when Sydney’s Lime Cordiale get on stage with their trombone, and possibly a baritone sax for good measure, I’m going to be pretty damn excited. Their 2013 EP, Falling Up The Stairs, saw them building upon their repertoire of tunes that are eclectic, often jazzy, occasionally nonsensical, but always fun. It was a resounding success, so much so that they’ve spent the best part of the last year travelling the world. The Americans, in particular, have embraced them, with the band touring extensively through the States, including an appearance at the beloved SXSW Music Conference in March. New material is on the way, and we’re thrilled to have them back on home soil.
SAFIA (Thursday 9:50-10:20 @ inthemix Stage at Woolly Mammoth)
In the wake of their breakthrough single, Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues, Canberra trio SAFIA have been garnering widespread attention. Their gorgeous blend of electro, R&B and indie pop hits all the right buttons. Vocalist Ben Woolner is an immensely talented guy, weaving infectious melodies into beats that are crisp and delicate, yet full and bass-driven. The lads’ latest single, Paranoia, Ghosts & Other Sounds is something of a masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
Client Liaison (Thursday 11:30-12 @ triple j Unearthed stage at Oh Hello!)
‘International flavour, cosmopolitan in style’: there’s really no better way to round off your BIGSOUND than with a journey back in time with Client Liaison. The Melbourne duo produce a delightful brand of turn-of-the-‘90s synth pop and nu-disco, and have cultivated a persona to match. Their nostalgic attire, frontman Monte Morgan’s luscious mane, even their enigmatic blog – all of it is perfectly coordinated to portray Client Liaison as a slice of early ‘90s Australia. I last saw them in May, in a performance that involved a transparent mesh shirt, synchronised dancing and Morgan wandering through a captivated crowd. I’ve seen a lot of amazing live bands this year, but none have left a more unique impression than Client Liaison. See them weave their magic at BIGSOUND this year and you’ll understand.
Emma’s top 5:
Seekae (Wednesday 11:40-12:10 @ Rdio Presents Future Classic & Transgressive Stage at The Rev)
London-via-Sydney electronic legends, nearing veteran status, Seekae are about to drop their hugely anticipated third LP through Future Classic, The Worry. Never ones to stay the same, the game changing group have been hard at work making a name for themselves around the world, and, after a string of shows around the nation, and featuring Alex Cameron on vocals (a new facet for the group), they are a serious force to be reckoned with.
Nicholas Allbrook (Thursday 8:00-8:30 @ The Underdog)
Nicholas Allbrook is like the gift that keeps on giving. POND fronthuman, founding member of Mink Mussel Creek, ex-Tame Impala bass-player, one half of Allbrook/Avery, drummer with Peter Bibby – the list goes on! Now, ready your ear holes for the next chapter of this incredibly talented legend, with his own solo album set to be released through Spinning Top Records in the later part of this year.
Indian Summer (10:40-11:10 @ inthemix Stage at Woolly Mammoth)
One of the absolute highlights of Splendour in the Grass this year, Indian Summer has been going from strength to strength. The duo have garnered support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, as well as being named in Mixmag UK’s Top Five Australian Producers. With their incredibly energetic live sets, these guys have made a name for themselves as one of the hottest acts to come out of Australia this year!
DMA’s (Wednesday 10:30-11:00 @ JBL Live Stage at The Brightside)
If you haven’t seen these guys yet, you need to get out more. One of 2014’s hottest acts, their debut single Delete has been making waves all over the place, and has collected accolades from some of music’s most prestigious publications (NME, Rolling Stone). Fresh off a packed out Splendour set and a sold out headline tour, these guys are really turning heads and will no doubt pack out the BIGSOUND stage as well!
Orphans Orphans (Wednesday 8:50-9:20 @ Alhambra Lounge)
Starting off as a “home for orphaned songs”, newly formed Brisbane super group Orphans Orphans is just about one of the coolest bands I’ve heard in a very long time. Comprised of members from The Jungle Giants, The Belligerents, Moses Gunn Collective and Morning Harvey, their debut single Orphan is a formidable first taste of this band on the cusp of really breaking through.
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