Sydney outfit The Red Sun Band returned for their first gig in Adelaide since 2004 to an intimate crowd at The Jade Monkey. Fairy lights, chandeliers and candles created a quaint atmosphere for the band sometimes described as ‘dream pop.’ This was one of the most polite Adelaide crowds I have seen for a while, with the crowd glued to the performances, refraining from talking until breaks in sets.
First support act was Sianna Lee from Love Outside Andromeda performing a solo set. Sianna took to the stage in black leotard, glittery white leggings and electric guitar, immediately grasping the audience’s attention. The half-hour set included angst-filled ballads and deep emotional storytelling from the now solo performer. Near the end of the set, Sianna introduced a shy Adelaide drummer by the name of Lara, to accompany her for a few songs that had not been played previously in the Australian tour including Phoenix Propeller.
Local Adelaide band Fire! Santa Rosa Fire! woke up the polite crowd and demanded them to party with them. The opening to their set was incredible, beginning with lead singer Dave playing a melody on electric guitar and then gradually the rest of the band joining in. The first track felt like a whole set showcasing every member of the band and different styles form electronic to indie rock. I have seen this band play only once before over a year ago, and they have grown into an impressive talented and professional band. Their energy and enjoyment was infectious and the crowd started to dance to their electronic-indie/rock sound. The driving force for the band were Art with his energetic tamborine and keyboard playing, matched with Dave’s dance-like guitar playing. One of the many highlights was old favourite I’m Here Where Are You, a song that they had just written that day, and ending the set with an audience participation number.
The Red Sun Band began their hour-long set quite simply. Minimal banter and a quiet start to their set created a distinct contrast to the energetic Fire! Santa Rosa Fire! who performed just prior. I don’t think this did them any favours as much of the crowd seemed to get chatty and a bit disruptive for the first time in the night. In Adelaide at the end of an Australian tour promoting new album The Shiralee, Lead singer Sarah Kelly’s vocals were superb and the harmonies from all 3 band members were beautiful. Ghosts from the Like An Arrow EP was a standout performance. The song highlighted each member of the band and the tempo changes were smooth and helped showcase the brilliant song-writing. Jasper Fenton on drums and backing vocals was the highlight, the thumping bass drum and intricate beats used were an asset to their performance. The crowd clearly loved when the set became more rock with Jasper’s thumping bass drum. Recent hit singles Like An Arrow and The Eagle finished the night off to much delight from the fans.
