The ‘Coopers Alive Live Music Showcase’ is set to be a boon for local bands starved of funding and publicity. Organisers were intelligent enough to separate the event categorically with the Jade Monkey hosting the alternative and ‘post rock’ showcase. Perhaps the night belonged to the first act, local alt rock Lumonics who began proceedings with an edgier sound generated through noticeably textured percussive grooves. Whilst perhaps not kicking off to the best start song and mix wise, the dark rock mood flavoured by 80’s and early 90’s stylisms quickly set in. The emotions of the songs are brought out through strong build ups and punchy arrangements. The contrasting styles of vocalists Alex and Cosi carry respectively baritone and bitter characteristics which work equally well. Potential singles like Beggers Choices leap out of the set as a perfect first single whilst Oxygen is an obvious unit seller. Drummer Marge’s occasional harmonies and counter-melodies are fantastic, whilst guitarist Adrian’s lead work is subtle and measured, seeping in and out of the band’s tight framework beautifully. His warm tone and well placed licks are a definitive high point in a band with rising credibility in the Adelaide rock circuit. ’
Sibling led outfit Brother Sister are primarily an art rock quartet, featuring frequent cello use, although a violinist assisted in some songs at the Jade performance. The male vocals are soft and character driven and meld soft alternative rock with a modern folk feel. The female vocals feature a classical delivery with an enchanting, soothing emphasis reminiscent of historical lullabies. The structure of the music is refreshing in the way the classically driven vocals and cello and the keys contrast with the progressive rhythm textures. Ryan Mano’s drumming for this outfit is exceptional, especially in slower, more emotive parts. Occasionally, his percussive runs even add a sort of trip hop element to the sound. In fact, the rhythm section of Brother Sister as a whole is exceptional and perhaps the best in Adelaide. The bass is subtle and beautifully weighted for the style of music, which is certainly no mean feat, given both the percussive complexity and the classical frameworks. Whilst Brother Sister are a very polished outfit with a strong emotional drive, and interesting classical elements, some parts of their set lag at times. More dynamic interval progression in the arrangements are all that stand between this outfit and greater national acclaim.
Mr Wednesday headlined the off the Coopers Alive alternative session, which was no surprise given their status in the music community. However, compared to their brilliant Edinburgh Castle performance for the Add-Delay launch, this set was not nearly a powerful. They sailed in with beautiful shimmering sounds, with smooth bass interjections. Moon’s vocals for Mr Wednesday are always powerful and emotive and this set was no exception, with the silky flow of his vocals enhanced by a slightly husky edge. However, in this gig Eamon’s guitar and Lachlan’s bass work didn’t feel like it had the chemistry of previous sets. Parts almost sounded out of tune and the arrangements between the guitars and the synth didn’t feel quite as tight, on this occasion. There were times where a heavier bass resonance was needed to fill out the songs. At other gig’s Eamon’s guitar work has been the highlight and whilst still good this time round, it didn’t shine though as much.
The high points of the set were the dramatic transitions from silence to the louder fuller moments. Mano’s drumming was great in parts but the snare had a more cutting mix sound compared to his Brother Sister set. The string section made up by the violin and cello shone through in the more lush arrangements as did the use of pizzicato plucking on the violin. The best moment of the set was the song before the encore, taken from Gardens Where Parties Grow. At its best the performance was a beautiful haze of overlapping sonic shades and textures. There was also enough variety in the set to keep up crowd momentum and interest. However with the type of progressive sound Mr Wednesday aspire towards, all the elements in the tapestry need to work well. The performance certainly was still very strong in parts, but overall, the act didn’t live up to its own lofty standards.
