Jack Ladder, Kid Sam, Kirin @The Front, Canberra(11/07/2009)

Mon 13th Jul, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Small space, big sound is how you could describe The Front’s atmosphere Saturday night. With experimental artist Kirin, indie twosome Kid Sam and blues man Jack Ladder on the cards it was a night of class acts and if you weren’t there – it sucks to be you…

No matter how early you turn up you’ll never get a seat at The Front let’s be honest. Not that it matters, wherever you’ve found a spot you’re within arms length of the band anyway (and for some poor guy’s head that was within swinging distance of Kirin’s guitar), it’s the closest thing you can get to a concert in your lounge.

Kirin (aka Kirin J. Callinan) emerged in a midriff-baring shirt layered over suspenders apologising to a few girls nearby for his new black jeans (and the inevitable plumber’s crack). Well-known as the lead guitarist for Mercy Arms (rumoured on permanent hiatus) and now guitarist for Jack Ladder among other projects, the flamboyant artist is beginning to make a name for himself for his unique sounds and visual performances. Kirin is surrounded by twelve effects pedals and wails, howls and barks through his songs making The Front’s copper pipes rattle and the uninitiated jump. Opening with Mines, Tonight he draws you in with his dreamy guitar, dark lament and baritone cries, then BAM his bark and guitar’s distortion punches you in the face.

Through the nine tracks Kirin is animated, his style instantly drawing comparisons to Iggy Pop. He tap dances through the pedals, sways and marches on the spot, bobs to his break beats and bares his teeth with guitar in tow. Apology Accepted was a standout and Love Delay a highlight of the night with Kirin the one-man-band on show as he tweaks the pedals, strums, sings and furiously drums, collapsing against the wall to the crowd’s cheers. Keep your ears and eyes peeled for Kirin, more than just a musician he’s an artist that truly wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s no wonder he’s been called Sydney’s wildest young performer.

By this stage the crowd has slowly grown and we’re now packed in like sardines.

Kid Sam, the cousins (Kieran and Kishore Ryan) from Melbourne take to the floor. Playing tracks off their self-titled debut album including We’re Mostly Made of Water, Landslide and Close Your Eyes and It All Goes Black it’s hard to believe they’re just two guys, a guitar and a drum kit. Kieran’s vocals are understated and relaxed yet command attention, with some drawing a likeness to Thom Yorke and Paul Dempsey. Kishore’s drumming is thoughtful and intense with what looked to be a metal bucket and even the melodica making an appearance. It didn’t matter if you could see them, as long as you could hear them – there’s something about their sound that makes you want to close your eyes and feel, with those around me doing just that. After blowing the crowd away with their set Kieran barely made it off his post before being harassed for a CD by new-found fans. If you haven’t heard Kid Sam yet, do yourself a favour and check ‘em out.

Who were we here to see again? Ah, that’s right Jack Ladder. Even though we’re packed in like sardines the crowd still manages to grow even filtering into the adjoining gallery. Yet to be a household name, but by no means new on the scene, armed with his deep voice, Sydney’s Jack Ladder (aka Tim Rogers – yes you heard me and no, not that one), is on his first national headline tour with second album Love Is Gone in tow. With clear American blues and alternative-country influences Jack Ladder is young and his sound is somehow aged. Like a veteran performer he’s smooth and commanding (he’s also really tall!).

Small space, big sound, three of Australia’s brightest young things for fifteen bones? Who says Canberra always misses out?