Next Big Thing Semi Final 2 @The Rosemount Hotel (18/07/09)

Thu 23rd Jul, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Opening to a roll call by MC Justin, the absence or thunderous cheers during the reading out of appearing band names clarified who and who wasn’t present at the outset.

The first thought when seeing King George take their positions on stage was – œholy shit how old are these kids’?! The band comprised of emerging musicians Jordi Davieson, guitar and vocals, Josh Biondillo, guitar, vocals and harmonica, Nick Gardner on bass and Scarlett Stevens from The Flairz on drums.

They produced a sweet sound with Davieson delivering a strong vocal from his adolescent frame. Playing in an alt-country rock style their blossoming onstage confidence and conviction in their musical ability was evidenced in a track written by Biondillo, Spangled Streets.

Turning to the second act a Mac book positioned on music stand and the shortest leopard print ‘dress’ drew in an up close fan following. Tantrixx issued in some female rap, electro noises courtesy of the lap top and a rock music backing band. Lead singer Tanaya Ti’En was sexually aggressive with veins budging from her neck as she yelled and cooed Daddy.

As the songs rolled right into each other the set could have done with live synth and there seemed no reason as to why the tracks wouldn’t work as a live dj set or live band at a hard dance electro festival. The limited vocal range of Ti’En reduced the quality but with the genre lacking on the local scene they could gain a wider audience.

The only hip hop group remaining in the competition made a grand entry to the stage by means of an instrumental build up loaded with bass. The female singer and male rapper made special entry from the crowd for their opening number. Calling out “who’s here to see Rhapcity?” the crowd screamed the affirmative.

The whole band was exerting effort and energy as the vocalists worked the crowd and their guitarist showed more of a rock influence as he nailed escalating guitar licks. The 6 piece kept the crowd bouncing on bent knees and their last number Real Hip-Hop with the chant of “hip-hop hip-hop” had the loyal crowd getting involved.

Tracksuit were next up and following two of the most energetic bands and crowds of the competition made rock and roll sound daggy.

Their second song began with some really incomprehensible spoken lyrics and mid-way through front man Steve hoped down on the floor to boogie with crowd and was successful at drawing some in for a closer look. Nothing Left To Lose had a good 12 bar blues base that is until bass guitarist Andres jumped off stage mid song and intimidated young women with a brolga stalking style of dance.

When The Kuillotines arrived they seemed very different to their rousing performance at The Rocket Room that had given them a birth in the finals. Punk rock had got a haircut.

Beat Rolls On opened the set and while their lead vocalist was in the depths of concentration and showing little passion the bass and guitar players were giving it their all. Out of their depth many of the tracks started messily, recovering during the chorus and pure instrumentals. Realising professionalism is needed to propel them further it seemed like now was the time to grow out of or into grunge, with a contrast in material required.

Mister & Sunbird carefully carried their plethora of instruments and hats to the stage to perform their own blend of party music and infectious bayou rhythms.

A bearded wacko in the crowd was loving it and made it known to the band while the mad and excitable were gypsy dancing, doing the limbo under scarves and even the die-hard Rhapcity fans were doing a doe-si-do. Making the tenor scream like a hell cat on coals Lush Like You was the feature track with the gritty vocals calling on the crowd to let loose.

Rachel and Henry Climb A Hill could have been better served with clearer articulation as their folk/reggae blend went over the heads of many present who could not decipher the speedily sung lines. Whisperings that Rachel Gorman does a first-rate Irish folk tune did make many hunger for more and hope to see some diversity in her upcoming sets.

As Gorman bounced around stage enjoying the light the melodic made an appearance with a musical quiz to introduce it. The harmonies of the vocals had a lovely singing in a round formation and on this occasion both Gorman’s male counterparts took time up the front showing what a multi talented group they are.

The final verdict was like comparing apples and oranges. Could the crowd favorites win out over the musically gifted or experienced performers? This reviewer thought the following bands were worthy of a final place: Rhapcity, Rachel and Henry Climb A Hill and Mister & Sunbird.

The Official Result – Mister & Sunbird, The Kuillotines