The Autumn Isles @ Amplifier,Perth (27/11/10)

Fri 3rd Dec, 2010 in Gig Reviews

The Autumn Isles launched their new single Mystery to Hide off their anxiously awaited album Kaleidoscopes on Saturday at Amplifier Bar, with special guests, Boys Boys Boys, garage psychedelic rocksters – Sonpsilo Circus and the enigmatic James Teague. The support acts provided a professional and fun performance and were well suited to the night’s vibe.

Final support, Boys Boys Boys, with the three girls taking up most of the spotlight, had all excited with their non-stop electro-pop and amazing synchronised dance moves. All members appeared to be having the time of their lives, which was quickly reciprocated by the crowd. Performing earlier that day at the Beaufort St festival in the blazing heat had not affected their evening performance. They appeared as lycra clad Wonder Women and considering they gave two amazing shows in one day, they probably are. The band were also blessed by a small group of worshipping males, dancing around at the front of the stage, screaming “We love you!” With the occasional chest and nipple flash. (Err yes…if a girl did that it would perhaps be slightly inappropriate, but the gents got away with it)

Finally, The Autumn Isles launch into their magical musical mystery tour for the evening – beginning with It’s Been A While. The song immediately captures and embraces you, making you feel the need to dance and swing and sway as the tune takes you over. And thus, the crowd danced. Either solo or swanning around in couples or small groups, everybody was enjoying the ride. As with all Autumn Isles songs, this one is extremely catchy and easy to interact with. The lyrics seem to mimic the sounds in the music and the band’s indie/ pop/ rock/ psychedelic style is unleashed with graceful force.

The skilled brass duo of Pete Juncken (Trombone) and Eliott Brannen (Trumpet) appeared during the first song and then later throughout.
Daniel Silvestri’s intense lead joined with the talented Alex Arpino’s guitar and soulful/smooth vocals to provide an incredible blend of music and song. It is somewhat rare these days to find beautiful and profound lyrics being written as well as being able to hear them when they are performed. Congratulations to the lyrical writers, vocalists, other band members and the audio engineers to making sure the balance of vocals and instruments were in perfection.

The mystery is unleashed with their second song Mystery to Hide the single launched on this fantastic eve. A beautiful piece with a more whimsical style to some of the others. Every instrument and vocal works in complete balance and harmony creating emphasis in rhythm when required, to provide substance and originality of style. The lyrics are profound and sung with soul. Both lead vocals Arpino and backing vocals by Tenille Bamford and Silvestri harmonise angelically in this song. An amazing keyboard solo by Bamford

Beautiful Pantomime was a crowd favourite, an amazing song reinforcing the psychedelic, pop, folk/rock sound. A time-warp contrasting psychedelic keys by Bamford with some stand out folk/rock by lead guitar by Silvestri.

Murky Water Was another of the band’s finest, but it was quite hard to choose, each song holding complete creative integrity. The skilled percussion and drumming created by Russel Loasby also continued throughout every song. His drumming prowess shining specifically during Just Like the Others in its drum breakdown. He never missed a beat and added the extra substance and power to make the band complete.

Every song lead us further into the intrigue of what could come next, the crowd found it impossible to stand still, dancing and swaying with appreciation.

It was so uplifting to see a band play in which every single instrument and note or beat played was integral to the puzzle being completed. You could sense the late 60’s/70’s influences within the music but without the cliché, The Autumn Isles provide such an authentic sound with an original yet reminiscent feel that you just cant help but immerse yourself in.