Mia Dyson @ HiFi Bar,Melbourne (23/06/2007)

Thu 28th Jun, 2007 in Gig Reviews

After witnessing a refreshing, but topsy-turvy mixed down Epicure support just prior to Mia Dyson hitting the stage, I stopped to reflect the reasoning behind why the support acts are generally mixed at lower and weirder levels. Surely the main attraction has nothing to worry about – if they are last on the bill it’s for a reason as they’re the ones with the point to prove. So give the supports equal sound clarity opportunities and keep the fight fair.

Anyway, Epicure fought well against their sound adversities and introduced a new lead guitarist, ex – Cloher axeman Michael Hubbard , to the fold with the boys belting out some new country/rock tinged material to full swaggering effect.

Mia Dyson hit the stage hard with an unbelievable mix and played her heart out with a high flying band Wayne Freer (bass) and Angus Diggs (drums) in full support of her. Matt Walker was a notable inclusion to the live set up and moved between guitars while back-up-vocals helped accentuate the smoked flavour of Dyson’s calling.

Playing material from records, Cold Water and Parking Lots , Dyson introduced new material from her forthcoming third album _Struck Down _ . It sounded like a mix between Pat Benatar , Bonnie Raitt and Suzie Quatro as she eased her stories out into the open spaces of the HiFi Bar.

Dyson comes across as more Americana than rural Victorian through both her musical style and her stage presence and allure. Dyson played lap steel, baritone, slide and acoustic guitar. She put the band through their paces with the new songs as she moved confidently from one side of the stage to the other; engaging with her audience with a good deal of positive banter.

Highlights on the night included ‘Lonely’ and ‘Sweet Struggle’ from Dyson’s debut Cold Water with ‘Roll Me Out’ and ‘Parking Lots’ came up smelling like roses from her sophomore release. The Dyson star continues to shine bright and with the third album due out in August 2007, fans and critics alike only have to wait a short time to embrace further musical goodness. Overall, Dyson’s performance was a commanding one.