JUNTO @the eXcelsior
How many times have i been to the eXcelsior now? i'd say it must be quite a few, and for quite different artists too. First off i bought a beer, something i don't usually do, while i waited for the first band to come on. Which wasn't that long after.
First band up was Laced, who i had neither seen nor heard of before, were very impressive and i won't be forgetting them anytime soon. A wonderful double vocal and guitar combination from the two frontwomen who compliment eachother very well in both their vocals and guitar playing. The male rhythm section didn't go unnoticed either, with some funky bass lines and tight drumming. There was plenty of cheerful friendly banter from the singers between songs about their songs and thanking the surprisingly high turn out for that time of the night (although most people were sitting down, the fact that they were there suggested many had come especially for Laced). Apparently, one singer wanted to call a new song they'd written "let me on"(?sorry, i can't remember) and the other one wanted it called "spiral" and there was a little discussion on this. Personally, i preferred the former over the latter as it was in the chorus whereas the latter was one of many words in the first verse. i'm not sure how i would describe the music style. On some songs, one of the girls played acoustic guitar and i suppose some of the songs might be definable as ballads. While other songs were much more rock, but very accessible and non-aggressive. Very strong lyrics, conveying a range of views and emotions. One song was called "I Don't Love You", which the singers joked was because they didn't love us (the audience). All in all, it was a good set and many didn't want it to end, requesting more but set time allocations didn't allow for that.
Next on was two-piece band, The Young Turbulence, who it was a pleasure to see again. Dom, the vocalist, has a strong and amazing voice and she also played clarinet in a song or two. She radiates a very friendly charisma and personality. Soft and melodic and not at all rock, the duo still received a very warm applause from the audience at the end of each song, which Dom gave many thanks for.
Breathing New Life. This's the second time i've seen them, this time they've got a new bass player (who looks a bit like a hippy, mind you, i used to look like that too). The drummer cracked me up with all the faces he pulled as he played and i had to keep from looking at him at times to stop myself from bursting out with laughter. Reminded me of the unusual faces Lars Ulrich pulls when he plays, but even more exaggerated and animated. Met him afterwards, he seems like a nice guy (the BNL drummer that is, not Lars).
Junto. Energy. Stage Presence. Impressive delivery. Much improved over the last year and a bit since the last time i saw them (and they were great then too). Very much looking forward to see how they go on the Metro Theatre's main stage supporting Cog.
http://www.junto.com.au/