A sold-out Gov on a Saturday night was the scene that was in store for Melbourne rock act Something for Kate and their support Courtney Barnett for the Adelaide leg of the Star-Crossed Cities tour. It just so happened that lead singer Paul Dempsey was celebrating his birthday that night also, so expectations were high for a gig to be remembered fondly.
It was up to Melbourne's indie pop songstress Courtney Barnett and her band (the Courtney Barnetts, true!) to get the night underway, which they did quite admirably. Her band included the standard drums, lead and bass with Courtney herself on rhythm (she played it left-hand). Their set lasted 45 minutes, which was certainly time well-spent, as each slow-burning song was played right out to the end. Her laid-back, world-weary vocals were well matched with the music, which at times invoked memories of Nirvana (Polly) and Bowie (The Jean Genie). Having driven over from Melbourne on the day, only to drive back again the next day, I bought their EP to help with petrol money, as Paul was to later ask of us. Apparently there's a new EP due out soon which will feature History's Eraser, their new single that's been played on the J's of late.
It was up to Melbourne's indie pop songstress Courtney Barnett and her band (the Courtney Barnetts, true!) to get the night underway, which they did quite admirably. Her band included the standard drums, lead and bass with Courtney herself on rhythm (she played it left-hand). Their set lasted 45 minutes, which was certainly time well-spent, as each slow-burning song was played right out to the end. Her laid-back, world-weary vocals were well matched with the music, which at times invoked memories of Nirvana (Polly) and Bowie (The Jean Genie). Having driven over from Melbourne on the day, only to drive back again the next day, I bought their EP to help with petrol money, as Paul was to later ask of us. Apparently there's a new EP due out soon which will feature History's Eraser, their new single that's been played on the J's of late.
After a little bit longer break than normal, the owner of one of the best instruments (Paul's voice) in Australian music and his band Something for Kate made their way on to stage for Paul's birthday show. For just over 100 minutes we were treated to an inspired Paul in fine voice, ably supported by Stephanie (bass), Clint (drums) and for one night only Pip Branson (guitar, violin), straight off a plane from the UK. Starting with a song off their 1997 debut album, Captain (Million Miles An Hour), the punters were primed from the outset. The acoustic numbers Paul did on his own were highlights, especially Asleep At The Wheel. Other notables included a couple of my favourites from years gone by, Monsters and Cigarettes And Suitcases. Songs off their most recent album Leave Your Soul To Science were also great, especially Survival Expert. In all honesty though, I'd walk 10 miles in the driving rain to hear this bloke sing Mary Had A Little Lamb!
After Pip got the crowd to sing Happy Birthday "to one of the real gentlemen in music", and there was cake and Cooper's Pale, they launched in to a real party song: Rock The Casbah, which they'd done for Like A Version some years ago, and were obviously still quite familiar with (notwithstanding Pip trying to give us another "Sharif don't like it" where it wasn't required!). Paul came out on his own initially for the encore giving us another cracking acoustic tune: Truly, then was joined by the rest of the band and finished off with Pinstripe, to close as Paul suggested, a truly "wonderful evening". Very well played by all, and a damned fine way to spend your birthday, I’d suggest. Absolutely brilliant gig.
Review by Paul Chivell
Photos by Melissa Donato. Full gallery can be seen here
Review by Paul Chivell
Photos by Melissa Donato. Full gallery can be seen here
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