Well that blew up quickly. About a year ago I saw MJ Lenderman at a small venue in Melbourne. He was here as part of Wednesday but also did some solo shows. The shows were amazing, primarily drawing from his excellent album in 'Boat Songs'. At the Melbourne show though he did play a few new songs that were to be part of his upcoming album. They were sensastional to be sure. Those songs were to on the groundbreaking album in 'Manning Fireworks', an album that deservedly received great acclaim. So much so that a year later he and his band The Wind were playing a sold out show at the iconic Sydney Opera House. I didn't think a venue like this suited a southern rock band, but thankfully Lenderman got the crowd to stand and then it felt like a true rock show. A great rock show to be sure. Naturally he gave us plenty from the new album, with songs like 'Wristwatch', 'On My Knees' and 'She's Leaving You' hitting the sweet spot. But we still got plenty of older stuff too. 'TLC Cage Match' was unmatched beauty, whilst 'Hangover Game' was as catchy as hell. They also performed their just released This is Lorelei cover. But my favourites were 'Rudolph, which was stretched out to an ecstatic jam and the deep cut in 'No Mercy', which closed the show and was just phenomenal. Encore was great too with a Neil Young cover. I was expecting 'Tastes Just Like It Costs', but perhaps they ran out of time. Lenderman is just an incredible talent. He really hits my sweet spot. Catchy songs, relatable lyrics, great guitar. It's the complete package. The Wind are great too. A true rocking band that compliment him perfectly. Special mention to slide guitarist Xandy Chelmis, part of Wednesday too, he adds that extra layer that make the band so special. A truly exceptional night.

Set List
Manning Fireworks 
Joker Lips
Wristwatch 
Rudolph
Toontown
You Have Bought Yourself a Boat
TLC Cage Match
Pianos
She’s Leaving You
Dancing in the Club (This is Lorelei cover)
Rip Torn
You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In
On My Knees
Bark at the Moon
No Mercy

Lotta Love (Neil Young cover)
Hangover Game
Knockin

Thursday night was purely a spectacular night of music under the stars. On the Sydney Opera House Forecourt the iconic PJ Harvey had a sold out crowd spellbound for ninety minutes. Harvey is a singular performer. She has a presence on stage that very few performers possess. She is quiet, she barely spoke, but her aura is dominant. Dressed beautifully she entered the stage to loud applause. The first portion of the show would be a full rendition of her excellent 2023 album in 'I Inside the Old Year Dying'. It's a stately album so I was a little concerned it wouldn't translate live. But I was very wrong, it captured us through out. The arrangements from her excellent band of four were wonderfully put together, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Harvey and the band then had a very short break before they returned to play the 'hits'. It was a wonderful set with many classic songs from her thirty year plus career. It ranged from great songs from 'Let England Shake'  to thunderous songs like 'Dress' and '50ft Queenie'. It was a total unforgettable set of music from a huge talent. What a wonderful night of great music.

Set List

Prayer at the Gate

Autumn Term

Lwonesome Tonight

Seem an I

The Nether-Edge

I Inside the Old Year Dying

All Souls

A Child's Question, August

I Inside the Old I Dying

August

A Child's Question, July

A Noiseless Noise

The Colour of the Earth

The Glorious Land

The Words That Maketh Murder

50ft Queenie

Black Hearted Love

The Garden

The Desperate Kingdom of Love

Man-Size

Dress

Down by the Water

To Bring You My Love

C'mon Billy

White Chalk

Osees are just a pure and spectacular force of nature. One of the best bands that you could ever see live. They proved it again Friday night at a sold out and very sweaty Metro Theatre. This is the fifth time that I have seen them live and I will never tire of seeing them. For close to two hours they played with the force of three suns. The five piece band have incredible energy and don't stop from open to finish. With such a wide and vast catalogue they have plenty of songs to choose from, but I appreciate that they try to play from all eras and play the 'hits'. John Dwyer is a manic and committed leader and guitarist and is magnetic to watch. Of course they have the two drummer set up which is unique and powerful and centred up front. But the bass is also important and the keyboard adds plenty of lovely flourishes. It all adds up to an intoxicating mix. I loved every minute, but thumpers like 'I Come From the Mountain' and 'Toe Cutter-Thumb Buster' are especially memorable. If you have never seen the Osees live I implore you fix that at your next opportunity. 

Set List

Plastic Plant

The Static God

Funeral Solution

A Foul Form

Scum Show

Tidal Wave

The Dream/The Daily Heavy

Chem-Farmer/Nite Expo

Intercepted Message

Rogue Planet

I Come From the Mountain

Sticky Hulks

BLIMP

Drug City

Withered Hand

Toe Cutter-Thumb Buster

Ticklish Warrior

You Will Find It Here

Encrypted Bounce

C

Minotaur