It’s been a while since I’ve seen The Smith Street Band live, but Friday night at the Manning Bar proved they have lost none of their magic. This tour is supporting their latest album in ‘Once I Was Wild’ and naturally they featured many tracks from that excellent album, opening with a barnstorming ‘This Is It’ which set a feverish crowd into a frenzy. The mosh pit was on all night with everyone singing along to every song. New songs like ‘Constellation’ and Star Child’ really hit. But clearly older songs got the most excited reaction. The back to back punch of ‘Passiona’ and ‘Death to the Lads’ was definitely hard to beat. Then an encore of ‘Ducks Fly Together’ and ‘Young Drunk’ topped off a great night in the hands of one of Australia’s greatest bands. 

Set List
This Is It
My Restless Heart
Birthdays
I Still Dream About You 
American Heaven 
Once I Was Wild
I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever 
Constellation 
The Party
Don’t Waste Your Anger
Big Smoke
Star Child
Passiona
Death to the Lads
My Little Sinking Ship (Will solo)

Ducks Fly Together 
Young Drunk

A hot and sweaty Mary's Underground was the venue Wednesday night for the Australian premiere show of New York based This is Lorelei. This is the side project of Nate Amos from Water From Your Eyes, but it's a more melodic version of that band. They broke though quite a bit in 2024 with the release of their excellent album in 'Box For Buddy, Box For Star' and thus this small venue sold out pretty easily. They would end comprising most of their set from this album, which was especially well received. It was very exciting to hear great songs like 'Where's Your Love Now' and 'Dancing in the Club' from the record. And 'Im All Fucked Up' was certainly a crowd pleaser. Nate has a three piece band live and they really combined well. Just drums, guitar and bass. Nate even played a new song in the encore, which was quite beautiful. The venue was the old Basement and I hadn't been there since it changed hands. I will say it wasn't ideal. Stage is quite low and sight lines aren't great. But This Is Lorelei put on a great show, which made me forget that.

Set List
A Song That Sings About You
Angel's Eye
I Can't Fall
Where's Your Love Now
Holo Boy
My Friend 2
Chestnut
Dancing in the Club
This Is a Joke
I'm All Fucked Up
Mouth Man
Money Right Now
Bring Back My Dog

I Will Leave My Heart in the Morning Light (new song)
Two Legs
An Extra Beat For You and Me
 

Friday night in Brisbane was the eighth time that I have seen the magnificent Ty Segall in concert and I will never ever tire of seeing him. I was hoping to see him in Sydney but work prevented that so I made the decision to fly to Brisbane to see him. It was worth every cent. Once again a Segall show is just a ferocious and melodic rock show. I loved every single second. The opening three songs were just awesome. 'Wave Goodbye', 'Thank God for the Sinners' and 'Finger' is just a blistering way to open a show. And there was no let up after that. Surprisingly he only played two songs from last year's album in 'Possession', although I was happy he played the title track. But Ty delved into his vast catalogue, delivering a varied and very enjoyable set. He also played three new songs, which were all great. They were real rockers with a garage type sound. Other highlights were 'Call the Doctor' and 'She', just flat out rockers. Then a great encore closed a great night. Ty is such an awesome guitarist. He really welds his Fender like no other. And his band is second to none. Emmett Kelly is a superb guitarist and long time friend Mikal Cronin plays a mighty bass. Ben Boye adds so much on keyboards and 2024 addition Evan Burrows has fit in beautifully on drums. It all adds up to a potent mix. Ty Segall is my rock god and long may he give us such incredible music.

Set List
Wave Goodbye
Thank God for the Sinners
Finger
Possession
Glass
Buildings
Void

Chrome
Black Paint
Whisper
Call the Doctor
Imaginary Person
She
Manipulator

My Lady's On Fire
Girlfriend