Art of Sleeping, Chris O'Neill, The LuLu Raes @ The Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (23/01/2015)
Brisbane five piece, Art of Sleeping returned to the live music scene this month after having an extended period off to write new music in preparation for their debut album. Armed with a host of new tracks, the band brought their dreamy, folk rock sound to a sold out Northcote Social Club on Friday night.
Opening the night was Melbourne musician Chris O’Neill, who swooned the audience not only with his warm acoustic music, but also his charisma. Chris shone brightest in tracks where he contrasted quieter and softer vocals with large and powerful moments. Following Chris was Sydney band The LuLu Raes, who much to my surprise, had the whole crowd swaying and dancing within minutes of the first song. |
While the inexperience of the young group was evident in moments, such as between tracks where the lead singer constantly asked other band members what song was next, their fun and relaxed attitude had the whole crowd engaged. The lead singer even took a few moments out to pick some food out of another member’s teeth. With a sound reminiscent of Sticky Fingers and The Kooks, the LuLu Raes have a huge amount of potential and are definitely worth checking out.
Walking on stage to a packed out and eager room of fans, it is instantaneously evident why Art of Sleeping are the headline act, but also confusing as to why they aren’t playing a significantly larger venue.
Opening with two new tracks, the bands ambient, rhythmic textures coupled with Caleb Hodges husky and soaring vocals, has the ability to both warm your soul and send shivers up your spine. The band only played two of their older tracks including ‘Empty Hands’ and ‘Above the Water’, but that didn’t bother the crowd in the slightest, with everyone instantly falling in love with the new music. Art of Sleeping have grown comfortably as a band and their new music has an added complexity and depth without loosing their unique sound. Closing the night with current single ‘Crazy’, Art of Sleeping put on a very polished and entertaining performance.
While I don’t believe the band are currently receiving as much attention as is deserved or warranted, I have no doubt that with the release of new music, Art of Sleeping will continue to grow into one of Australia’s most loved indie/folk/rock bands.
Laura Waples
Walking on stage to a packed out and eager room of fans, it is instantaneously evident why Art of Sleeping are the headline act, but also confusing as to why they aren’t playing a significantly larger venue.
Opening with two new tracks, the bands ambient, rhythmic textures coupled with Caleb Hodges husky and soaring vocals, has the ability to both warm your soul and send shivers up your spine. The band only played two of their older tracks including ‘Empty Hands’ and ‘Above the Water’, but that didn’t bother the crowd in the slightest, with everyone instantly falling in love with the new music. Art of Sleeping have grown comfortably as a band and their new music has an added complexity and depth without loosing their unique sound. Closing the night with current single ‘Crazy’, Art of Sleeping put on a very polished and entertaining performance.
While I don’t believe the band are currently receiving as much attention as is deserved or warranted, I have no doubt that with the release of new music, Art of Sleeping will continue to grow into one of Australia’s most loved indie/folk/rock bands.
Laura Waples