Bluejuice @ The Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne (28/04/2012)
When I put my hand up to cover Bluejuice at the Hi-Fi, it was mainly because I wanted to see what all the fuss and buzz was about.
I wouldn't have called myself a fan, but heard they put on a good live show and besides, it's important to see stuff you don't know you like yet. I was then faced with the challenge of finding a last minute +1 to attend with me. As it turned out, I couldn't and so for the first time in my life, I went to a gig solo.
Supporting were Melbourne's own Loon Lake. The band-of-five churn out sunny, surfy indie-pop, with catchy riffs and frontman Sam's distinctly Julian Casablancas-styled raspy vocals. The relatively light crowd thickened out significantly during Loon Lake's set, perhaps illustrating the support act's ability to draw the punters. A highlight of their set was a killer rendition of Triple J favourite 'Bad to Me', full of raw energy and pop-infused spunk.
Sam explained that this gig was the last of their run of shows supporting Bluejuice, and that it had been a riot. The fun they have on stage is evident in their fresh, laid-back live persona. Their relaxed attitude is reflected in the behaviour of the band members – the guitarist casually chatting to the drummer during one song. With his colourful 'Rio' tee and trucker hat, Sam certainly looks the part of low-key muso who does what he does for love, not money. Indeed, the band don't wait until the end of their set to start the party, sipping Melbourne Bitter cans in between songs.
Their cover of 'Valerie' is a bold choice for an indie-rock band. However, as an avid Amy Winehouse fan, I could still appreciate their rockier rendition. Judging from the audience reaction, it was received well. Loon Lake closed their set with another crowd-pleaser 'In The Summer' – which epitomises their vibrant, hook-laden sound.
The full crowd were well and truly warmed up for the headliners. Bluejuice did not disappoint with their high-energy show. First single 'Vitriol' came early in the piece, to everyone's delight. I was immediately drawn into the Bluejuice energy, watching the colourful, popping pyrotechnics of their visual show. The stage was black but for the glow-in-the-dark armour they were all wearing. Their costumes might be described as tribal-techno wear, and even the drum kit and guitars were kitted out with fluoro trimmings.
Lead singer Jake Stone gives a high-octane performance, standing on amps, bounding about the stage and taking the mic stand with him. Stavros Yiannoukas is the straight man, more centred in his performance, but nonetheless cutting a compelling figure on stage in a magnificent glowing technicolour cape.
Their show certainly pushes boundaries, and with a precursive warning from Jake, a big screen in the background flashes up often sexually explicit images and videos. Images of a young topless guy (who looks suspiciously like Jake) and a significantly older grey-haired woman looking lustfully at each other are only a little bit confusing. Jake also asked the audience to share any substances with the band, and I quote: "This is a genuine request - if anyone has any drugs, we will meet you at the merch desk after the show". Rock and roll.
One highlight was 'On My Own', their most recent single that was co-written by the Presets' Julian Hamilton. As it's the closest Bluejuice get to a ballad, the crowd participated by waving their hands from side to side. The atmosphere was cosy and happy, and at the risk of sounding corny, I went alone but didn't feel alone. Another crowd favourite, prompting a singalong, was 'Act Yr Age' – a song that came in at number 20 in this year's Hottest 100. They saved arguably their biggest hit until last, and as expected, 'Broken Leg' lifted the roof.
The party vibe on-stage and the visible camaraderie between the band members has you envying Bluejuice for getting to make a living from this. This is rock 'n roll at its best, complete with crowd-surfing, jumping on drum kits and mic-swinging euphoria. Such an audio-visual spectacle, fully employing the use of costume, lights and video images is a show worthy of a stadium. With their charismatic, infectious stage presence and catchy, anthemic tunes, I'd hazard a guess they are one of Australia's finest touring bands.
Rebecca McCann
I wouldn't have called myself a fan, but heard they put on a good live show and besides, it's important to see stuff you don't know you like yet. I was then faced with the challenge of finding a last minute +1 to attend with me. As it turned out, I couldn't and so for the first time in my life, I went to a gig solo.
Supporting were Melbourne's own Loon Lake. The band-of-five churn out sunny, surfy indie-pop, with catchy riffs and frontman Sam's distinctly Julian Casablancas-styled raspy vocals. The relatively light crowd thickened out significantly during Loon Lake's set, perhaps illustrating the support act's ability to draw the punters. A highlight of their set was a killer rendition of Triple J favourite 'Bad to Me', full of raw energy and pop-infused spunk.
Sam explained that this gig was the last of their run of shows supporting Bluejuice, and that it had been a riot. The fun they have on stage is evident in their fresh, laid-back live persona. Their relaxed attitude is reflected in the behaviour of the band members – the guitarist casually chatting to the drummer during one song. With his colourful 'Rio' tee and trucker hat, Sam certainly looks the part of low-key muso who does what he does for love, not money. Indeed, the band don't wait until the end of their set to start the party, sipping Melbourne Bitter cans in between songs.
Their cover of 'Valerie' is a bold choice for an indie-rock band. However, as an avid Amy Winehouse fan, I could still appreciate their rockier rendition. Judging from the audience reaction, it was received well. Loon Lake closed their set with another crowd-pleaser 'In The Summer' – which epitomises their vibrant, hook-laden sound.
The full crowd were well and truly warmed up for the headliners. Bluejuice did not disappoint with their high-energy show. First single 'Vitriol' came early in the piece, to everyone's delight. I was immediately drawn into the Bluejuice energy, watching the colourful, popping pyrotechnics of their visual show. The stage was black but for the glow-in-the-dark armour they were all wearing. Their costumes might be described as tribal-techno wear, and even the drum kit and guitars were kitted out with fluoro trimmings.
Lead singer Jake Stone gives a high-octane performance, standing on amps, bounding about the stage and taking the mic stand with him. Stavros Yiannoukas is the straight man, more centred in his performance, but nonetheless cutting a compelling figure on stage in a magnificent glowing technicolour cape.
Their show certainly pushes boundaries, and with a precursive warning from Jake, a big screen in the background flashes up often sexually explicit images and videos. Images of a young topless guy (who looks suspiciously like Jake) and a significantly older grey-haired woman looking lustfully at each other are only a little bit confusing. Jake also asked the audience to share any substances with the band, and I quote: "This is a genuine request - if anyone has any drugs, we will meet you at the merch desk after the show". Rock and roll.
One highlight was 'On My Own', their most recent single that was co-written by the Presets' Julian Hamilton. As it's the closest Bluejuice get to a ballad, the crowd participated by waving their hands from side to side. The atmosphere was cosy and happy, and at the risk of sounding corny, I went alone but didn't feel alone. Another crowd favourite, prompting a singalong, was 'Act Yr Age' – a song that came in at number 20 in this year's Hottest 100. They saved arguably their biggest hit until last, and as expected, 'Broken Leg' lifted the roof.
The party vibe on-stage and the visible camaraderie between the band members has you envying Bluejuice for getting to make a living from this. This is rock 'n roll at its best, complete with crowd-surfing, jumping on drum kits and mic-swinging euphoria. Such an audio-visual spectacle, fully employing the use of costume, lights and video images is a show worthy of a stadium. With their charismatic, infectious stage presence and catchy, anthemic tunes, I'd hazard a guess they are one of Australia's finest touring bands.
Rebecca McCann