Eskimo Joe, Myles Mayo, Felicity Groom @ The Zoo, Brisbane (26/05/2011)
It had been over 18 months since Eskimo Joe had performed in Brisbane and therefore a buzzing sold-out crowd made their way into The Zoo full of anticipation. With new album, Ghosts of the Past, set for release in August, this was a chance for fans to preview some new tracks, as well as hear a selection of rarities and classics.
First up was Felicity Groom, a singer/songwriter from Perth. She played half an hour of songs with herself switching between acoustic guitar and electric harp, backed by an electric guitarist. The set was full of indie numbers and was strongly delivered, showcasing her wonderful voice. Unfortunately though, there wasn’t much interest shown from the hundred or so people who had turned up early.
Myles Mayo played a 30 minute set featuring songs from his first self-titled record backed by an acoustic guitarist. By now, there was a sizeable crowd and they seemed to enjoy the Adelaide-based songwriters’ set, which was an interesting blend of folk-pop and country.
Eskimo Joe walked onto the stage to Frank Sinatra’s New York with massive smiles on their faces and launched straight into their own song of the same title. The band was set up with the usual drums, bass and piano but also featured acoustic guitars which created a perfect atmosphere for the intimate venue. Having been billed as a ‘fan show’, the set list was based around punters voting for the songs they wished to hear on the band’s Facebook. Therefore, the next two tracks Older Than You and rarity Seven Veils from 2nd album A Song is a City were warmly welcomed by the crowd. Even though they have been off the touring circuit for more than a year, the boys were in fine form with singer Kav Temperley maintaining his impressive vocal range and the rest of the band sounding as tight as ever.
Next up was newly released single, When We Were Kid,s which sounded just as great as the recorded version. Other new material included Echo, an upbeat and rocky track with a catchy chorus which sounds like it could have come from the Black Fingernails, Red Wine sessions. Along with the new material and rarities, the Eskimo Joe classics such as Sarah, Black Fingernails, Red Wine and Don’t Let Me Down, the latter of which inspired an audience sing-along which was clearly enjoyed by the band and crowd alike.
There are two things you immediately notice about Eskimo Joe. They clearly love playing on the stage together, noticeable by Kav cracking up halfway through singing a chorus whilst watching the outrageous guitar moves from Stuart MacLeod. They also are very appreciative of their fan base; numerously thanking us for our support, asking for song requests direct from the audience and even giving away a free copy of the new single on vinyl to all attendees.
The rest of the set featured rarities including Liar from 2001 album Girl, which they explained, hadn’t been played since their first national tour and well-known tracks such as hit single Foreign Land and London Bombs. The majority of these songs were slightly different versions from the usual, due to the semi-acoustic setup. Coming back to the stage for an encore, the band finished with an extended rock-out version of From the Sea.
With classic tracks sounding as good as ever and promising new material, Eskimo Joe have lost none of their edge which has made them one of this country’s premier rock bands. Fans clearly can’t wait for the new album to drop and a proper rock tour to match.
Sebastian Betten
First up was Felicity Groom, a singer/songwriter from Perth. She played half an hour of songs with herself switching between acoustic guitar and electric harp, backed by an electric guitarist. The set was full of indie numbers and was strongly delivered, showcasing her wonderful voice. Unfortunately though, there wasn’t much interest shown from the hundred or so people who had turned up early.
Myles Mayo played a 30 minute set featuring songs from his first self-titled record backed by an acoustic guitarist. By now, there was a sizeable crowd and they seemed to enjoy the Adelaide-based songwriters’ set, which was an interesting blend of folk-pop and country.
Eskimo Joe walked onto the stage to Frank Sinatra’s New York with massive smiles on their faces and launched straight into their own song of the same title. The band was set up with the usual drums, bass and piano but also featured acoustic guitars which created a perfect atmosphere for the intimate venue. Having been billed as a ‘fan show’, the set list was based around punters voting for the songs they wished to hear on the band’s Facebook. Therefore, the next two tracks Older Than You and rarity Seven Veils from 2nd album A Song is a City were warmly welcomed by the crowd. Even though they have been off the touring circuit for more than a year, the boys were in fine form with singer Kav Temperley maintaining his impressive vocal range and the rest of the band sounding as tight as ever.
Next up was newly released single, When We Were Kid,s which sounded just as great as the recorded version. Other new material included Echo, an upbeat and rocky track with a catchy chorus which sounds like it could have come from the Black Fingernails, Red Wine sessions. Along with the new material and rarities, the Eskimo Joe classics such as Sarah, Black Fingernails, Red Wine and Don’t Let Me Down, the latter of which inspired an audience sing-along which was clearly enjoyed by the band and crowd alike.
There are two things you immediately notice about Eskimo Joe. They clearly love playing on the stage together, noticeable by Kav cracking up halfway through singing a chorus whilst watching the outrageous guitar moves from Stuart MacLeod. They also are very appreciative of their fan base; numerously thanking us for our support, asking for song requests direct from the audience and even giving away a free copy of the new single on vinyl to all attendees.
The rest of the set featured rarities including Liar from 2001 album Girl, which they explained, hadn’t been played since their first national tour and well-known tracks such as hit single Foreign Land and London Bombs. The majority of these songs were slightly different versions from the usual, due to the semi-acoustic setup. Coming back to the stage for an encore, the band finished with an extended rock-out version of From the Sea.
With classic tracks sounding as good as ever and promising new material, Eskimo Joe have lost none of their edge which has made them one of this country’s premier rock bands. Fans clearly can’t wait for the new album to drop and a proper rock tour to match.
Sebastian Betten