It’s a balmy Cup Eve and The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda is the perfect setting for putting on a party for those indulging in the public holiday the following day.
The Espy’s front bar is even more swarming than usual for the ticketed event tonight and some men are already being politely declined re-entry into the venue before the sun has even set over the ocean.
Inside, The Pierce Brothers have kicked off the show with their warm, friendly folk-rock tales. Bringing such a natural vibe to the stage, they’re performing to a hefty crowd who aren’t afraid to dance.
Keeping up with the plugged-in acoustic stories played at breakneck speed by the twin brothers is no easy feat but the audience is ready for any challenge, it seems.
They cover and expand on John Butler’s ever-updated instrumental piece “Ocean”, complete with inclusion from the didgeridoo and it’s simply beautiful.
Another touching piece, “Fly Home”, closed their set and the sincerity from the brothers rings true long after they finish playing.
The lasting effect of The Pierce Brothers is carried on by Bonjah, who follow swiftly with their infectious fusion of blues, roots and reggae. Charismatic frontman Glenn Mossop leads his charges with confidence through fast-paced favourites “The White Line” and “Karma” while guitarist Regan Lethbridge completely slays a pedal-heavy solo during the Kiwi-come-Aussie band’s most sonically captivating single to date, “Go Go Chaos”.
In between sets, as the next bands prepare, the crowd take no notice as the heat is turned up thanks to some superb DJing by Ms. Butt on The Espy’s grand staircase. Spinning reggae and roots to maintain tonight’s theme, she’s a master at keeping the room throbbing.
It feels like summertime has arrived early inside the tightly-packed venue by the time The Black Seeds appear, further filling every corner of the stage with their sprawling cast of musicians.
The eight-piece waste no time; they jump right into some of their new tracks from their most recent album, and the New Zealand act’s fifth LP effort, this year’s Dust and Dirt, with a royal welcome from the brass section to tumultuous greeting.
Although the album as a whole carries a more relaxed nature than their previous work, of course it translates as a primitive party live on stage. Most recent single “Pippy Pip” signals their fresh development in the genre they’ve come to revolutionise.
Even the persistent plays their past singles receive both on radio (and every single café you grab your morning coffee from) the old favourites are still welcomed into raised arms like old friends returning from a long sojourn overseas.
“Cool Me Down”, “Fire” and “So True” releases the inner freaks of nature from all, such rapturous response they each received.
Their show is flawless; their ability as playing musicians simply impeccable, but perhaps it’s their immaculate nature is too much. The numerous solos they break into are so perfectly performed; it casts doubt on whether they are improvising at all.
It feels as if it’s a greatest hits show, smashing single after unblemished single, (plus throwing in some of their new stuff for promotion of course), with minimal banter or audience involvement.
Not that this bothers anyone at all, the level of professionalism is sheer brilliance and the crowd is certainly kept happy – but after so many albums and many years kicking around as a live band, one can’t help but miss the raw nature the genre of reggae and roots calls for; one which The Black Seeds certainly have but were missing on Cup Eve.
