Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds
Kicking on proceedings were Los Tones, a Sydney 4 piece who have been steadily carving out a name for themselves over the last few years. Having supported some solid acts in the past including NYC art rockers Parquet Courts, their garage rock sound had finally found its home in support of Kid Congo, the god farther of garage rock. Front man Shaun, full of energy, ripped through their set with characteristic whoops, yelps, ghost train screams and heavy reverb.
Holy Soul on the other hand draw exclusively from the Aussie school of rock with a quintessential Australiana feel. Unabashedly droll and raw backyard conversation approach to their lyrical style. The duties shared between Trent Marden (guitar and vocals), and Jon Hunter (guitar) with gritty rock breakdowns, backed by the pushy drumming of Kate Wilson.
Kid hit the stage in all the style you would expect of such an elder statesman and blasted into action with Magic Machine. Little interludes between tracks, part cryptic, part lyric, Kid seamlessly integrated one song into the next. Covering a mix of new and old, the appreciative crowd were treated to Conjecture Man, Bubble Trouble, Psychic Future and La Arana.
Clearly enjoying himself on stage having lost nothing of the vigour and passion that launched his career with The Gun Club.
Often paying tribute to the late Jeffrey Lee, clearly still a huge influence in Kids life as a friend / mentor that he has never forgotten.
A ridiculously tight set, reflective of his relentless touring. The multi-faceted song list took us through a sonic soundscape showcasing a man at the summit of his abilities that is only exceeded by his humility and generosity.
