The beautiful surroundings of the Somerville Auditorium in UWA was again host to the best local band music festival around, In The Pines. Although the weather was kind of gloomy and their had been rain the few days before today, the Somerville grounds were only slightly muddy and plenty of fans had brought their picnic rugs, blankets and pillows. 20 bands were playing today so it was a long, fun-filled day for those that arrived early but there were many people trickling through the gates all afternoon.
The first band I got to see were dirty rockers The Homicides and there were plenty of hardcore punks up the front giving as much shit to the band as the band was giving to the crowd. The music was loud, it was fast and it seemed that it was more of an attitude that fans appreciated than the lyrics or melody. Sure there were bottles of water and sticks thrown on stage and at the band but it all seemed that it made the show more interesting than just an average band playing average songs.
Up next on the second stage were indie rockers Kill Teen Angst and the mood of the grounds did a complete 360. It was like a polar opposite punk show to The Homicides. Instead of the angry, Sex Pistols style punk it was an almost emo, modern style punk show that concentrated on the music. The songs were played with talented precision - guitar, bass, drums and vocals were all outstandingly played to perfection and the crowd would not have even thought about throwing anything on stage during the set.
Another change in musical style saw The Tigers up next playing their avant/rock grooves that the band have been playing around Perth for many, many years. Their songs are more atmospheric than anything else and keyboard mixes beautifully with haunting guitars and great drums. With some tunes lasting 6-7 minutes and their set only allowed to be 30 minutes, there were only a few songs played but it probably worked out well that way as it was easy to lose interest after a little while. But The Tigers are an institution of the local scene and it was great to see them live again.
Felicity Groom and The Black, Black Smoke looked like they were still ecstatic from their four WAMi nominations earlier this year and the crowd felt that happiness ooze from the stage. Alternative country music has been a popular style with bands in Perth of late and this band was on top of it’s game today. It was a set that not only the people up front could enjoy but those that had gone to the trouble of bringing their picnic blankets could lay back and enjoy the music. Vanessa from Jebediah also got a bit of a warm up for later playing bass for The Black, Black Smoke.
Another member of Jebediah was up next with frontman Kevin Mitchell completing his set as Bob Evans. Looking very relaxed, Bob played songs from his two albums albums on his acoustic guitar, harmonica with a friend on accordion. It was great to hear the ARIA Award winner playing his contemporary style music and the crowd definitely got a lot bigger while he was playing. Don’t You Think It’s Time and Nowhere Without You were huge favourites with the crowd singing along and waving their arms in the air.
After the Noongar ‘Welcome To Country’ and Djiva as well as some food, New Rules For Boats were up next on the first stage. Brother and sister duo Sean and Miranda Pollard shared vocal duties for the rock/pop set as the sun was setting and the atmosphere was getting exciting. There were a few in the crowd that looked like they had been drinking all afternoon and it was starting to take it’s toll but the music was infectious enough to get everybody grooving.
Adam Said Galore are another local band that have been around for years and years and as proof of the years of hard work their live show is perfection. Skillfully playing a wide range of music from their past albums, Adam Said Galore were a crowd favourite for the day and even with a bit of sound trouble, they made it look and sound great. The set was very interesting in that it started off with soft, gentle type songs but by the end it was rocking out with the speakers almost exploding with sound. For a band that have been around since 1994 it was great to see them live once more.
Capital City have built a reputation as one of Perth’s best live bands going around and after this evening’s set they had proven that reputation true. The songs were great, the attitude was fantastic and the band must have made plenty of the crowd proud that they were from Perth. Another band that are one of the best live, local bands going around is The Bank Holidays and they were up next on the second stage. With a small string section helping them out for a few songs, they sounded great and with a cover of The Beatles Helter Skelter as a finisher they had earned a huge applause from the crowd.
Headliners Jebediah were up last and even with a short set they proved they still had it after the extended break over the last year or two. Starting with oldie Monument, the crowd sung along and I am pretty sure I saw at least one girl crying in happiness. New song Comet was played next and sounded fantastic, followed by Fall Down and No Sleep. Another new song, To Your Door, was played and then Kevin Mitchell announced that “this song was written when they were very young and smoked too much pot” before Jerks Of Attention exploded onto the crowd. Final song Star Machine is always a great set finisher and as the band walked off and the crowd screamed for an encore, it was announced that the local council did not allow for music after 10pm which it was now. Jebediah showed they are worthy of the top notch on any local gig and gave just a sneak peak at their new album which should rock just as much as their previous albums.
Busybee
Norgdom
Perth Music
