Friday, 6 July 2007

REVIEW: Mannekin Thoughts and Barefoot In The Sand

SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
ACOUSTIC LOUNGE
WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY
Words by Charlette Hannah

MANNEKIN THOUGHTS

Acoustic Lounge really is the place to go to find talented singer/songwriters/bands. I don't know where Peter Baillie find them all, but he manages to constantly procure excellent performers.
Mannekin Thoughts opened the night, with their upbeat alternative/country/folk rock. Between the two of them, Rose and Byron played guitars, tambourine, hamonica and shakers. Both had great vocals, especially Rose. The melodies and rhythms are skilled and it's great to listen to, with lots of feeling. It's good to hear more upbeat music - people often seem to get sucked into the melancholia trap.

BAREFOOT IN THE SAND

Following Mannekin Thoughts was four piece folk funk band Barefoot In The Sand. Singer Jenn Shelton has an deep, powerful and soulful voice, and the instrumentation from the guys is dynamic and unique. Not many bands would dream of putting aside the full drum kit in favour of a hand drum, but percussionist Jeremy Hantler not only played a variety of beats, he even did a solo! Hamish Maudie provided stable and creative bass lines, while Blair Pederson on the guitar had subtle and lovely riffs. Each musician was given their chance to shine.
There was obvious rapport between the members, which created a real feeling of harmony, quite aside from the lovely harmonies in the music.
The music overall is laid back yet interesting, with a solid groove. I will definitely be keeping my ears out for these two bands.

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