REVIEW: Changeling

CHANGELING
THE ADELAIDE
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Words by Charlette Hannah
Photo's by Matt Walsh


Not many bands these days seem to have the guts to begin a set with a blistering guitar solo before moving into a song. However, newcomers Changeling did just that, bringing to mind great instrumental bands such as Led Zeppelin. For a debut gig, this three-piece had a helluva stage presence, and quite a unique sound in these times dominated by indie pop/rock. Not to say I don't like indie pop/rock, because I do, but it's nice to have a change. I kind of think they would fit in well with those late 70's bands - Led Zeppelin, Cream and the like.

With Julian van der Krogt's blues/rock riffs, solid and interesting bass from Jamie Hughes, and hard hitting drums from Hans Weston, Changeling are a forceful live act. Julian was singing live on stage for the first time - there were a few shaky notes, but overall I was more than impressed with his rich deep voice.

Like any new act, they do need a bit of polishing and tightening up, the sound was slightly messy, but they have the raw energy and quality of songs that make a great live band. They were well received by the crowd with whoops from the audience, and a patron even singing a riff after they finished playing. I think we can expect a lot more to come from these guys.

myspace.com/changelingband

REVIEW: Infrared

INFRARED
THE ADELAIDE
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Words by Jim Kyak Jr
Photos by Hans Weston

If you could make it through the doors of the Adelaide last Friday night and bare the intense fire of noise created by Infrared, then you might have noticed this was their EP release, and they weren’t going let you get out of the joint without knowing about it.

Steve Davey (vocals & bass), Carl Green (guitar), and Ben Payne (drums) unleashed a 100% proof concoction of visceral high energy rock/punk. Steve has some strong pipes inside him and is matched well by Carl’s creative wall of sound guitar playing and Ben’s tight and energetic drumming.

Only slight quibble is that the sound level could have come down a notch so that I didn’t get waxy fingers, but that said, music like this is meant to be loud. Infrared aren’t background music. This was a tight and energetic set by the Wellington three-some and I strongly recommend you catch them around town on one of their many local EP tour dates.

myspace.com/infraredmusic

REVIEW: Sleepy Demons

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE
HAPPY
THE SLEEPY DEMONS
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Jake Walwyn and Jonathan McArthur

Jake

Jonathan

Jake, Jonathan, Hans Weston, Jim Gilbert

You wouldn't have guessed this was the Sleepy Demons' debut gig if you didn't know. The alternative pop/rock band have staggeringly good songs, bringing to mind Radiohead, Muse, and other such melodic rock bands.

Frontman Jonathan McArthur, songwriter extraordinaire, has a smooth and tuneful voice. Although he sometimes got lost in the mix when the rockier songs were played, he really shone in the more mellow ones. A better mix could fix all that and allow him to shine all the time!

Each musician stands out, from Jake's sometimes whimsical, sometimes rocking guitar, and Jim's strong bass lines. I might be a little biased, but the drummer Hans had a wide variety of percussion styles, and each matched with the song perfectly.

The reason Sleepy Demons really stands out is the solid musicality of the songs. They really are top quality, and I highly recommend these guys. They're playing Wednesday 11th July at Bodega - see you there!