The John Steel Singers

Double headline tours are rare, and when they occur it is often two very big bands like Powderfinger and Silverchair who are involved. So it is a treat for two up and coming, if you will, artists to tour together. While it was clear from the crowd at The Corner Hotel in Richmond that some people were there for the Steel Singers and some for Boulet, I doubt anyone who only knew one prior and watched the other would have been anything other than impressed.

A not quite sold out audience was really spoilt by what both bands had to offer in their brief but explosively energetic sets. The support bands, The Parking Lot Experiments and Love Connection were well received, but possibly more so by the headliners as both the Steel Singers and Boulet mentioned both bands fondly several times during each of their sets.

The John Steel Singers are arguably the better known of the two acts, and as such has first name billing on the show. Interestingly they played first. The curtain lifted (literally for those who have been to The Corner) on their set and from the get go they were raw, talent laden and irrepressible. Their sheer enthusiasm was undeniable. Everyone around the room seemed to really be enjoying their upbeat “more traditional” folk-inspired indie rock. The six piece band weren’t left a lot of room on the relatively small stage but they still moved around with a lot of verve and purpose. A few members were sporting some loud and unusual shirts that could only be described as “Hawaiian” as well as big hair. Afros in fact, one of which was something close to Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons.

All the colourfulness of their look gelled impeccably with their sound. The mixing at the venue was brilliant and the vocals sounded spectacular. The effect of multiple singers, especially in all male bands is rare and a treat. They were extremely humble when spoken, which is something that an outgoing performance does not usually go hand in hand with. It was a refreshing combination. They treated punters to all their hits. ‘Overpass’, which featured in the 2010 Triple J Hottest 100 was an obvious highlight, while ‘Masochist’ was a personal favourite and was performed brilliantly. The harmonies in ‘You’ve Got Nothing To Be Proud Of’ were hard to go past also.

The only real problem with their set was it’s brevity. But before too much of a wait, Jonathan Boulet was onstage. It was unfortunate to see that many people were content with seeing only the Steel Singers and had left. Which was a real pity, because as mentioned, I doubt anyone who likes them would not enjoy Jonathan Boulet. I had only very recently heard his music. His recordings and debut album are impressive, but performing live is how his music is clearly meant to be heard. Boulet, along with his band, pumped out a set that easily matched it’s predecessor in terms of energy and terrific sound. Those who had stayed, whether knowing his music or not, really seemed to enjoy his unique sound.

For those who have heard him on the radio or his album, his live show is remarkable and the songs really take to a new level. Even the more laid back songs seem fast paced and frenetic. Many of the songs had people dancing, even if not so elegantly, to their at times erratic beats. His song ‘A Community Service Announcement’ which was featured on Purple Sneakers DJ’s compilation ‘We Mix, You Dance Volume One’ was a definite winner with the crowd.

Boulet finished the set, again a little too early for my liking, leaving everyone wanting more. Sending us off with the new single, ‘You’re An Animal’. Probably the fastest paced song of their songs and a definite high point of the set and the night as well. The John Steel Singer’s set a pretty hard act to follow, but Boulet did not disappoint. After a thoroughly enjoyable set from both, the hardest part of the night was figuring out who was better. After a day or so, I can’t. Both need to be seen live and both leave a lasting effect.

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