theredsunband

With the release of their new album The Shiralee theredsunband take to the road once more after what seemed like a lengthy break from the live circuit that they were frequently spotted on a few years ago. The East Brunswick Club played host to the final date of this album release tour and there were many appreciative fans to greet them and stand in wonderment of their minimalist set.

Opening the night was Sianna (of Love Outside Andromeda) who had accompanied the band on the whole tour. Herself accompanied by former L.O.A guitarist, Jamie, striking in a pair of plasticky gold leggings and black leotard top laid bare her sweet but diamond edge songs which ranged from simplistic folk to the more melodically complex, she had the gathering crowd in the palm of her hand for the duration of her set.

Second up, The Greasers, crowd pleasing pop (though a large proportion of the audience seemed unable to move from their derriere’s) with song-writing that seems to go from strength to strength with each performance witnessed. There is an underlying awkwardness (that surely comes from being so youthful!) but this is mostly overridden by the sheer joy they obviously get from playing. Excellent vocal arrangements and incredibly fun and diverse songs.

The main attraction hit the stage as quietly as they maintained it throughout. Though the set was mostly composed of the new material, they featured a few favourites from Peapod and from last years Like An Arrow EP.

They have lustre and gentle charm and carry a seductive quality that comes with being naturally mysterious. Lizzie Kelly (keys/tambourine/vocals) keeping a cool, literally veiled façade and Sarah Kelly (guitar/vocals) stoic and quite still despite her soaring, beautiful vocals. Backed by new drummer Jasper Fenton, they are still certainly not a band to give away anything via the usual rock theatrics and many will argue that it leaves much to be desired entertainment-wise. But this is simply what they do is who they are and their live show is uncompromising from the withdrawn, sparse nature of the song-writing on the albums. A rare moment of deviation comes from Devil Song (from Peapod) – one of the most energetic performances of the night and well received by their fans.

The set and songs overall are heavy on chiaroscuro. Heavenly vocals over heavy droning seas of distorted guitar, maxed out bass (care of an awe inspiring, bone shaking ms2000) and buoyed by constant, simple drumming. It is entrancing and prayerful, the room was silently appreciative between each round applause and next offering of song.

Two highlights of the set were a cover of Cassette’s I Changed My Mind and a wonderful, if brief, solo encore by Sarah.

This is wonderful music and can easily be called anti-spectacle. The more I shut my eyes, the better a grasp I got on the songs and the easier it was to get lost in the music.

theredsunband The Shiralee is out now on Enchanted Recordings through Shock.

Share this review on Facebook