By Courtney Dabb, Rock At Night Sydney Correspondent
The Oxford Art Factory-01/09/2016-Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds (USA) + Holy Soul (AUS) + Los Tones (AUS)
Kicking on proceedings were Los Tones, a Sydney 4 piece who have been steadily carving out a name for themselves over the last few years. Having supported some solid acts in the past including NYC art rockers Parquet Courts, their garage rock sound had finally found its home in support of Kid Congo, the godfather of garage rock. Front man Shaun, full of energy, ripped through their set with characteristic whoops, yelps, ghost train screams and heavy reverb.
Holy Soul on the other hand draw exclusively from the Aussie school of rock with a quintessential Australiana feel. Unabashedly droll and raw backyard conversation approach to their lyrical style. The duties shared between Trent Marden (guitar and vocals), and Jon Hunter (guitar) with gritty rock breakdowns, backed by the punchy drumming of Kate Wilson.
Kid hit the stage in all the style you would expect of such an elder statesman and blasted into action with Magic Machine. Little interludes between tracks, part cryptic, part lyric, Kid seamlessly integrated one song into the next. Covering a mix of new and old, the appreciative crowd were treated to Conjecture Man, Bubble Trouble, Psychic Future and La Arana.
Clearly enjoying himself on stage having lost nothing of the vigour and passion that launched his career with The Gun Club. Often paying tribute to the late Jeffrey Lee, clearly still a huge influence in Kids life as a friend / mentor that he has never forgotten.
A ridiculously tight set, reflective of his relentless touring. The multi-faceted song list took us through a sonic soundscape showcasing a man at the summit of his abilities that is only exceeded by his humility and generosity.
Photo Gallery
My entry into the photography world is purely an extension of my love affair with music.
My entry into the photography world is purely an extension of my love affair with music. The first event I ever attended was the Big Day Out festival in 1992 as a 13 year old, catching the likes of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop and local legends Tumbleweed. I caught the bug and just loved the indie scene. Some 20 years and countless gigs later I wanted to go from behind the barrier to behind the camera.
Photographic residencies Include:The Manning Bar, Max Watts house Of Music and the Roller Den. Each venue sees a huge variety of local and international artists come through the doors making each shoot a unique challenge.
- Dispossessed and Neurosis in Sydney: raw, political and rocking - February 21, 2017
- The Oxford Art Factory features an energetic evening of garage rock - September 4, 2016
- Weedeater, Conan, and Lo! shake up Manning Bar with wild abandon - July 20, 2016
