The name. Cuba IS japan. It confuddles me. Yet gets me thinking, and then gets me excited about thinking.Much like the band. Try as you might to put them in a box,one by one they will break out of every bond you try to put them in. Opening tonight for Black Hill Five's residency at the birmy, they draw a surprisingly big crowd, and do not disappoint. Once a four piece, now a three piece, all members work seamlessly to create a set that has so many influences,but the main theme is passion.
Beginning with James 'He-man' Heenan on keys, Darcey Pimblett on guitar & vocals and Cameron Potts on drums, you may be forgiven for thinking it is your run of the mill prog rock offering.Yet as they interchange instruments as if they were K. Rudd changing stances on policies (effortlessly!), you soon learn that they are much, much more. Highlights come as Potts conducts the audience, strutting around the floor like a arrogant and confident matador with his violin as baton. Heenan confidently plays his violin like a lead guitar, and Pimblett quietly yet powerfully shows his prowess on both bass and guitar.The crowd is given a treat when Pimblett sings, a voice that is a born storyteller and lends itself perfectly to the soundtrack-esque nature of Cuba songs.
Not content to have one set under his belt, Heenan comes out but minutes after the Cuba set under the guise of Black Hill Five. An incarnation of Ballarat band Paperhouse, with the added bonus of Heenan and Will Mason, this lovely little rock and roll band show the crowd that it is OK to pick up those pretty little hipster boots and dance. Having just come off a support slot with Dan Kelly, BHF are headlining all June at the Birmy, and are well worth checking out. Guitarist and vocalist Michael Barnes shows that he is unfazed by minor tuning mishaps,and with the support of fellow members, takes us back to a 60's & 70's inspired rock and roll good time. Mason deftly shows his vocal skills as well, with a few ballads thrown in for good measure, with harmonies from Heenan and unflappable keys player Rick Parnaby. Nigel Moyes is clearly a standout on the kit, ensuring that the birmy's split stage does not split the feel of the show. All in all, an enjoyable Wednesday out.
Continues the next week, so get along if you can.
-r
I love how often you are updating.
ReplyDeleteAlso still loving your writing.
I would go check these kids out, pretty much just cause you said good things about them.
Keep the updating up :)