Sydney Fest - Part 2
Posted by at 9:26 AM
Monday Jan. 21st – Clogs & The National
I have been very excited to see The National, however with Jess’ trip to India this week it meant that I had to go alone – which is never as fun…still I was looking forward to the show.
This performance took place in the heart of Sydney at The City Recital Hall, which is only a quick train ride, 2 stops away, from our apartment. Tucked away between two major streets, the recital hall sits patiently waiting for patrons to fill its halls. It sits patiently because it is a classy venue that does not want to boast about what lies inside. Opened recently, the City Recital hall is the first purpose built concert venue erected since the famous Opera House in 1973. The closest venue I can compare it to is The Hobby Center in Houston, but even that doesn’t do this building justice. Built mainly for orchestras and classical music, this performance was a little different.
The opener band was the The Clogs, whom I had never heard until this performance. The Clogs are a little difficult to describe, but at the core is a 4-piece band, mostly instrumental orchestra/jazz fusion, with winds, strings & percussion. Each member is multi-talented on various instruments, which makes for a fun show to watch. I was surprised to learn that two of the members of The Clogs are also in The National, which explains a lot of the composition heard in The National’s music. Reading the description of the band in the program made me think of Sigur Ros – which is close, but that isn’t quite right either. I really liked listening to The Clogs, although at times it sounded like museum music, which went really well with the venue.
The National went on at about 10 o’clock and played a great set with music from all of their albums. Since I only recently started listening to The National (I really only know the new album), I was surprised to find out that band includes twin brothers (one of the brothers in also in The Clogs – Confused yet?). I thought the best songs were the ones with the full ensemble, which also features brass and wind instruments. On a side note: the brass section of the band was the same that played for Sufjan Stevens a few nights ago. The band was very happy to be playing in the upscale venue, but it was clear the hall wasn’t intended for a rock band (although the acoustics were great). Also, it has been awhile since I have seen a band where the lead singer doesn’t play any instruments – this isn’t a bad thing, it is just something I noticed. Overall, the band was really good live (they played about and hour and a half), but the venue didn’t quite do The National’s performance justice - in my opinion.
I was sad that Jess couldn’t make it (even though she may have fallen asleep during come of The Clogs music), but I still managed to have a good time. The Sydney festival ends this weekend (which also happens to be Australia Day), and I had a great time checking out a few different performances.
I have been very excited to see The National, however with Jess’ trip to India this week it meant that I had to go alone – which is never as fun…still I was looking forward to the show.
This performance took place in the heart of Sydney at The City Recital Hall, which is only a quick train ride, 2 stops away, from our apartment. Tucked away between two major streets, the recital hall sits patiently waiting for patrons to fill its halls. It sits patiently because it is a classy venue that does not want to boast about what lies inside. Opened recently, the City Recital hall is the first purpose built concert venue erected since the famous Opera House in 1973. The closest venue I can compare it to is The Hobby Center in Houston, but even that doesn’t do this building justice. Built mainly for orchestras and classical music, this performance was a little different.
The opener band was the The Clogs, whom I had never heard until this performance. The Clogs are a little difficult to describe, but at the core is a 4-piece band, mostly instrumental orchestra/jazz fusion, with winds, strings & percussion. Each member is multi-talented on various instruments, which makes for a fun show to watch. I was surprised to learn that two of the members of The Clogs are also in The National, which explains a lot of the composition heard in The National’s music. Reading the description of the band in the program made me think of Sigur Ros – which is close, but that isn’t quite right either. I really liked listening to The Clogs, although at times it sounded like museum music, which went really well with the venue.
The National went on at about 10 o’clock and played a great set with music from all of their albums. Since I only recently started listening to The National (I really only know the new album), I was surprised to find out that band includes twin brothers (one of the brothers in also in The Clogs – Confused yet?). I thought the best songs were the ones with the full ensemble, which also features brass and wind instruments. On a side note: the brass section of the band was the same that played for Sufjan Stevens a few nights ago. The band was very happy to be playing in the upscale venue, but it was clear the hall wasn’t intended for a rock band (although the acoustics were great). Also, it has been awhile since I have seen a band where the lead singer doesn’t play any instruments – this isn’t a bad thing, it is just something I noticed. Overall, the band was really good live (they played about and hour and a half), but the venue didn’t quite do The National’s performance justice - in my opinion.
I was sad that Jess couldn’t make it (even though she may have fallen asleep during come of The Clogs music), but I still managed to have a good time. The Sydney festival ends this weekend (which also happens to be Australia Day), and I had a great time checking out a few different performances.
Labels: Music, Sydney Festival, Theatre
1 Comments:
Very jealous that you got to see The National. I will have to burn you "Alligator"...although it may take awhile for me to get it to you.
Post a Comment
<< Home