Live Review

Gravel Samwidge & Bottlecock

It's a regular Wednesday night in Fortitude Valley where there is no shortage of people out and about having a great time. As always Ric's Bar is open and welcoming the music lovers of Brisbane to enjoy another evening of fine local talent.

First on stage is Gravel Samwidge. This tasty four piece can proudly boast their achievement of winning Triple J unearthed in 1995. In 2009 they released an album titled “Nonchalance” through Turkey Neck Records and in 2011 a collection titled “Old Tapes” was produced by Ern Malley.

The Gravel Samwidge sound is unmistakable and not one that is commonly replicated. The repetitive thrum of the Bass coupled with fuzz from feedback laden, discordant lead guitar is entrancing. The execution is deliberately sloppy but the sound is none the less tight. The lyric is not so much sung as it is declared, however having said that the melody is distinctly there. Interestingly, the Samwidge incorporate experimental elements into their performances, utilising electronic sounds adding another layer to the mix. When the band moves into experimental mode it is clear that the manufacturing of sound completely absorbs them as they enter “the zone”.

The Samwidge sound is gritty, grimy, muddy, melancholy music and yet the primal rhythms, pulsating from the stage are deliciously enticing. There is also an element of calculated sleaze here accompanied by a definite indifference which may entitle the Samwidge to be described as the anti heroes of the Brisbane rock scene. Experiencing a Gravel Samwidge performance is an opportunity not to be missed. The band is working on another album due for release in 2012 which I am very excited about. Google Gravel Samwidge and you'll find heaps of links to check out with music to listen to and Nonchalance can be downloaded from band camp. Enjoy your meal.

Bottlecock were next to take the stage. The two bands tonight compliment each other quite well. Bottlecock produce a sludgey, distorted, droning mix that transports me to that other level of consciousness the way music is meant to. The three piece formed about 12 months ago after friends, Ashleigh and Joshua had spent some time jamming together, leading to the realisation that what they were creating between them was quite unique..

Bottlecock manufactures industrial, heavy guage sound with vibrations that are surely cracking pavements in some other dimension. Bottlecock deliver four of the major points on my scale of what makes a great live performance, they are 1. female performers (extra points for one of them being the drummer), 2. sharing of lead vocal duties, 3. dedication to producing their own sound outside of mainstream acceptance and 4. overall they all look great on stage. Bottlecock may not suit everyone's taste but what is undeniable is the originality of the sound produced by this trio, a sound which I recommend experiencing.

The band is recording an EP at the moment so look forward to an EP launch sometime later this year hopefully. They do have a Facebook page but not much else as yet, hopefully we will see a larger online presence of Bottlecock in our browser searches in the near future.

Janelle Salmon

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