Live Review

Olympia w/ Sarah Belkner, Pynes @ Black Bear Lodge

Despite all the predictions that Friday night was supposed to bring a deluge of rain and generally awful weather to Brisbane, the gloomy outlook didn’t seem to perturb the punters venturing out to Black Bear Lodge. As the rain stopped and started outside, the venue was packed out for a headline performance from Melbourne’s Olympia supported by Sarah Belkner and Pynes. It was a fun night filled with some seriously talented female vocalists and a nice little nod to Zed courtesy of a sign on stage that read ‘#KeepCommunityRadio.’

When local three-piece Pynes took the stage, it was still relatively early but the place was actually pretty full. The tables scattered with candles down the two sides of the room made for a decidedly moody atmosphere, perfectly suited to the folky pop tones of Pynes’ frontwoman Mel Tickle. We’re told it’s only the band’s sixth show, but they play with the confidence of a group holding many more shows under their belts. For the most part they kept things simple with just a bass, guitar and drums, though they also used samples to add a few extra layers to their sound. In what proves to be a theme for all of the artists throughout the evening, the samples get a bit clunky. Perhaps it’s just the venue, but they are way too loud and don’t blend with the live instruments. Awkward samples aside, the screechy guitar fuzz and lo-fi production made for an engaging and lively set. 

Sarah Belkner’s set was something altogether very different. She was alone on stage with only her keyboard, some ridiculously kitsch drum samples and a tambourine at her feet. If it wasn’t for the fact she took it all so seriously you’d almost think she was having a laugh. Her whole schtick took a little getting used to but after a while the crowd really warmed up to her performance. She’s got the whole ethereal, pop-princess act down and despite the weirdness it all kind of worked. As she introduced Cellophane she told the audience to decide what it’s about or, “Apply it to whatever shit you’re going through basically.” However bad whatever shit Belkner went through while writing the song, it evidently lead her to a pretty magical place as it was one of the night’s highlights. Once again many of the samples swamped the vocals, but for the most part her voice was strong enough to ring out over the pre-set drum sounds.

By the time Olivia Bartley aka Olympia arrived on stage with her band, Black Bear Lodge is packed and the vibe was relaxed and fun. Tonight Olympia was wearing a very sparkly, spikey, metallic shouldered number, which she actually pulled off very well. Hers was the third great voice of the night, though her extra experience and training was instantly recognisable. Olympia has done her time playing supports and warming up crowds and now, with her debut record Self Talk as source material, it really was her time to shine. There are synths playing from somewhere, though as always at this venue, it was a bit of a challenge to actually see the stage and what is happening there. She definitely had some loop pedals going though, as her own voice builds in layers upon itself and created some trippy harmonies. At some point someone inexplicably decided to yell, “Enya!” at her, to which she sardonically responded, “Wow, that’s rough,” to which the crowd cheered. There’s no time for bizarre references to Irish singer-songwriters however, as the set took a rather sudden and unexpected turn. Three songs in and Olympia’s snare drum has broken and the whole performance comes to a grinding halt. 

Olympia valiantly attempted to entertain the crowd with random anecdotes and terrible jokes, but it eventually became clear that some serious DIY repair work was needed and she’d have to entertain the crowd solo while the drummer and bassist headed out back to fix the snare. Picking up her electric guitar, she proceeded to launch into a story about being asked to play a Bowie tribute gig in New Zealand and hoped the crowd weren’t too, “Tribute-fatigued” to hear one more song. The gig might have been falling apart, but when she started to sing Rock And Roll Suicide, no one seemed to mind the lack of a band at all. It took a couple more songs before the drums are (literally) sticky taped back together and the show recommenced with the full band. The crowd applauded Olympia for her stellar solo improv effort and the set was effectively incident free from then on. This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things and Honey are both stand outs, but really it was the way Olympia handled the whole drama that left a lasting impression. Olympia was a consummate performer throughout and the fact the set never felt compromised or lacking shows how strong she was. It wasn’t the show anyone expected, but it was still a great night. 

- Emily Strong

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