LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: New Empire - Symmetry Tour

I’m still grinning from the amazing night that I had on Saturday! It was so much fun from start to finish! But before I go on with my review for the night, kudos to Stephanie, Jacqui and Bridget for getting there super early – you girls are really dedicated! Big thank you to Jacqui who handed out the rest of those invites to VOTE FOR NEW EMPIRE for Channel V’s ‘Oz Artist 2011’ (voting ends this Friday!) – I just decided to recruit her on the spot! And big CONGRATULATIONS to those of you won a photo taken by my lovely sister, Andrea.

Without further ado, let’s talk about the night!

***

Jake Nauta

For those of you who read my previous review, you’ll know that it was a bonus to have seen Mr Nauta share the stage with New Empire on Saturday. And guess what?! He stated his set with In Your Eyes! I was pretty much like, “My night can only get better!” From the last time I saw Jake live, I recall him being a really great crowd pleaser and Saturday was no different.

Getting the crowd to join in with the clapping and clicking and every now and then asking, “Do you guys know it?” which was happily answered, “Yes!” by a few of us in the crowd, Nauta set up the mood for the night. Taking the positive energy that was already in the room, he happily spoke to the crowd about his new album (which was available for $15 instead of $20 that night – bonus for Kale!) and his own tour coming up – gaining a new fan, which put the biggest grin on his face mid-way through his set.

A few more of my personal favourites (Here With You and Nothing Left To Lose), an oldie, a cover and a big thank you for supporting independent music later, Jake was packing up and off stage – but promised he was going to stay around for a chat afterwards.

To purchase From These Hands click: http://www.jakenauta.com/

The Jefferson

I’m going to be honest – I have never heard of this band before, but I’m not complaining with what I did hear. Picking up where Jake left off, these guys built on the high energy that came with the anticipation that New Empire were almost coming on.

Through the week, I thought it would only be fair to check out their music to get a feel for what they’d be like on stage; rockish with a dab of techno – sweet! I have tremendous respect for their performativity (yes, this is a word!); their stage presence as a band was well lead by their front man, Geoff, and there sound was not short of a head-banger or a hand in the air from the crowd.

It was lots of fun listening to these guys and it was a nice transition into the night’s special guest, For Our Hero.

To listen to The Jefferson: http://www.facebook.com/thejeffersonband

For Our Hero

Another band I had heard of but not really listen to, but enjoyed watching on Saturday. From start to end, these guys had the biggest grins on their faces, you could tell they were genuinely excited to be in Sydney (which helped for the amazing atmosphere that was already hanging over The Factory Theatre).

Listening to these guys I was thinking: Short Stack + Son of Dork/Busted = For Our Hero. They’ve have the same feel to their music as Short Stack and Son of Dork but Jay’s vocals resonate with that of Busted’s front man, James Bourne. There was a real sense of fun with every song that they played and the crowd loved it! Jumping up and down, waving their hands in the air and “Woohooing” at the end of every song.

To think, the night was still far from over!

For more on For Our Hero: http://www.facebook.com/forourheroband?sk=info

***

With the night still young and excitement in the air, I was surprised no one started a chorus of, “New Em-pire!” As the lights dimed and a roar of voices welcomed the boys as they entered they stage, we all prepared ourselves for what was going to be one of the best shows of 2011.

Starting the set with Across the Oceans, the crowd was entertained by the sound of a metallic bin being banged on by Jeremy along with the enthusiastic array of the electric guitar, bass, drums and percussion that accompanied the foreign instrument. With every song on SYMMETRY well embedded on the lips of every single person in the crowd, the night had only just begun.

Song after song (I was going to say all the songs in order, but then I thought, “Let’s keep it as a surprise for Adelaide!), there was not one mouth in that room that was not singing along. The crowd was only too eager to join Jeremy with every word he was singing. It was such a delight to be part of it; singing along with fellow fans was definitely a highlight!

Eight songs into the show and the lights changed from the blues and purples into floods and yellows to aid the acoustic set. As Hero filled the theatre you could tell that the crowd was nowhere near ready to go home. With Kale joining Jeremy, Pete and Kyle down the front, you could say they were symmetrically prepared to enter the next section of the set list. I have to say that this was my favourite section of the night, and yes it’s because it’s the part of the night where I finally got to hear Long Way Home live. Not only that, but they also did a beautiful cover of The Killers’, Mr Brightside in this section. One of my sister’s favourite songs, I stood their wishing she was beside me instead of studying for the HSC (I recorded it for her, so don’t worry guys, she did get to see it).

With five songs left off the new album and one more from Come With Me Tonight, the crowd was still willing to sing along and “Woooo!” the night away. There was a moment between Take Me Back and the final section of the set where people thought that the night was over, which started a chorus of, “One more song!” But New Empire did the crowd one better by playing TWO more songs rather than one, finishing the night with the beloved, One Heart / Million Voices.

And with that, the night closed with satisfaction in the air. We all knew we had just witnessed something great and were glad to have been part of it – together.

Overall

What can I say? From start to finish I was blessed to have been in a room with so many people who were willing to sing every song loud and proud. There was not one song that the boys played that was more loved than the other – every song had us all singing at the top of our lungs. When one jumped, we all jumped; when one ‘wooohood’, we all backed them up; when one raised their hand; we all raised our hands. After the show I heard a man behind me say, “I really enjoyed that!” which his friend replied with, “Oh, I’m glad you did!” As am I sir! As am I. I have to say, there was a lot of love and appreciation in the room; new and old fans alike were not just happy to share the night with New Empire, but also with each other. Like I told Pete, it’s one of the best shows I’ve been to.

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: IN TIME

NEW ALBUM: Jake Nauta - From These Hands

I have to say, I was just starting to get into Playjerise and then they announced that they’re doing their FINAL tour in 2010! Although I was there for their opening show at The Metro Theatre, I was a little devastated that I hadn’t appreciated their music before they were ending. But…2011 is a brand new year and Jake Nauta has released his solo album, From These Hands.

From These Hands is a beautiful compilation of acoustic melodies and inspiring lyrics. With traces of favourites form Playjerise, this album still carries those amazing acoustic rhythms and melodic piano compositions. In saying so, this album has really brought out a different sound for Nauta and no one is complaining! I was really excited when I was able to hear some of it live at Big Exo this year, and it was amazing!

Alright, let’s talk about From These Hands…

***

Come Back Home

“From your love I know I’ve fallen. Back to light, I know it’s calling; I’ll come back home.”

I’m not too sure if this is the song Nauta described as “like a horse ride,” but it starts off sounding like a typical country-western theme song. The percussion that accompanies the acoustic guitar lifts the song a little more and adds to the horse-ride feel. What I really enjoy listening to in this song is the mid section where Nauta sings, “To you – ooh – ooh – ooh…” and the backing vocals are singing, “I’ll come back home.” That little section just pulls back from the rhythm to highlight the vocals, which is perfect to really digest the lyrics of the song. I love the ‘Prodigal Son’ theme that runs through the song, makes sense with the rhythm!

Here With You

“I don’t want to fail you, but I know I will. A part of me wonders why you love me still.”

What I love the most about this song is the lyrics. It’s an accurate portrayal of the Christian walk. As believers we want to give it all to our heavenly Father, but a part of us still lingers with doubts because of our sinfulness. The music supports the lyrics with its mellow combination of acoustics and little trickles of the xylophone here and there. Nauta’s voice carries a narrative touch where sadness and bliss intertwine as he sings this song, creating lovely atmosphere as you listen to it.

Lights

“Don’t lose that light, the light in your eyes. Can’t you see the world is changing?”

Softer than the previous two songs, Lights has a vibrant way of simply focusing on the vocals. Stripped back to just the acoustics at first, the lyrics really come to life and the overall message of never loosing hope resonates as you sit and listen. In the build up, your spirit can’t help but be stirred and encourage; you’ll find yourself singing along with the “Ha-ha-ha-ahhhs”.

Nothing Left To Loose

“There’s nothing left to loose. One day I was lost, but now I’m found in you.”

I have to say this is one of my favourite songs. I’ve always loved Jake’s falsettos and this song is packed with them! But I really like the rhythm as the song picks up and as it descends again, it’s like a rollercoaster that reflects the Christian life. It’s that point in life where you look back at your past and you’ve tried to fill your life with instant satisfactions only to find that they’re not enough. Then you find yourself at the point of grace, where you take the leap of faith, because there’s nothing left to loose. There’s a real sense of the search for ‘something more’ in this song with the combination of the lyrics and the accompaniment.

Back In Time

“I wanna go back to the day I loved you like a child. Over and over I would say, ‘Your love is the only way.’”

Another one of my favourites, this song is like a lullaby. It’s got that childish aspect to it, which is perfect with the lyrics of the chorus. The backing vocals’ angelic “Ohs” and “Ahs” give it that dream-like feel. It almost like an adult closing their eyes and imagining a time where they were simply innocent and carefree. Inspired by Mark 10:15 where Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” I would say this song is a great reminder for those of us on the journey to heaven: go back to your first love (Rev 2:4).

In Your Eyes

“You know I see the same thing in your eyes, shining so bright; looking at the same thing in your eyes.”

This is my favourite song on this album. Every since I got a copy of Jake’s Here With You single at Exo, I couldn’t stop listening to this song. I like the melody throughout the song and the guitar tapping in the first chorus. It has a light-hearted feel to it that makes you want to sway from side to side. I love singing along to the crescendo where Jake sings, “We are waiting for something more…more than this life.” It’s kind of like a battle cry of hope – there’s more than this life.

The Outside

“You will always be waiting; on the outside waiting for me”

This is a lovely piano based song that you just want to sit a listen to. Truth rings out with every note and word sung. Nauta’s lyrics cannot be separated from the biblical truths that resound in his heart. This soft ballad just lifts up the spirit to the promise of God waiting for us to come home to Him. This song is soft and slow to reflect God’s patience for those who are still finding their way to Him.

Grandpa Song

“I’m in your hands tonight.”

This song has a calm sit-outside-in-the-sun feel to it. The guitar plucking, claps and clicks resonate with a nice olden-day theme of the song. It’s a laid back song about being secure in the grasp of love. You have to bob your head with the beat and join in the clapping and clicking when you listen to it. You could probably sway to it, but it’s not one that you need your dancing shoes for, but it’s a great song to rhythmically get into.

Are You With Me

“Just how I love you like I do.”

This song is almost like a chase with the percussion playing at a quick pace, yet softly, in the background. It’s as though music is suggesting that the persona is attempting to gain back something he’s lost or let slip by. The “whooo-ooohs” and “ahhhh-ahhhhs” give it a lighter feel, as though there’s a hint of reflection over the decision being made. In contrast to the accompaniment, the lyrics pull the tempo back to hone down the epiphany that’s come into place. It’s a really dynamic piece that plays with temporality and succeeds in the execution.

Now I’ve Found You

“Our love something I can’t forget; It’s still the same and I will no let you slip away from me, now I found you.”

Another piano based song that reflects on the goodness of God. The piano echoes that of classic hymns and has a beautiful way of calming the spirit. It’s perfect for the message it carries of God being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; that He’s continually changing us for the better, because we’ve found Him and now, He reveals more and more of His love for us daily.

Overall

This album is one you can listen to anywhere. I love the biblical truths that run through it and there realities of what it means to be human that are reflected in the songs. From These Hands is worth purchasing on iTunes or at JB Hi-Fi or Koorong. It's a delight to have on your iPods, cars and homes.

sL Start Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: New Empire's Symmetry Tour (Sydney)

NEW BAND AND MUSIC REVIEW: The Nth Degree

I’m a little excited and a little nervous about this review. This is the first time I’m going to review music where the band approached me to review their stuff! So without further ado, let me talk to you guys about, The Nth Degree.

Tommy (Vocals & Keys), Dylan (Bass & Backing Vocals), Mitchell (Guitar), Joel (Drums) and Joel (Guitar) are the names of the fresh young musicians who make up “The Nth Degree”. Coming together only last year, these boys have already managed to write and record their own music. To describe their sound I would say: it’s electro-pop meets rock. Their songs are edgy with the collaboration of techno beats and rocky guitar riffs along with awesome drumbeats - it’s enough to make to want to rave and head bang at the same time.

***

Light Before Dawn

On the off set, it almost sounds like a remix of Linkin’ Park’s, “Numb”. Though at times I thought it was a little wordy, I wanted to get up and dance. I’ve never seen these guys live, but I can imagine there would be a lot of hands in the air, head banging and dancing when this song is being performed. I’d love to hear it live!

Perfect

This is song is available on iTunes and I bought it! I have to say it’s in my top two for these guys. What I love the most about it is the build up within separate sections of the songs. Midway through the verses you get a decent in the accompaniment leaving the vocals to reign and it sounds amazing! You guys seriously need to click the link (title) and buy it – definitely worth every cent! My favourite part is the robotic-like overlay on the vocals towards the end of the song, it gives the song another dynamic and creates a different feel as you listen to the song.

Here Tonight

I can see this song for a major action film or video game trailer. It’s definitely much rockier than some of the other tracks on their page but definitely one to have on your iPod. I love the climatic opening along with the combination of the drums and the piano throughout the song. One concern I have is that the vocals have a little too much echo which at times drowns out the accompaniment, but other wise, it's is pretty good.

The Fight

I’d have to say this is my favourite song that I listened to. It’s a softer song with the focus on some strings and the piano; I love the message of not giving up as well. I think I love this song is because you actually get a chance to hear what Tommy is singing. I’m not saying the previous songs were lyrically bad, I just thought they were a little lyrically dense; sometimes there was just too much going on with the music and the singing. This song pulls it back and really allows listeners to sit and listen to the message being sung. And the guitar solo is amazing – totally needs to be on the next guitar hero!

Within the Dream

I have to be honest and say this is my least favourite song. It starts off beautifully (musically), but when the crescendo comes at the chorus there’s just too much going on; the vocals over power on the track, but I think live, Tommy would be drowned out. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a rap somewhere in there too, but if it was I just don’t think it fits with the ensemble. It’s not irritating to the ear and I would listen to it here and there, but I think if I had this song on my iPod I wouldn’t hesitate to press skip. In saying that though, the quieter sections of the song are lovely – it’s just about balancing the vocals and the louder instruments.

The End (One Last Time)

I love how this song opens – the guitar riffs by this band are just superb! There’s a delicate balance of falling and rising in this piece that you could have on repeat. I’m not a big fan of speaking in songs because they’re usually just odd she you're listening – not just for this song, just in general. It makes sense for video clips, but not necessarily within songs. I think the vocals overpower the accompaniment again in this song which is a shame because it’s another soft song, but like I said, I’d listen to this song on repeat.

Sympathy

This is where that ‘electro-pop’ really comes through. There is an excellent split between the techno feel and the rockfish vibe, but they compliment each other very well. I love the vocal dynamics in the second verse for this song, the two voices don’t compete with each other and they really support one another; the lyrics are great as well. There’s just a great energy with this song, it’s one I can see being played at parties and major social events.

Overall

At times the vocals overpower the accompaniment, but it’s not too noticeable. Sometimes there are too many words being sung at once which leads to slight mumbling in the sentences, but it’s well carried regardless of the amount of words per beat. As a whole, The Nth Degree have a very mature sound, it’s hard to believe that they’re still starting out. I don’t usually listen to this kind of music, but I have to say, I enjoy listening to their stuff. Kudos boys!

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars

Next on sL: Jake Nauta, From These Hands

FILM: Footloose

I'm going to be honest: I did NOT like this movie.

I tried so hard to keep an open mind about this movie. I actually was looking forward to seeing it, but I had my doubts as well. I mean, there was a lot of hype that came with this re-make, from rumours of who was going to play who and how to make it relevant to audiences of the 21st century and whatever else...but it was honestly like sitting in front of any other dance film. I walked out of the cinema and thought, I can't even write anything that would spur someone to go to a movie that I'm not hyped up about.

But I'll try...

The Story

I literally have no words, but I think Nat pretty much sums it all up (pre-warning she does swear in this video feel free to press stop when her trailer finishes):

So the storyline pretty much went a little like what Nat said. There was no real story except a small town who experienced a tragedy so a bunch of laws decided came in to protect the teens. Instead we got a whole crew of rebel children who are doing whatever behind their parents back to gain a sense of what was before the laws came in. Then you have the typical hero who is orphaned and saves the day with awesome dance moves and a revolt on how kids are meant to make mistakes and have fun before life gets boring.

No joke, I pretty much told you guys the entire dialogue in this film in a nutshell. The entire movie was just an excuse to have some kick-ass dance moves and filter in popular music for the sake of 'newness' and 'cultural relevance'. There was nothing 'new' about the storyline the characters or even the dancing. They're moves we've seen before and they're stories we've heard and they're people we recognise.

The Cast

I'm just going to focus on the two main characters because frankly they're the ones you see the most and have to grow to love or hate to make a film. The other reason I'm focusing on these two actors is because they're not very well known. But...I do have to say KUDOS to: Dennis Quaid, Ray McKinnon and Milles Teller who made this movie bearable.

Kenny Wormald - Sure this guy can dance and his acting was not too bad. The only thing that bothered me was there was nothing too "Wow!" about him. He could have easily blended into that town rather than stood apart like his character was supposed to. I think there wasn't enough dialogue for Wormald to really build his character from the ground up. Stepping back, I don't remember is heroic speech (which is probably because he misquoted my favourite book in the world to make his point) I remembered his awesome dance moves. That's sad isn't it? But I commend him - I just felt in order to be the lead you need something that will catapult you to the position. No doubt his dancing was a spring board, but the dialogue was not springy enough to push his talents to the top.

Julianne Hough - There is no doubt that she can move and she communicates her attitude well, but I just think her character spent too much time looking pretty rather than actually being a rebel child. She was literally modelling rather than acting. Again I have to say it's the lack of dialogue in this film that caused this. I'm all for body language when it comes to dance films, but there was nothing in the dancing that propelled me to think, "Oh, well that says a lot!" It was all very linear - you could pin point at which parts Ren and Ariel were going to like each other and when they hated each other. No real surprise.

The Dancing

Top notch, but nothing new. The only thing I really liked was when Willard (Teller) finally learned to dance and he busts out on the dance floor at the end. His journey was the best :P

Overall

Look, if you're looking for a good movie that involves not thinking, this is it. The biblical references are twisted to suit the movie and are inaccurate, so it's not preaching to you - you'd probably have more fun reading the context of the verses quoted rather than sitting through this film to have a good time. If you like dance films purely for the dancing than go see it, otherwise, I would recommend seeing another film.

sL Star Rating: 1 Star

Next on sL: I introduce you to The Nth Degree :D

FILM: Crazy, Stupid, Love

Cal and Emily Weaver (Steve Carell and Julianne Moore) were your typical couple having a date night, when Emily drops a word-bomb at dessert – she wants a divorce. Cal is numbed by the shock conclusion to their evening. One moment they were talking about sharing a dessert the next she’s talking about sleeping with her work mate, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon).

Devastated and a little awkward after the settlements, Cal finds himself at a bar, with a watered-down vodka and at the mercy of lady’s man, Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Teaching him the tricks of the bachelor’s trade, Jacob becomes his Miyagi through bachelorhood. At first, Cal thinks it’s all ridiculous, but as soon as he gets into the swing of things, he finds that all the meaningless one night stands isn’t helping him move on, it’s only keeping him cold in a hot bed of desire.

Trying to be a father and a role model for his thirteen-year-old son, Cal needs to make a choice between moving on and letting go or holding on and fighting for what he once had.

The Story

I have to say, this was one of those movies where I thought it would be easy to determine the ending. At first it was, but every time I thought a character would have a bigger role, they didn’t and every time I thought one person wouldn’t be in the movie for too long, they were always there!

It wasn’t just that characters that surprised me, but how they intertwined with one another. The film resonates with Love Actually and Valentines Day, not in the sense that it’s trying to put as many popular faces in front of an audience in a way that locks them to each other, but rather how the lives of the characters are interlocked with one another - innocently and unexpectedly. At a certain point you sit in your seat thinking, “What? No!!!” – trust me, you’ll know when!

The Cast

Steve Carell and Julianne Moore are just an amazing duo. From the beginning you can feel the detachment between their characters, but you also see Moore’s character trying to hang-on to what they had when they were younger. They have a great parental dynamic as separated parents trying to ease their kids into the early stages of the divorce. Throughout the film there’s a sense that you do want them to get back together but you’re also not sure if that’s a great idea. Carell and Moore just have this great balance that make you believe they could re-do their marriage and fight against the speed bumps, but you can also see that if it doesn’t work out it’s not the end of the world, there’s still a possibility of being friends at the end.

Ryan Gosling was just hilarious in this movie! Suave and clean-cut, he was just a womanizer on a prowl. As Jacob mentors Cal, you can’t help but laugh at Gosling’s ease with insulting Carell’s character and again when it’s beautifully reversed when Jacob seeks Cal’s help later on in the film. But there’s another aspect of Jacob that Emma Stone’s character, Hannah, brings out that Gosling beautifully submits to when Jacob is captivated by Hannah in their second encounter.

Emma Stone is as easy going on film as ever. Her character is strong and smart, but just a little complacent in her relationship. As her best-friend Liz (played by Liza Lapira) tries to push her beyond her “PG-13” living, Hannah is reluctant until she’s pushed to her limits. At this point, Hannah breaks through Jacob’s suave tricks, even if that’s what she wants at that time, and falls into a bed of honesty rather than desire. What’s really great about Stone is her ease in making a romantic moment really comical. She’s mastered the art of comedy and allows usually awkward suggestive scenes to have a lighter aspect – I’m not saying she makes sex look funny, I’m simply saying her diversion in the film was brilliant on her part and excellent in writer, Dan Fogelman's part.

Analeigh Tipton and Jonah Bobo added another great dynamic to the film as the naïve little love struck teens. They're the kids still trying to figure out love from those around them and even attempting to get the love from certain individuals. I love the cat and mouse relationship they have as the Bobo’s character, Robbie, tries to convince Tipton’s character, Jessica, that they’re “soul mates”. Naïve, but really sweet...in a creepy kind of way.

Overall

It’s a great film overall. Lots of laughing and not much of tear jerker. Safe to take you boyfriend to and a great choice if you’re taking your girlfriend out to the cinemas. It highlights a different picture of divorce than that of other films that I’ve seen previously. It focuses on the early stages, the first year actually, so it gives a great insight on how as individuals, Cal and Emily are still in love but that love’s been a little damaged and it takes more than saying I’m sorry to fix everything.

sL Star Rating: 3.5 Stars

Next on sL: Footlose