LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: A Sleepless Melody - The Last Teenagers Tour

As much as I had a blast last weekend at my first ever mid-day gig, I will say that I was a little annoyed that the list of supporting acts seemed to grow day-by-day. I honestly thought there were only going to be 4! Then I heard there were 6, but then when I got there, guest fan reviewer, Jacqui and I counted and there were EIGHT!

If it was a music fest I wouldn’t have minded so much, but it was advertised as a headline show for A Sleepless Melody – not that I was completely turned off, just a little unprepared! So much so, at a point the three of us ended up outside just chatting and catching up. We didn’t want to be rude to the bands that traveled from everywhere to put on a good show, but it was just too hot inside – note to self, next time you trek to Livo PCYC BYO (air) fan! – and the energy levels weren’t as high as I imagined it would be.

Enough complaints and making up for those complaints – time to have fun and point out the positives. Although I was surprised by the amount of supporting bands, at least I was thrown into underground music scene around the country. I was able to see bands that I would never actually choose to see. And to my surprise, there were a few “diamonds in the rough”. I did also manage to see how picky I really was about what I listened to and solidify my reasons for being so picky. So let’s get into this review!!!

***

Cupid Against Venus

Excellent start to a rather intimate turnout for the show. These guys set a mood that got Miss Jo and I dancing. Their original songs brought great vibes to the room and their cover brought everyone to their feet! You can never go wrong with 80s Classic, “Hound Dog” by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll! Jacqui, Jo and I were doing the twist and singing along regardless of the heat.

Chasing Amy

Theses guys I had heard of before and was glad to hear live! More people were singing along this time around and it really felt like the show was about to deliver regardless of the turnout and the weather. Keeping the energy levels up, these guys played a great set!

Your Weight in Gold and Sunsets

I’m putting these guys together because they didn’t really do anything for me but scare the living daylights out of me! I mean the three of us weren’t down the front like usual, but for the next hour we were happy to stand at the back and watch people make pyramids and throw their fists in the air and…dance (if that’s what you call it…) to the Screamo music.

Don’t hate us – we’re just not big on music from that genre. Sorry guys, but you can’t please everyone – and from all the…dancers and pyramids that were made that day, you don’t need to! You’ve got supporters anyway!

Madison

Jacqui is a big fan of this band (and so are ASM!) so we WERE down the front for this set. I even got to be introduced to lead singer, David, because Jacqui was so eager for Jo and I to listen to them. They were INCREDIBLE, I added them to my iTunes list as soon as I got home! All three of us were really happy to dance along with their songs. I will say I loved the harmonica – no one plays interesting instruments like that anymore – so kudos guys!

***

I will have to apologise to Highways, Wake the Giants and Sunnyside Up fans. I wasn’t actually there to see these guys play because the heat was too much inside the building and I was getting tired of standing. (I actually left before Sunnyside Up could hit the stage because I had to be a responsible good sister and have my siblings home early.)

***

A Sleepless Melody

I got talk to these guys before they hit the stage, and they’re absolutely some of the nicest guys I’ve ever met! Jacqui pretty much introduced them to Jo and I while we they were waiting for their turn to hit the stage. I said in my review for their EP that the quality of their music was surprisingly excellent! And these guys LIVE are even better. The energy was absolutely amazing by the time they were on stage.

Everyone was singing along and everyone had smiles on their faces. The guys were having a blast performing and I was just so glad to share it with good friends. Going through 7 bands for these guys was worth it – 30 minutes of my life that I would love to re-live any day!

***

Fan-reviewer Corner

with

Jacqui and Jo

What did you guys think of the venue?

Jo: I loved it - it was so chill. I loved how you could just move around, like you could jump around up the front when your favourite bands were on, then chill at the back or even just hang around outside when they were setting up or you if weren't particularly interested in the band that was playing.

Jacqui: Liverpool PCYC was a good little venue for the gig, unfortunately difficult to get to and a bit far from Sydney itself. The set-up (sound, etc.) was decent; though considering the daytime concert, there wasn’t much to work with in terms of lighting. There also wasn’t any space for each band’s gear, and the pile that was created side of stage seemed awkward for them. The space itself was roomy, but stuffy considering the heat. The stage seemed spacious enough for each band, though movement of gear seemed tricky, the bands all dealt really well with what they had.

What about the supporting bands?

Jo: I really liked most of them, namely Madison, Cupid Against Venus, Sunny Side Up and Chasing Amy. There were a couple others that I liked, and a few (hardcore screamo ones) that I wasn't into at all, but hey, just my opinion!

Jacqui: There was an interesting and eclectic mix of bands present to support A Sleepless Melody; some (in my opinion) were perfectly suited to the task, with a similar style or genre of music, others… not so much. The harder style pop-punk bands really didn’t take my fancy and their fans were a bit... intimidating. The remaining bands were brilliant, definitely the kind of music I enjoy and I think make great supports for the ASM boys. The Sunnyside Up boys had supported them throughout the tour, and it was great to see their “partnership” continue.

Moment of truth, how were ASM?

Jo: They were great! This was the first time I'd seen them, and I'd only very briefly listened to their music before, but while they were playing I felt like I'd been a fan for years! They were really lively and engaged the audience perfectly, they seemed like they were having as much fun as the fans, which I really like in a performance.

Jacqui: The band did brilliantly, the set list was varied and it was great to hear the whole new EP (The Last Teenagers) with some tracks off their self-titled EP too. From the somewhat emotional “Beautiful Life” to the upbeat feel of “Heads Down, Thumbs Up”, which caused a mini dance party for some, the guys played with energy and emotion.

Overall thoughts about the show?

Jo: It was brilliant, definitely on my top ten list of awesome days! Great music, great people, great environment, great experience! Would totally do it over again!

Jacqui: Due to the large number of support acts (eight!), the day became long and a bit tedious. The heat of the day didn’t help with that feeling, but it was certainly worth the wait when the guys hit the stage and played with all they had. The concert was certainly worth the 15 dollars a ticket and even the difficulties of getting to the venue. An amazing set-up by Loud Touring and A Sleepless Melody, a brilliant day was had by others and myself.

sL Star Rating: 3 Stars

Next on sL: NEW EMPIRE COMPETITION ANNOUNCED!