As I entered the Spiegeltent, LA based outfit Vintage Trouble had already begun chanting “Welcome To Our Party” to the enthusiastic crowd. Indeed, they brought the party to Sydney at an early 7pm show – always an impressive feat – with the crowd on their feet and dancing from start to finish.
The band – who hold their roots in American Soul and Funk – have grown in popularity incredibly rapidly over the last two years, already supporting bands like Bon Jovi and performing on stage with Paul Stanley of Kiss. It’s an impressive CV for a band who have only released one album – The Bomb Shelter Sessions – which they were celebrating the Australian release for on this tour.
After seeing them live, it goes without saying that their popularity comes down to two things. One, the fact they are an incredible live band. Tight, energetic and unpredictable, this is group of four men who know how to hold their instruments and do it with style. And this brings me to number two: the swagger of front man Ty Taylor, whose moves, voice and charisma remind me of a young James Brown. And believe you me, that’s a mighty compliment.
Highlights of the set included the funky “Total Strangers” and the dance inducing “You Better Believe It” – which Ty called their ‘get the fuck out the door’ song. A wonderful breakup song, if there ever was one! And following the audience participation of a “woo” off between the ladies and the gentlemen in the room, the track “Gracefully” was ‘dedicated to the ladies, from the gentlemen in the room’. Nice touch.
With original tracks full of funk and soul that herald back to the music of the greats like James Brown, and a rockier edge that aligns them with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Vintage Trouble are one of the finest live bands on the circuit today. They’ll hopefully be back later in the year, so if you missed them at Sydney Festival, here’s hoping you get the chance then! I wouldn’t miss it.
