Sydney quartet Ernest Ellis continually
manage to impress on each occasion I cross their path. In the process, the rooms
are getting fuller as they rise up the order of support slots. The set was well
paced and packed with feeling from lead man Ellis, as he puts all effort
into his words, causing him to strain at the end of his phrases, further adding
to the emotions created by the lyrics alone.

The band went through a few more
recognisable songs such as latest single ‘Loveless’ bearing an interesting
percussive line of rim shots and kick provided by drummer Mat Gardener. Another
was ‘Heading For the Cold’ which had the Oxford Art Factory floor clapping
along with Keita Tarlinton on keys and Ben Morgan on bass keeping the anxious
crowd in time. The set featured many songs that have been recorded on the soon
to be released debut album ‘Hunting’ on local record label Dew Process.

Rounding out the all Sydney affair were The
Holidays, who were sneakily seen purchasing a round of pre-set shots to warm to
the occasion that quite a crowd had turned up to witness. Tonight the band
brought some new material to the table in the form of new single ‘Golden Sky’.
With its infectious bongo rhythm and syncopated guitar stabs, guitarist Will Magnus
and bassist Alex Kortt invited the crowd to dance, losing themselves in the
rhythm and clapping along to extend the welcome. Meanwhile, a chorus call and response
between singer Simon Jones and the band was not an invite only affair, the crowd feeling it too good of an opportunity, singing along to every word.

‘Golden Sky’ wasn’t the only new song -
another was ‘Moonlight Hours’ which has a slight R’n’B feel, according to Jones. Maybe 'Moonlight Hours' wasn't the only R'n'B flavoured tune, but it had a strong vibing bass line, characteristic of the new songs from the upcoming album. On top of these, the band blasted through old favourites from previous EPs including ‘Holiday’ and ‘All
the Girls’. A great set by a band with an ever-growing loyal fanbase, gaining a reputation for turning the room on to party mode, tonight being no exception.

Photo in Header from:

http://www.myspace.com/theholidays