Live Review: Jamestown Revival – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (22.10.15)

Let me set the scene for you… I was at SXSW 2015 in March this year and with thousands of bands playing and endless sets that you could attend, it was virtually impossible for bands to stand out. Possibly one of the only artists that stood out and without a doubt, the only band I could sing you a chorus back, was Jamestown Revival. Myself and the head of music for Shazam stood in absolute rapture at the ‘officially two piece’, but incredible 5-piece band. Tonight in Newtown, the band played their first ever show in Sydney and showed my Americana homeboys just how the real Austin boys do it, and I am not just talking ‘bout the blond hair and the pretty faces.

The energy and quality of the music was faultless, opening with my personal favourite “Fur Coat Blues”. The time seemed to fly, as it was surely a matter of minutes before the band were bowing and exiting the stage. Solid and unassuming, I was as excited to find out where Zach Chance (keyboardist) would hang his hat next as I was the track to be performed.

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The combination of guitarist/singer Jonathan Clay and his side-piece Chance hitting note after note of perfect harmonies makes me think that the devil is at work here… I should also mention that upon ‘liking’ Clay on Facebook I was prompted to also ‘like’ One Direction… I can only assume Facebook spent the whole night at the bar. Good job Facebook.

My only criticism of the show was the criminal fact it wasn’t sold out. Sure, there were enough of the hardcore fans there to fill the room and make it a solid showing, but a band like this deserves them queuing around the block – and trust me at the next gig in Sydney, they will be. The recently cancelling of the Americana festival ‘Out On The Weekend’ is in my opinion not an indictment of talent, but possibly more a lack of exposure to the phenomenal acts on offer.

Lord love the Jamestown Revival, and if they are EVER in a town near you, you won’t regret what will most likely be the gig of the year.

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