A number of bands, including Lime Cordiale, Good Boy, Deep Sea Arcade and Lily and the Bellows, took over Oxford Art Factory for Rare Finds‘ first birthday celebration!
On the main stage, Lime Cordiale slayed. The band has been on a break from playing live but you wouldn’t have known it, based on their performance. They had so much energy while they played and worked together to make sure every instrument was heard. The trombone rang out over the top of their catchy guitar riffs, and as Oli and Louis Leimbach took turns to sing, it was impossible to fault them.
Louis looked around at his bandmates, smiling at them as if to say, “How awesome are we?” and such confidence was completely justified. The sound was perfect on stage, and the crowd didn’t stop moving, with the floor filling up right to the end of their set.
What’s a Sydney gig without mentioning the lockout laws, though? Their song “My City” lamented the state of Sydney, echoing everyone’s sentiment of being “Sick of being asked to move along.” They finished their set with the catchy and fun “Feel Alright” that had everyone dancing and singing along.
Over at the Gallery Bar, Good Boy were launching their new EP. Overlapping with Lime Cordiale affected the number of people who showed up to watch them, but it didn’t deter the band from delivering a quality set.
Making a political statement about ‘living below the poverty line’, lead singer Rian King snarled his way through the song and then had to finish up the set. The sound in the Gallery Bar was as strong as it was in the Main Bar, meaning the band could be heard over those chatting amongst themselves as they played.
Deep Sea Arcade delivered a solid set at the Main Bar, but didn’t connect quite as much as Lime Cordiale did before them. This might be a result of their set being made up of songs from their 2012 album Outlands. This isn’t to say that it wasn’t a good album or the songs on it don’t still pack a bit of punch, but if the band appear to be bored playing them, then we’re a bit bored of listening as well.
Lead singer Nic McKenzie called out to his sister in the front of the crowd and said, ‘What’s your name again?’, which caused her and her friends to walk away saying, ‘What an arsehole!” He moved around the stage like a monster, adding some movement to an otherwise still band. The big hits “Seen No Right”, “Granite City”, “Lonely in Your Arms” and “Girls” all got a huge reception – but since they’ve all been out for around four years, it’s not a surprise.
Deep Sea Arcade’s live show is still enjoyable, but would be even better if they would release some new music for us to dance to. I have nothing against Outlands, in fact I still love it, but how long can a band rely on one album?
Lily and the Bellows closed the Gallery Bar, and because they overlapped with Deep Sea Arcade and were meant to play later than they did, I only caught the end but wow, am I glad I did! With that one song, the band blew me away with their energy and talent. Their guitarist played killer, distorted riffs, while lead singer Lily So sang ‘Body’s a Graveyard.’ Please, Lily and the Bellows, play again soon so I can experience your live show properly!
The event was enjoyable, the sound was impeccable and the bands rocking. A great showcase of local Australian talent.
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