Rag N’ Bone Album Launch @ Jack Rabbit Slim’s
with Dream Rimmy, Hussy, Last Quokka
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Rag N’ Bone are a band that have always stood out against the norm and tonight was no different. With live art from local artists screened on the stage background and a great line up it was not to be missed, celebrating the release of their debut album A Handful Of Ash after first launching onto the scene five years ago.
Opening the show were Last Quokka who played new material such as an acerbic and intelligent take on the Australian national anthem. It was a thrilling set proving the band’s proto-punk sensibility is at it’s best remaining topical and current.
Next were Hussy, a band with sweet melodies who don’t mince words as they call out their enemies and slay their victims riff after riff. Singer Shin Ruby and bassist/singer Marseeya D’Souza harmonise together beautifully bringing together a sound reminiscent of 90s bands such as Letters To Cleo and Bratmobile but with a more modern take all the while giving off a sassy confidence and creating a fun atmosphere.
Then dreamy indie darlings Dream Rimmy launched into a set of soothing synth-orientated songs that displayed a strong pop songwriting know how. The rich sounds of Dream Rimmy were a perfect starting point for Rag N’ Bone to come storming in after.
Rag N’ Bone took to an overcrowded Jack Rabbit Slims with punters pushed up against the stage barriers. They launched into recent singles such as Pissy Flow and Last Kind Words. Singer Kiera Owen’s superb, strong vocals unfortunately were not as prominent in the mix and the intense lighting let down the set slightly but the musicianship was still there.
Jamie Gallacher’s pulsating tribal drums and Axel Carrington’s thundering guitar as well as Sara MacPherson’s heavy bass tones brought a diverse sound to the slower songs in the set, such as in the beautiful ballad The Heart Is A Lonley Hunter.
It is clear to see why the band are creating a stir both nationally and overseas as their music, while intense, remains accessible to a wider audience. With the set ending on a faster song Wood and Wire the band brought members of the crowd on stage to dance with them which created an exciting environment and cemented Rag N’ Bone’s willingness to engage the crowd. It was a memorable and touching end to a night five years in the making.
ELLE CEE
Pics by Aaron Webber (Courtesy of Jack Rabbit Slim’s)
