AYLA

+ Long Boys + Jeffe + Aikonawena

@ Oxford Arts Factory Gallery Bar

20/01/18

(Live Review)

Reviewer: Esther Triffitt

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Launched in January 2018, the East Coast touring circuit from Rare Finds began their first show in Sydney with Sunshine Coast based artist Ayla, after the January 12th release of her EP ‘Let’s Talk Monday’. Alongside Ayla at the Oxford Arts Factory Gallery Bar were Long Boys, Jeffe, and Aikonawena.

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As the doors to the Gallery Bar opened at 8pm, the early crowd built up for Melbourne based band Long Boys. Immediately as the guys began their set, beers, hats, and even people were being chucked all over the place. Their rocky and boisterous sound created an electric atmosphere to start off the show as the crowd slowly built further into their set.

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Next up was artist Jeffe, who’s silken voice accompanied by distant piano notes brought in a less boisterous crowd but nevertheless kept them captivated. With lyrics depicting the all so relatable tribulations of love and life, Jeffe pulled you in from the beginning.

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Between sets, Nice Juan DJ’s, alongside Paul Harris, Luke Morton, and Steve de Wilde played tunes ranging from Talking Heads, to The Strokes, to the Kaiser Chiefs, which withheld the energy brought in by the support acts.

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The third and final support act were Sydney duo Aikonawena. To say they put on a fantastic show for a small set would be an understatement. Aikonawena’s groove-filled tunes reminded me slightly of band Hiatus Kaiyote, yet with their own twist. Their songs inspired by drunken and fun nights out managed to get the whole room dancing, a band definitely to watch out for over 2018.

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At around 10:45pm, Ayla took to the stage with guitarist Ryan Nebauer, and drummer Jhindu Pedro. Beginning her set with ‘Cry Honey’, Ayla’s unique voice coupled with funky melodies showcased her lyrics smoothly. Second track ‘Wish I Was’ is packed with steady drum beats and ever building gentle strumming picked up the crowd a little more as Ayla graced the Gallery Bar with her peaceful stage presence.

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In between songs Ayla kept up a humbled interaction with the crowd, breaking the ice amongst switching instruments. Third track ‘When the World Ends’ painted a dreamy vision throughout with its catchy chorus and ethereal sense.

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Further into the set, Ayla presented single ‘Porcelain Doll’, and ‘Too Cold For June’ which was stripped down to just a guitar and vocals, putting the room into a trance. Track ‘New Furniture’ produced a sombre and chilled atmosphere for the room, then brought up by ‘Waiting’ and ‘Like the Other Kids’, which with their memorable riffs swayed the crowd into movement.

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Final song ‘Shallow End’ was definitely a great track to end on. With upbeat acoustics and Ayla’s transient voice, the crowd sung back and danced along, finishing the night on an excitable and joyful note.

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