Project Description

DOPE LEMON
@ Metropolis Fremantle, WA
17/08/19
(Live Review)

Reviewer: Gabrielle Clark

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Angus Stone, one part of Angus and Julia Stone, in 2016 started a new project – Dope Lemon. Since then he’s released an EP and two albums. Off the back off his latest album Smooth Big Cat, Stone is returning to the stage for his first headline tour in three years. Stone and band hit Metropolis Fremantle as the second last stop on the Australia and New Zealand tour before playing in Auckland. With his new project as Dope Lemon, it was like starting fresh again as a budding musician and playing smaller venues. The tour showcases tracks off their second studio LP, Smooth Big Cat, released in July, and written and recorded at Stone’s ranch studio hidden in Byron.

I arrived a little before 8:30 to a packed out crowed waiting eagerly to see Stone and band. The crowd was for the most part young with many in their 20s or 30s but there were some older punters as well. Some of the stage equipment for Dope Lemon was covered and there was a giant yellow Dope Lemon sign above the stage.

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Before long the support act Golf Alpha Bravo came on and the three-man band rocked out slowly with simplicity. Describing themselves as surf soul for laying low, support act Golf Alpha Bravo were sure to provide the right vibes before Dope Lemon. Embarking on their first national tour there would no doubt be some excitement mixed with nerves. Supporting Australia’s godfather of folk and indie music Angus Stone is pretty colossal opportunity for the young band.

After a few songs the main singer asked who was excited to see Dope Lemon, before saying “it’s been fucking amazing to be able to play in front of you guys”.

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There were even some impressive bluesy guitar riffs, Spanish sounds and harmonies. Two out of three of the band members were wearing bucket hats. As the band continued their set the floor was packing out. Before long their set was over and it was all hands on deck getting the stage ready for Dope Lemon. Punters got their drinks and headed to the stage to secure a spot for the main act. All of a sudden the lights go out and the Dope Lemon comes on to a screaming crowd.

 

There were five members in total and almost all band members were wearing hats and Stone had a blue velvet suit on. The band consisted of members on guitars, a bass, drums and keyboard.

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A couple of tunes down they played their much-loved track Marinade and the crowd screamed. Next up was Hey You, the first track of Stone’s album Honey Bones. A couple of songs later was another track from the Honey Bones album called Cayote. Having not spoken to the audience yet, Stone checked in to ask “how are you guys doing”?  Next up was Hey Little Baby featuring some impressive whistling from Stone.

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Before the next track Stone took a moment to say “we get pretty good at fucking things up but we don’t admit it”. He then changed guitars and sang Fuck Things Up while sitting on a stool. Then Stone and band played Honey Bones the title track to his 2016 album.  He then changed back to his original more acoustic looking guitar and played Salt & Pepper the second track on his latest album Smooth Big Cat. Soon after that the light was on another band member who was on electric guitar performing a wicked solo.

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Stone introduced the band members with the drummer hailing from Berlin and the keyboard player from New York.  Then he played the certified tune and my personal favourite track Home Soon with that catchy flute-sounding riff and then went off stage. They came back for encore, playing Uptown Folks before all five stood together and took a bow.

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Check out Adrian Thomson‘s gallery of the show here

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