Project Description

MIDDLE KIDS 

+ Ruby Fields 

@ Mojos Fremantle

(Live Review)

10/5/18

Reviewed by Vicky Hebbs 

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Ruby Fields appears before Middle Kids, playing songs from her March release, Your Dad’s Opinion for Dinner. Her voice is as distinct and unwavering as she sounds recorded, and songs like P Plates and I Want showcase her songwriting abilities.

Mojos is pretty damn small as far as venues go, so its packed to the brim once Middle Kids make it onstage. They have just released their new album, Lost Friends, which just went to number ten on the ARIA Album Charts, which is no small feat when they’re currently topping albums by the likes of Post Malone and Ed Sheeran.

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I love that songs like Bought It can go from slow and heartfelt to pure rock, with heavy drumbeat and guitar playing so intense Hannah grits her teeth at one point, giving it all she’s got.

Old River is a song with grungy vocals but smooth, slow-burning instrumentals. Sometimes her voice to me sounds almost folk-like, a bit like Klara from Swedish band First Aid Kit. I think this gives Middle Kids an edge on some other alt-rock groups because they can appeal to a broader fan base, evident somewhat by the Mojos crowd.

Never Start gets everyone going and singing along to the lyrics that Hannah belts out in her clear, resonating voice.

The brainchild of musical couple Hannah and Tim, Middle Kids started in 2015 and have been touring regularly since 2016. Before then, they hadn’t played a single show, but now they’re true professionals on the stage.

Straight from Lost Friends, Edge of Town is the song which really took Middle Kids to new heights, even being played by Sir Elton John himself on his radio show and covered by Paul Dempsey on triple j’s Like A Version. Gradually building guitar, Hannah’s lilting phrases and a steady beat make this song one that stays with you long after the last note, and is greatly appreciated by the crowd.

The new album sounds amazing in Mojos, because its intimate and the music seeps into your bones.

Their Rosemount Show the night before was the band’s first headlining gig in Perth, but Middle Kids put on a show with such an energy that you would never guess they were doing this very same thing just twenty-four hours ago.

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