Project Description

MIDDLE KIDS

+ Tyne-James Organ + Dominic Breen

@ Metro Theatre

09/04/19

(Live Review)

Reviewer: Jess Moog

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It’s a commonly known fact that middle kids often receive the least amount of attention among their siblings. Being the oldest child means I can’t exactly relate, however I can definitely confirm that the band Middle Kids receive a fricken crapload of attention, despite the context of their name.

I saw it all for myself on Tuesday night as I attended their show at Sydney’s Metro Theatre. Having just announced the release of their next undoubtedly soul-tingling album, New Songs For Old Problems, the wonderful indie three-piece (four if you include their killer session guitarist) have been touring across the country showcasing their wonderful folk rock ragers. And I tell yah what; the 1.30am return to Newy was definitely bloody worth it.

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The first act of the night was talented singer-songwriter Dominic Breen. I’d never heard of this bloke before, but lordy he was a true delight. Dominic was joined on stage by a bandful of friends, including a very talented drummer who managed to play his instrument, rock a hand shaker, and back up sing all at the same time! Dominic’s voice was awesome to listen to, with the band’s soft indie folk tunes kind of sounding like a mellower version of some early Arcade Fire. A bunch of punters were moseying about, with songs such as ‘Sydney Kids’ and ‘Sometimes the Wrong People are at the Top’ receiving impressive cheers from the room. Dominic ended his set with beautiful track ‘Love Is Everywhere We Go’, and what a truly lovely sentiment that is! I was feeling it so much I even changed the words to ‘love is everywhere in the Metro’, which I thought was genius at the time, but in hindsight is rather eh. Nevertheless, a glorious ending for sure!

My boyfriend and I had grabbed ourselves a spot on the top balcony, which gave me a great perspective on the whole event. It also gave me a prime position for some hectic people-watching, however I was torn away from my stickybeaking as soon as Tyne-James Organ graced the stage. He opened up with a fab acoustic song that drew in a huge cluster of crowd members from the bar. I noticed that a lot of them were young women, which didn’t surprise me at all considering my femme energy could sense the sheer number of chicks frothing their pants immediately after he sang one bloody note. You can’t really blame them though, I mean he has an epically gorgeous voice; super similar to Dylan from Sticky Fingers but like, less dirty and more genuine.

Tyne-James spoke to the crowd like we’d been friends forever, and even took a moment to dedicate a song to his mum, who I could see shedding a few tears at the front corner of the crowd (fricken BLESS). His accompanying band sounded spot on as they played killer songs like the beautiful ‘Watch You Go’, with each instrument carrying their own precisely and pleasantly. There was a dancey singalong at the front of the floor as he played concluding tune ‘Graceful’, before leaving the stage with a wave and a smile.

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There was ten minutes or so before our main act arrived, giving the room a chance to fill out nicely. By the time the stage lights darkened down, there wasn’t a spare bit of floor left. I was feeling incredibly thankful for my cosy balcony spot when on jumped our dream siblings Middle Kids! Absolute whopper ‘Never Start’ was the first track on the list, transforming the room into a colourful, chorusing mess! I’d always thought Middle Kids would be a rather chill band to see, but holy balls they are NUTS when they get on stage. Hannah’s powerful voice enveloped the heck outta the room, as did all the groovy drumbeats and awesome riffs. They left us little room for recovery as they transferred straight into next banger, ‘On My Knees’, which was of course met with a similar venue-wide singalong.

As the night continued, so did the immense amount of energy protruding from the stage. Each bandmember had a distinct way of rockin’ the room. Frontwoman Hannah was a bubbly ball of enthusiasm, jumping up and down with her fun bobble head dance. Plus she looked fricken GAWJUS up there, with her white long-sleeve and bunched up hair giving me some serious indie Princess Leia vibes. Meanwhile bassist Tim was stomping around his side of the stage like an angry Storm Trooper, and drummer Harry was funking us off up the back. Their session guitarist (whose name has completely left my brain) was also bloody amazing, destroying each terrific tune with his incredibly perfect solos. More belters hit our ears in the form of ‘Salt Eyes’, ‘Don’t Be Hiding’, new song ‘Real Thing’, and my personal fave, ‘Edge of Town’, before they slowed us down a notch with Hannah’s solo rendition of ‘Hole’. There was also a moment where the drummer came out playing a goddamn melodica, which is one of those mini keyboards with a blow tube attached to it. How fun!

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So, I firmly believe that a great gig requires three specific things: a grouse band, a friendly crowd, and a sensational stage. The latter was definitely one of the most impressive parts of Tuesday’s show, with the stage featuring cool stuff such as strings of flowers, a starry backdrop and an absolute godsend of a light technician. Honestly, whoever you are, you are my fucking IDOL man, ‘cause I have never seen such beautiful stage lighting in my life. The strobe lights were perfectly timed, there were fancy projections on the ceiling, there was ridiculously amazing back lighting that made the band look like a pack of dreamy seraphim, it was just all soooo good! I mean blimey, the lighting mixed with the music made for one helluva great performance.

The gig was coming to an end as the band played ‘Bought It’, causing the room to sway softly in unison. Middle Kids walked off to a feisty roar from the crowd, and an encore chant immediately ensued. They only kept us waiting for a minute or so before grabbing their gear for one final tune. And what a bloody tune it was, huge banger ‘Mistake’. I could hardly hear Hannah’s ethereal voice as the room erupted into song until the very last note. Hundreds of clapping hands waved the band off for the last time, thanking them for such a fun and well executed show!

 

Cheers Middle Kids, you’re my new favourite siblings.

(Sorry Nick, Wibs and Max, y’all are still alright)

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Follow Middle Kids
@OneBigLink!

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