Blitzen Trapper Blitzes the Hifi Bar Brisbane
Saturday November 14, 2009
Words and Pictures: Kate Scantleton
It’s great when you enter a live gig with no expectations and walk out having been blown away. Such was the case of US band Blitzen Trapper @ the Hifi Brisbane last night. The Hifi Brisbane has, until this point in time, not stood up to the expectations of many (including myself) in terms of providing a great show. It can be safely said that after watching last night’s gig, the Hifi Brisbane has finally found its mojo. It was only a matter of time!
The ‘Trapper are the kind of musicians that refuse to be ‘boxed’ into any particular category, mixing country with electro-pop, grunge-esque guitar licks with sweet harmonies, and a capella melodies with synthetic noise. They make it work. Let me give you the heads up, these guys are destined to be the next big thing. Jump on the bandwagon now while you’re ahead.
Let me set the scene for you: Trapper are a six piece, all members of which chip in all over the place – drummer Brian Koch and guitarist Marty Marquis create the most amazing harmonies with lead singer Eric Earley, whilst the rest of the band, Erik Menteer, Michael VanPelt, and Drew Laughery, jump between bass, guitars, synth, keys and percussion. Mix these amazingly talent gents with catchy tunes and an hour and a half of non-stop music, and you have yourself one hell of a gig.
Blasting onstage with Sleepytime in the Western World, the band made it blatantly clear what the audience was in store for. Filling the rest of the set with songs from their numerous releases, highlights being Black River Killer, Silver Moon, Furr and Big Black Bird, the set was filled with both sweet, soft melodies and intense crescendos.
It was surprising to hear of a not-so-well-known abroad band touring Australia, and leading up to the gig I was a little unsure of whether their performance could actually warrant an international tour. I can certainly say that my attitude has completely done a 180. This is one band who have managed to capture the hearts of good music followers, and I personally have not been able to remove them from my mp3 player since. I’m very much looking forward to their future return to our welcoming shores.