[Me] and Black Bear Woods entice eyes at the Troubadour

Words: Leah Holdsworth
Picture courtesy of Black Bear Woods

The Troubadour seems like such an easy place for me to find myself on a Friday evening. The venue seems to attract bands that both enthrall the audience, and create an intimate feel. And Friday just one week past, I found myself in the presence of two such bands.

Black Bear Woods were the opening act for the headliners [Me]. A local Brisbane band, Black Bear Woods consisted of a whole stage full (a total of seven) of performers. They stood out as a band that does not just play rock pop music, but rather, rock pop with a bluesy, folksy feel.

Their songs were funky, toe-tapping fun, and they seemed to enjoy grooving out. The singer was captivating, his voice both crooning and strong.

Black Bear Woods left the audience with a yearning to hear more tales.

The last, and headlining act of the evening was the charming [Me].

[Me] is a band encompassing all the fundamentals of indie rock that makes a band grand. Hailing from Melbourne town, the four piece combined elements of classic rock with piano and violin.

And, while the band undoubtably shares characteristics with the hugely popular Muse, particularly on their track ‘Your Favourite Colour’, [Me] displayed constant enthusiam, and elements of the theatrical.

Theatricality is perhaps a key element to their live show. A funky twist on bands such as Queen, the audience was soon drawn to the front of the show, grooving happily along to the tunes.

A highlight for me occurred when the violinist, a very kind man named Jonathon, jumped down from the stage to dance with the crowd and put a very happy smile on my face.

Their songs were refreshing and catchy, a very pleasing end to a Friday evening at the Troubadour.