Review: No Years
Thankfully, there is NoYears, Brisbane’s alternative to the New Years scene hosted at the Powerhouse in New Farm. Born as a result of the idea that “Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane” NoYears, now in its second year, aims to showcase live music, art installations and food culture.
Focusing on the music rather than the countdown, it boasted a mainly local lineup with a few international appearances. Across two stages inside the Powerhouse the crowd were treated to performances from the USA’s Dum Dum Girls, Yukon Blonde from Canada as well as local acts, The Holidays, Ball Park Music, Last Dinosaurs, Jonti, Oliver Tank, Nina Las Vegas, The Jungle Giants, Charlie Mayfair, Millions, The Belligerents, Tourism, Jeremy Neale and Little Casino. With such a massive line up filled with local talent it was impossible to see everything
My first band for the evening was Charlie Mayfair, being quite early in the evening the audience was sparse. Most of the revellers were enjoying drinks on the river but Charlie Mayfair’s relaxed, ambient indie folk provided the perfect soundtrack to this activity. The band were unswayed by the small audience and seemed to be having a grand old time on stage.
One band always known for having a party on stage, The Belligerents drew a larger crowd despite the relatively early timeslot. Blending pop, punk, techno and indie rock The Belligerents have that level of high enthusiasm for performing and playing that it translates to the audience. The crowd were dancing as soon as the first night played, as always a rollicking good time.
The Jungle Giants have gathered quite a following for a band that only formed in march of 2011. They were playing their first of two gigs for the night and it was clear that they are still enjoying their time on stage performing, Triple J favourite ‘Mr Polite’ was the highlight of the set causing a rowdy sing-along from the audience.
Unearthed darlings, Millions played next, having not seen them before I was interested to see them and their garage pop bravado take the stage. It was a slightly awkward experience, walking in between songs we caught the lead singer dealing with hecklers in a rather casual fashion. The band didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm for playing and the audience kept their distance from the stage. The energy eventually picked up but it left me feeling disappointed.
Yukon Blonde, one of the internationals bands on the line up was my pick for the night. The Canadians blend of classic rock with an indie-country vibe was delightful and refreshing. They played on the Powerhouse’s turbine platform which provided an elevated dance floor for the gathering crowds. Yukon Blonde were really taking the audience into ‘party mode,’ their set was the right balance between fun and casual without being forgettable.
If Yukon Blonde started drawing the crowds away from the bar and onto the dance floor than the Last Dinosaurs drew everyone in. Playing mainly the singles that are known and loved, Time and Place, Honolulu and As Far as Your Concerned they had filled the platform and had the crowd spilling onto the stairs and surrounding areas. Last Dinosaurs took the opportunity to play new material from their upcoming debut album, their calypso tinged; indie pop was perfect for the relaxed river setting.
Ball Park Music have had a bumper year, selling out shows all over the country, winning Triple J awards and releasing their debut album and predictably drew the largest crowd of the night. Playing a mixture of earlier singles as well as the more recent Triple J favourites the crowd adored. Frontman Sam Cromack is still one of the most enigmatic and electric singers on stage, thrusting his way into the audiences’ hearts with his signature dance moves. Nearly every song had the crowd singing along raucously but It’s Nice to be Alive took on anthem-like qualities, a highlight of the set.
From Ball Park to Nina Las Vegas, Triple J’s mixup DJ had people throwing frantic shapes and cutting some serious shapes on the d-floor in the lead up to midnight. Balloons were released from the ceiling toward the end of her set making one reveller think the countdown had begun, despite it being 11.30. Confusion aside, the crowd loved what Las Vegas was putting it down.
Excitement began to mount for midnight as the Dum Dum Girls took the stage. They suffered a little as the audience got distracted and headed out to the balcony for fireworks but played on nonetheless. Highlight of the set was Bedroom Eyes with sunny, summery Beach Boys Guitar with a harder punk edge. The Californian locals’ 90 punk sensibilities with its big sound, sing-along choruses accompanied by a booming bass and drum was the perfect way to ring in the New Year, surrounded by a huge crowd all dancing into the night.