Garry D sent in this awesome review of Leo last night @ Becks Festival Bar.
Check out what you missed out on…
Kicked off the weekend early last night at the Hyde Park Barracks to the sounds of a 9 pce troupe of groovy young French men called “Leo”. The intriguing ensemble is made up of drums, double bass, guitar (electric + acoustic), violin, trumpet, sax, keys, vocs and piano accordion! On this warm night with a cool breeze and cold becks beer with a picturesque city backdrop the mini orchestra proceeded to make brisk love to our earholes. The charismatic guitar player (think young punk Ted Danson with sideburns) leading the young froggies into battle wound up the crowd with signature rockstar strumming and passionate vocal work, from Jim Morrison inspired style on the song “whisky bar” to delving into punk, rock, even rap styles. The French vocals were sounding sexy though we had no idea of the lyrical content most of the time. I used to think the Piano Accordion was sappy Italian music to make pizza sauce to – I was wrong. Leo produce a fat, driven, full bodied wall of sound; swingin and beautifully intricate. Sometimes in the spirit of blues then suddenly possessed by a Dr Jeckyl/Mr Hyde rock/chill schizophrenia.
The young free spirits flow in harmony together to create quite a gusto. I almost burst my left eardrum busting a move with young and old music connoisseurs alike. Cutting edge VJ projected live band footage with layover effects and fast friendly service at the multiple bars. A great venue allowing the audience to stand inside or out with a view to the stage.
These lads bounded over the international communication barrier with their attitude, passion and the universal language of music. All competent and talented musicians they swapped instruments (inc vocs) at the drop of a hat and excelled every time. They entertained us through their set with the sounds of world music, bid us goodnight, then called themselves back for an encore which sounded like a mash up of Tool and a middle eastern cultural festival.
So do yourself a favour and head to a Sydney Festival gig – you never know what exotic flavours might tickle your tastebuds.
There’s so much happening it’s hard to keep up! Tonight we have Leo at Beck’s Festival Bar, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Our Brief Eternity, Structure and Sadness… the list just keeps going and going!
Check out the footage of Leo at the Launch party and enjoy your Thursday 11th Jan Festival!
Like always they put on a great show. Great music, visuals, lighting and vibe.
Sydney crowds always love Crazy P and we think they love us too.
Checkout the video to get a glimpse of how good it was. Sorry for the jumpy video though the crowd and floor were heaving. You can see everyone jumping around and getting right into it.
The Festival launch party was last night and it was huuuuge.
It was at the Hyde Park Barracks aka Beck’s Bar.
Great atmosphere, venue and music.
Perfect way to kick off the Festival.
The NextMen from the UK played and they rocked the house.
I can’t believe how many classic tracks they dropped.
Checkout the video to see them in action.
Hello all Ugly Duckling fans! If you want to get your hands on a double pass for Ugly Duckling at Beck’s Bar on Wednesday night, check out the blog on the Sydney Festival myspace and you can win!
Dust Tones at the Beck’s Bar is going to rock out.
It features “Kid Kenobi & MC Shureshock, The Nextmen (UK), Astronomy Class, All Good Funk Alliance (US), Mark Walton & Regal feat. Morganics, Bentley, live visuals by Spook.”
Astronomy Class is an awesome new Aussie hip-hop / dub / reggae clan made up of Chasm, Sir Robbo and Ozi Batla. You can buy their new album Exit Strategy from Inertia Records
Festival Bar turns 21 this January. This year the line up features:Hot Chip, Ugly Duckling, Leo, Shapeshifter, Violent Femmes, Batucada Sound Machine, Crazy Penis, Jazzanova feat. Clara Hill, The Nextmen, Snax, The Pinker Tones, Macaco and Afra and The Incredible Beatbox Band. Does anyone have any good stories or pictures from previous years? Post them here.
The Femmes are one of the headlining acts in the Beck’s Bar this year.
Festival official site
