Greg Atkinson (BHS)

I wish I could report that SJ's was a sellout on this Sunday evening in Newcastle to witness Sounds Like Sunset supporting Big Heavy Stuff - unfortunately there was only around fifty people on hand to enjoy the great sounds eminating from the stage.

Sounds Like Sunset played a short 35 minute set. They started off with their album opener track, Every Time You Smile. They worked hard to try and win over the subdued Newcastle audience. The set comprised of songs with great harmonies, melodies, damn catchy hooks and sweet choruses. The band showed plenty of promise, and was technically impressive. The setlist was something along these lines: Every Time You Smile, Start Again, Inflight Movies, Unfair, It's So Cold Where You Sleep, Wrestled With Yourself, ??? (unaware of what the last track that was played is titled).

Carolyn Polley (BHS)

Around 11PM Big Heavy Stuff hit the stage. Laughing Boy was the nights opening track, then Carolyn revealed to us that it was a special night - "I'd just like to announce tonight ladies & gentlemen, that it is Greg's birthday tonight".

Greg then replied, "she'd like to announce it, but I... wanted to keep quiet about it". The band then played a great version of Helen's Razor, followed by the older classic track May. One member of the audience throughout the night tried his hardest to upstage the band, yelling out at every given opportunity "ANGRY YOUNGISH MAN". He didn't end up getting his request played, however late in the show Carolyn stepped down off the stage and the drunk young man enjoyed a little dance with Carolyn, & helping her to strum her guitar.

Greg changed to an acoustic guitar for Freaks In The Circus, whilst Carolyn used a drum stick to get some weird semi feedback type noises from her guitar.

Eliot Fish (BHS)

Hibernate was dedicated to Sounds Like Sunset. During the song, one of the guys from Sounds Like Sunset held his burning lighter up in the air, saluting the anthem like quality of the track. The band did seem to be a little apathetic on the night, and this was confirmed by Elliot, "sorry if we appear slightly tired tonight... it's just the 6th show we've done in a row this week, and it's getting to us".

Carolyn then contributed some humour commenting, "he wasn't saying tired then - he was saying TIGHT." Yes, Big Heavy Stuff were tight on the night, but the tiredness was also apparent. The gig would have been all over after the 13 song, 50 minute set if it wasn't for a few dedicated fans demanding an encore. We were then treated with some vintage Big Heavy Stuff, Covered In Bruises followed by Maximum Sincere. The band then stayed around for a little while to chat with fans and sign CDs and setlists. Aren't they just the nice guys of the Australian rock scene.

Nick Kennedy(BHS)

 

BHS Setlist: Laughing Boy, Helen's Razor, May, Hank, Redhead, Freaks In The Circus, Third Degree, Hibernate, Wide Eyed & Open, Devil's Tongue, Two Sisters, Forever Sighs The Ocean. Encore: Covered In Bruises & Maximum Sincere.



Review by Paul Stipack
All photo's © Brendan Worth