NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
A letter of complaint received at The Basement the other day alleged that your correspondent had stretched the English language beyond tolerable levels when describing, on the venue website, a group of singers as, “very good”.
Hyperbole, of course, has been part and parcel of the entertainment business ever since Mr Barnum pronounced his circus to be the greatest show on Earth. Also, of course, no one has ever turned up to see a group of singers described as, “frankly, a bit mediocre.”
Even with this caveat to the fore, however, The Basement has no hesitation in announcing that it has enlisted the services of three of the most exciting young bands in Sydney for an absolutely stonking triple bill on Friday, September 30.
The date was originally assigned to US alt-country stars The Secret Sisters, who had to cancel at short notice after significant bits of their tour itinerary went tits up.
Into the breach stepped a fantastic jazz-pop-hiphop combo called Five Coffees. The band, which combines sultry vocals of Ayla Garde with the scattergun rapping of MC Nick Knowledge, have twice before played minor bills at The Basement and had the joint jumping both times.
The time was right, thus, for the seven-piece ensemble to use the venue to launch its debut EP, ‘Flatline’. The band, with its jazz and soul horn lines, and deep funk bass, resonates echoes of Cat Empire and The Herd. It’s sound, however, is distinctly its own.
Five Coffees will be supported by the very fast rising Alphamama and the Love Drug. The eponymous singer is quickly becoming one of the most talked about performers in Australia.
Rounding off the bill on September 30 are a band so new that two of their members only joined this month. Charmers, like Five Coffees, combine jazz and funk stylings with soaring vocals and rap. The band’s feel is different, however, with its members not afraid to head off on a damn good noodle or two.
All up, therefore, a night we would have no qualms describing as, “very good.” If you don’t believe us, grab one of four double passes on offer and check for yourself. Call the Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours to score.
For a full rundown of acts at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au
Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au
BY ANDREW MASTERSON
