Gig Review: O’Skulligans
Written by Words: Tracey Moyle - Music Maven | Original article by Good Call Live
Friday night and Brisbane’s music scene was buzzing with class acts playing at packed out venues scattered about the heart of the city’s live music outlet, ‘The Valley’. From chart-topping bands to well-loved local legends there was something for everyone and anyone heading out to experience live music in and around the inner-city suburb…
The three bands on tonight’s bill offered more variety than a Sizzler salad bar. From classic psychedelic to Aussie flavoured alternative punk through to a big dose of heavy rockin’ blues. Tonight’s line-up was ready to amp up and reaffirm to the live music hungry patrons, that our local music scene is simply one of the country’s best.
The night’s gathering had bluesy rockers, Jollee headlining, launching their new single Doorman… Jollee had the perfect support to rev up the crowd giving the early punters some raw energy to carry on through the night.
Brooke Mowett rocking her purple flared pants and a rock chick attitude. They open the set with fan favourite White Woman Wasted, rocking O’Skulligans, drawing the crowd in from the street. The band got down and bluesy with I Want You, showing off the vocal powerhouse of the lead songstress. The band are tight and flow together like they’ve played a thousand shows.
You can’t be at a Jollee gig without feeling a part of it and Gypsy Man is the perfect track to draw in the crowd. Mowett’s lone vocals pack a punch opening up the song, the crowd clapping her in. Mowett brings in the music with a killer, rock riff before guitarist Luke Hietamäki joins in, amping up the volume. Hard and heavy, backed up with commanding vocals, the song rocked the roof off the dive bar.
The band brought out a setlist of new tracks starting with an alternative/grunge vibe in Mum Thinks I’m An Alien. A crisp electric surge opens up Grow, Brooke, losing the guitar, owning the dance floor, revving up the crowd. She keeps the focus on her vocal with Night Owl before she’s back on the guitar in full rock mode with 50 Foot Woman.
Hietamäki makes his guitar sing with the focus track of the single launch Doorman. The new single is a belter with a perfectly formed and incredibly catchy rock hook. Mowett has the room captivated, not just with her powerful rock vocals filling the room, but her facial expressions perfectly emphasising the lyrical yarn she’s spinning. The band are almost done, with the new track well received and the night closes off with a cover of Led Zepplin’s Rock and Roll. A perfectly chosen track from one of Brisbane’s most dynamic rock bands.
Friday night at O’Skulligans was a testament to the raging talent we have working their arses off every week. Bands play because they have to. Music moves through their veins. It’s in their blood. Music lovers seek out live gigs to nourish their hearts and soul. It’s symbiotic. So next time you see any of the above-mentioned bands on a bill somewhere, in one of our dedicated music venues, head out, support the bands, support the venues, feed your passion and keep the live music scene not just alive, but thriving.