And with Cailey, Lach, Ess & Pam we'd go and watch a band and have a real good time.
The line (slightly adjusted) from an Australian seventies classic, I Remember When I Was Young from long-time Sandgroper resident, Matt Taylor, reflects our phenomenal Saturday night.
We headed off from the coast, under threatening skies to the rolling green hills of the hinterland and the quaint township of Archies Creek, just ten minutes away (less as the bin chicken flies).
I had been gobsmacked some months ago when there in my inbox from the Archies Creek Hotel was a gig for Sandgroper (West Australian) Super Group, The Bures Band. Right on our doorstep! I’d been introduced to them via the trannie a couple of years back when their tune Caravan Land hit the airwaves. Since then, their last two albums, ‘Fool Circle’ and ‘Ozonia’, have found their way into my vinyl collection.
In some respects it was a birthday gig for the author, just a few days out from the actual day and celebrated with my family.
There was another bonus, well at least for me, the gig was shifted into the saloon bar and we had a table just metres from the lads. The kitchen was serving moorish tacos and hot chips and they were washed down (by some) with margaritas. But for me, a pot (maybe a couple) of draught hit the spot.
The Bures Band have been compared to seventies all-star trio Crosby, Stills & Nash for their three-part harmonies and signature guitars. I believe they fall under the genre of folk/rock with a bit of psych thrown in for good measure. All I know is they sound bloody good mate! And live with their extended flowing jams, even better, you betcha!
There’s mouth harp from Callum used sparingly on a few tunes and more in the form of a soundscape, and that little humble instrument doesn’t let the side down. The rhythm section was tight driving the band with effortless gear changes. Don’t clap too soon! An early highlight and a favourite with the punters was Avon Valley with quite a few joining in the chorus. Have to say their live and latest version of Let In Outside from their first album ‘Bird’s Nest’, went to another level and was popular with the fam. SLPM (Street Light Percussion Man) a non-single and one of my favourites from the ‘B’ side of ‘Ozonia’, put the hip into hypnotising. Who wouldn’t forget High Tide (May swells twelve o’clock bells) and Delta (Stay out of the water it’s Ozonia), both placing the smooth, fair and square into the groove.
Avon Valley rise again, Avon valley rise
The moon tucks in the sun at night and
Dreams about rising one more day for you
The hours passing through his eyes is rhythm
Born far beyond the sky
Do we care do we listen
Not much banter from the lads or even introductions – they let their music do the talking. Danny, however wanted to know what we were doing after, if we were clubbin’? I didn’t interact as I didn’t think going home to bed was going to cut the mustard. He also wondered if we were all farmers? This time I responded, in the negative and that we were surfers (well sort of – when I was younger).
What a band! They left me wanting more (sleep could wait), an hour and a half went by in the wink of an eye, but sadly the rest of the crowd had to immediately head back to their farms or go clubbin’.
Did we listen? Bloody oath we did!
They had a recent trip to the States where they appeared on KEXP. Do yourself a service and check it out.
Sunshine out of the rain
sweet wine on my way
blue skies down by the river
sunlight into my day
Purchase digital albums over on Bandcamp or ‘Ozonia’ on yellow vinyl over at Love Police.
Cailey would want me to mention the opening act, local band Bookrunner. They were a big fan, even supporting the band by purchasing one of their tees. I did enjoy their three piece instrumental vibe.
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