Live Review: Ball Park Music, San Cisco, Ruby Fields

Ball Park Music, San Cisco and support act Ruby Fields put on one of the best nights by an all Australian line-up in Adelaide this year at the beautiful Thebarton Theatre; a show that will be remembered by many.

Ruby Fields took the stage, her vocals reasonably solid and straightforward and her band pretty sound. However, when reduced to just guitar and vocals, the harsh frequencies of her amp were a little jarring and with the full band, the mix was a bit out with the kick drum often booming out. 

When San Cisco came on to thunderous applause, their mix started off a little quiet. Jordi Davieson’s lead vocals were mostly smooth but drowned out a little in other parts, due to his range and volume limitations. San Cisco’s songwriting is poppy as always, but fairly predictable as well. Towards the middle of the set, the mix still really wasn't that good, this time with bass frequencies still off. Drummer and co-vocalist Scarlett Stevens’ vocals were clean, but perhaps with the coordination required with the drumming, she didn't tend to stretch her range or add any additional emphasis. 

Run is easily their best song in structure as well as onstage execution. It shows greater maturity from their slightly cringe-worthy but still very popular earlier stuff. Fred Astaire is a close second with a real uplifting vibe that translates really well live. These two tracks were a great case of leaving your best for last and perhaps a sign that over time San Cisco will continue to improve to the point where they really start to leave their mark on Australian music culture, well into the future.

San Cisco. Pic by David Rubinich

However unspectacular their show, the fans lapped up San Cisco's set because of their emotional connection to the band's recordings and having followed them from being a young band into adulthood. Perhaps their journey mirrors that of their fanbase. It’s certainly something to think about, particularly watching the level of investment that many of their fans have in them.

Sam Cromack's distinctive vocals rang out across the venue, heralding the start of one of Australia's most reliably catchy live bands. Ball Park Music are all go right from the outset, courtesy of Cromack's loud, clear vocals which drive the band forward. The full band were very solid with a dense, crunchy guitar sound and supported by full bass and pumping drums. Later in the set, the lead guitar really cut through too. 

For the most part, Ball Park Music’s array of songs are really good, with a few unique but not quite as catchy moments, perhaps as Cromack tries to move beyond the sugar-sweet pop tracks that have defined them. The Perfect Life Does Not Exist sounded very catchy early on, while Surrender wasn't as melodic but still sounded huge. Coming Down was poignant with the lighting and more subdued start. As always It's Nice To Be Alive sounded beautiful and should be recognised as one of the best Australian songs of the last decade. Cromack’s choice to simply play the song solo on acoustic highlighted the power of a well-composed song executed by someone with a great voice. Exactly How You Are sounded amazing and the honest love themes resonated very well with the audience, who clearly had a very palpable emotional connection with the lyrics. The band finished on the popular Sad Rude Future Dude and a surprisingly touching version of Hey Jude, which had everyone singing along. A beautiful memorable finish to a fantastic show by one of Australia’s catchiest acts and a great night overall.