Live Review: Vida Cain, Rag N' Bone, Wise Oaks, Codie Sundstrom

The only bad luck evident on this Friday the 13th was the horrific weather that most likely impacted on the numbers turning out at Vida Cain's album launch.

Even so, the first act Codie Sundstrom had the early arrivals watching on attentively as the teenage indie rocker performed a slow groove and bluey selection of tracks full of dynamics and depth. A simple three-piece arrangement of lead guitar/vocals, drums and a bass, the delicate tones and compassionate lyrics of singer Codie resonated all the emotional intensity of someone years her senior. 

Thanks to the convenience of the bands sharing the same drum kit and amps, the wait between acts was brief and it was not long until the second act Wise Oaks had the room swaying along to their take on the indie folk genre. A tight performance full of momentous songs about lost love and the desperate search of answers, this four-piece performed enthralling instrumental sections and songs full of piercing lead guitar that blended well with the quaint acoustic overtones and charming vocal of lead singer Liam Oliver.  The theme of the tonight's show continued into the indie rock spectrum, this time though Rag n' Bone took the sound into a darker realm that was in part reminiscent of a David Lynch movie soundtrack. There is something about lead singer Kiera Owen's performance that enthrals; her enigmatic charm and soulful vocals created a mystical, almost operatic set that drew the listener in. 

Vida Cain are a no-nonsense, straight up punk act that can get any audience amped up into a frenzy in a flash and tonight was no different. Entering the stage dressed in white lab coats and geeky glasses with a tough-and-check approach, animated front man Josh Johnstone started out this blazing show with Lost & Found taken from their long awaited debut The Rule Of Gravity. This is one hard hitting rock band that generates catchy songs with full of gritty blues laden guitar riffs, punchy rhythms and bass lines the entices toe tapping and head nodding appreciation from all. During Only Love Things, the arrangement was bolstered with a tight horn section comprising of trumpet and tenor sax which added a welcome tonal variation to this stomping rock anthem. Every song performed was so full of energy the audience had no option to get up close to the stage and dance along. The Andy Lawson (of Eskimo Joe fame)-produced album was executed almost in its entirety seamlessly and all the while the band displayed a genuine natural ability and liveliness. All the hard work and effort that has obviously gone into this recording and live show, has paid off. With a tour taking the band nation-wide, they will surely prove popular the country over in the weeks to come.