#trolley'd

Words by Georgina Lochhead for bangersbangerz

Photos by Laura Arango Photography - more pics found here.

As far as secret gigs go, Sofar Sounds Sydney (scuse’ the alliteration overload) are consistent not only in their ability to pick bands that show up and smash it, but choose venues that ooze that live music ‘no fuss about this’ scene that make the whole concept so special. July was no different. Tucked in the back streets of St Peters, a shabby warehouse decorated with mix match furniture, large cut out flamingos and random kitsch ornaments, provided suffice shelter for acoustics to bounce off its tin walls, and plenty of space for the keen gig goers to seek shelter from the wintery air outside and indulge in the talent provided. With a cold beer to boot, of course. Thanks Trolley’d for playing host!

Local singer / songwriter Molly Contogeorge opened the show. Boasting jazzy-pop rhythms and husky vocals, her songs provide a little of that piano bar vibe backed by blues and a little funk. Opening with ‘Glasshouse Living’, a track from her first EP, it had a slow and steady pace, with only a few notes on the keys to back it and a consistent beat. Jazzing it up she kicked into  'Bang Bang', a track that lyrically is quite dark, but the up and down transition of the keys and growl of her voice in certain areas, distract you from the darkness it entails and make it a bit more of an upbeat number. She played ‘Bad Boy’, a sassy track also from her 2013 EP Dames, and considering a cover is always a crowd pleaser, she threw in a little Bee Gees 'Stayin' Alive' for good measure.

There's a lot to say about an artist who can dominate the stage with as little as an acoustic guitar and her voice, and lure you in, leaving you wanting more. Gena Rose Bruce is exactly that. Hailing from Melbourne, she bragged that Sydney was her first Sofar gig, which makes you wonder why the folk of Melbourne haven't been banging down her door begging for her participation. She's brilliant! There's something seductive about her voice, she’s got a sound similar to Little Birdy's Katy Steele, mixed with a Lana Del Rey vibe. At times her execution was soft, at others more grungy, tortured and raw. 

She played 'My Girl', a recent release, and 'Vulnerable' a track she said she was trying out on us, as she mentioned that we seemed like a "forgiving audience", not one to judge too harshly should it not go as she planned. But it was 'Dark Side', a song about cheating on someone that hit the home run. There wasn’t a sound in the room that would take the attention away from her and what the song represented. It had a painful undertone but for a lot of people it was probably scarily relatable. She nailed her performance and I can assure you, she is one to keep your eye on in 2015! 

The night took a folky turn, introducing Sydney based 5 piece Lacey Cole & the Lazy Colts. All five of them, instruments in tow, squeezed onto the stage and looked right at home in their neighbourhood. You can tell they have been frequenting Sydney's pub scenes showcasing their music for a while now, they fit the outfit perfectly. If blues and roots and "cinematic rock & roll" backed with tortured, dark vocals is your thing, this band provide a variation of all of that. 

Their lyrics tell stories of adventure and take you on a journey into their world. 'Higher Ground', a track written about the suburb of St Peter's, boasted nice guitar riffs, and plenty of violin to sharpen the sound. Other songs such as 'Sock and Shoe' were darker, featuring keys that sounded like an organ, with sound focusing around the violin and intricate guitar work. Finishing off with 'Kraken' saw them leave on a triumphant big band finish, with enthusiasm similar to a Mumford & Sons show. Their new single 'Absent Gods & Painted Horses' is available now. Check it out.      

To set the scene of the next hit duo, Sydney's The Sweet Jelly Rolls, imagine Costa from Gardening Australia and the talented Australian cousin of City & Colours’ Dallas Green, put them together in party shirts, chuck in a harmonica, a guitar, some unique tunes and you got yourself a hoedown my friends. The Sweet Jelly Rolls are a hoot, on a musical front but also from an entertainment perspective!  

Their style boasts a broad range from country and western, blues folk and Americana, giving them a whole lot of character, and an ability to cater to a wide audience. After a long sound check, they began with their cracker 'Do Me In The Hayloft Tonight'. Boasting cheeky lyrics, harmonies and plenty of sharp, quick strums of guitar, it had the crowd foot tapping and thigh slappin' the whole way through. 'Rodeo Woman' took a more soul direction vocally, and the harmonica featured massively again, taking the tiny instruments ability to create such a unique sound to a whole new level. 'Sweet Eileen' and an encore finished their set on a jolly high. With an equal talent to banter as they make their music, The Sweet Jelly Rolls ensured they bought home the show and picked up a few new fans along the way. I'd love to see these chameleons on stage again soon, until you see for yourself, I don’t think you’re ready for their sweet jelly! 

A special mention to the crew at Trolley'd for their unique customer service skills, generous servings and quenching the thirst of the guests and bands throughout the course of the evening.