AAA Backstage Archive

Live Review: Castlecomer @ Black Bear Lodge 02.10.15

Sydney 5-piece Castlecomer opened their 5-date east coast tour at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge. Despite starting their drive up from Sydney at 4:30am and their drummer fighting off a virus of sorts, the indie-rock outfit delivered an entertaining set full of 5-way harmonies and killer riffs.

A decent sized crowd eagerly welcomes the Sydneysiders to the Black Bear Lodge stage. Lead by frontman Bede Kennedy, looking sharp in a leather jacket and a haircut only a touring musician could pull off, the five-piece launch into their opening song. With a sound similar to UK pop-rock outfit The Kooks they quickly charm over the crowd, who voluntarily clap along with the band’s driving beat and energy.

The feel good indie-rock is broken up by acoustic song Forrest, which Bede says was inspired by his difficult relationship with his 65-year-old neighbour “Mary”.  The five-part harmonies, driving bass drum, and Georgia Fair-esque vibes charm the crowd, as most of the ladies (and some men) gaze adoringly at Bede.

The acoustic guitar remains the centerpiece for a couple more songs as the 5-piece play through a couple tracks from their folk-pop EP “Lone Survivor”. Even though most of the crowd is here for their new indie-dance sound of Fire Alarm, the older Castlecomer tunes still invoke a frenzy of dancing.

After a short drinks break the Sydneysiders return to their indie-rock sound with the super catchy Fugitive. Follow the song’s climax, and an impressive solo by lead guitarist Tom Kennedy, Bede superbly mixes an impromptu cover of The Weeknd’s Can’t Feel My Face into the Fugitive melody. The captivated crowd lap up the cover and sing along with Bede as he dances around his band members.

After a quick commentary by Bede about the current season of Channel 10’s TV Series “The Bachelorette”, the 5-piece play through a few more acoustic songs. They once again showcase their ability to harmonise with each other, as they play through several high tempo folk-pop songs reminiscent of early Mumford & Sons. 

Rosie, an obvious fan favourite, closes out their second run of acoustic songs. By far their kookiest and dance-tastic song of the night, the whole crowd shakes along to it’s infectious beat and affectionately scream “ROSIE!” back at the band.

Castlecomer conclude the set on their recent breakthrough single Fire Alarm. Bede humbly thanks the crowd for turning up and supporting their music, adding “we woke up one day, checked on the song (Fire Alarm), and 80,000 Swedish people had listened to it…so that’s nice!” The bouncy indie-rock track once again gets everyone dancing or at least cool guy nodding and, by the last chorus, “woo-ing” along with Bede. Fire Alarm capped off a strong set from the Sydneysiders who surely will fill a much larger venue next time they play in Brisbane.