[Live Review] PHIL JAMIESON (Central Coast)

Drifter’s Wharf, Gosford
Sunday 7 August, 2022

Reviewer: Lisa Seltzer
Photographer: Jo Forster, Kevin Bull

It’s been a long time between tours for Phil Jamieson, lead singer of iconic ’90s band Grinspoon. But with the release of his first solo album, Somebody Else, he’s on a journey both physically and emotionally. Alighting at Drifter’s Wharf in Gosford, he brought passion and heart to a chilled out Sunday arvo on the breezy Central Coast.

Warming up the crowd was Central Coast local and Australia’s Got Talent winner, Fletcher Pilon, who connected to the audience with his soulful folk/rock vibe.

Bringing the hard rock were The Pictures’ Davey Lane (You Am I guitarist) on lead vocals and guitar, Luke Thomas on vocals and bass, and Brett Wolfenden (The Casanovas) on drums. The boys came out swinging with a high energy feel and a brilliant version of Oasis’s ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’, as well as original material.

Then came the man himself, Phil Jamieson. Supporting him on stage, Phil’s trio features Sam Raines on drums and Rob Muinos on bass. Playing a combination of his new album and previous Grinspoon hits, Phil nailed it with his quirky onstage presence and dirty rock vibe.

Co-written with Davey Lane, ‘Kapow’ and ‘Trouble’ are highlights from the new album, with ‘Somebody Else’ the catchy headliner. Jumping down into the crowd (and onto the bar), Phil showed us all that his passion and force are very much front and centre of this new album, with much to look forward to from this experienced musician.

Somebody Else is available in white vinyl, CD and digitally through Cheersquad Records.