Factory Theatre, Sydney
Tuesday July 24, 2018 :
Albert Hammond Jr is the best thing that came out of The Strokes since ‘Room on Fire’. After huge success of Hammond Jr’s previous album Momentary Masters (2015), he is back to Australia for Splendour in The Grass and an intimate string of shows promoting his newest creation – Francis Trouble.
Clews got things rolling on the night – a dynamic duo of two sisters and their backing band, hailing from Mollymook, NSW. Clews have been making some waves on the radio and in the press lately, so it seems the band was lucky and popular enough to land a support slot for a down to earth but still quite a rock’n’roll royalty. Playing their clearly ’90s inspired songs to a quarter filled dance floor was an easy on the ears and the eyes act, however I don’t think they were very suitable as a “warm up” to Albert Hammond Jr’s energetic power pop/indie rock vibe.
Kicking off with ‘DVSL’ off Francis Trouble (2018) an explosive boost of renewed energy, coincidentally released by Red Bull Records. AHJ was running around in a shiny gold suit, along with his new bigger and better 4 piece band line up. Followed with ‘Rude Customer’ off AHJ ep (2013) – in all honesty, I still believe the ep was a turning point for Hammond Jr from just a former guitarist of The Strokes who had a few albums, to a daring and brave indie rock musician, who was at that point ready to get back to headlining festivals, which is exactly what he did.
Playing a small and intimate Factory Theatre, AHJ really enjoyed himself and played with more enthusiasm than usual, chatting to the audience and blasting jokes. Later ’Strangers’ (2018) reminded me of Destroyers’ ‘Poor In Love’ laced with AHJ’s signature guitar sound. My personal favourite ‘St.Justice’ (2013) sounded absolutely phenomenal. ’Screamer’ gives a nod to The Rolling Stones, super charged with a few jumps around, loud guitar riffs, woo’s and the sparkle of those really cool shiny gold pants, even channeling Mick Jaggers dance moves.
The lead single off his new record and a power pop stunner ‘Far Away Truths’ (2018) was received really well by the intimate crowd, mostly consisted of older music lovers. ‘Holiday’ (2006) off Yours To Keep was a great surprise for long time fans and ‘Carnal Cruise’ (2013) off AHJ was a great build up to highly acclaimed ‘In Transit’ (2006) – a fan favourite.
Coming back for encore, after a drum solo provided by his new drummer, AHJ made plenty of small talk, signed a sneaker, refused a shoey and played not one, but 3 songs, finishing with jumping into the crowd for ‘Muted Beatings’ (2018), his energy and happiness were absolutely infectious.
I am really impressed every time I see Albert Hammond Jr. play his solo music live, the man reinvented himself and turned his biggest downfall into a success story. It’s truly inspiring, just like his music and everyone needs a boost of inspiration once in a while.
Reviewer and Photographer : Annette Geneva
ALBERT HAMMOND JR.
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CLEWS
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