Review: Valleyarm A&R Showcase, 2nd Dec 2011December 6, 2011
A late start and a coinciding red-carpet event did nothing to deter the crowd of jostling music-lovers at the Vineyard last Friday night, as the last Valleyarm A&R Showcase series for 2011 drew to a close in a clash of rock, acoustic and local jams.
The energetic indie-rock bangers provided by Melbourne act The Complimentary Headsets shook the crowd awake as they exploded onto the bill – their original tunes (and the occasional cover song) claiming their ownership of the venue; the packed dance-floor moving in a drunken wave of ecstatic sing-alongs until well into the darkest hours of the night.
The second act, which showcased the eclectic folk rhythms of newcomer Ben Wright Smith, provided a comparatively subdued and mellow array of acoustic, pop-infused delights; the perfect antidote to the sore heads (and feet!) left in the wake of The Complimentary Headset’s stellar introduction. Ben Wright Smith’s humble and relaxing set nursed eager partygoers into a haze of nostalgia, and served as a perfect segue to headlining solo outfit, Queensland’s Richard Grewar, also known as Turner. Turner’s gritty vocals and intricate guitar prowess provided a catchy and well-balanced outro to the unprecedented success of the 2011 A&R Showcase Season, to return in 2012 at St. Kilda’s most diverse venue, the Vineyard. Patrons battling alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation and the brunt of a working week persevered through to the wee hours, with Turner’s unique brand of surf-injected folk-rock sending patrons home in a daze of happy fulfillment.
The Valleyarm A&R Showcase series are a monthly dip into the pool of the unknown, sampling up and coming local and national acts and delivering them directly to the ears of the public. The Vineyard (71A Acland Street, St. Kilda, Victoria) has provided the perfect venue time and time again, packing the showcase with eager crowds and talented musicians alike. Special thanks for 2011 also goes to Sound Lab, whose sponsored donation of instruments and knowhow throughout the year made each showcase one to be remembered. To keep in touch, like Valleyarm on Facebook here.
For more information about Valleyarm’s A&R Showcase performances, or on the artists themselves including press and other contact, say hello at info@valleyarm.com. Have a festive few weeks, and we will see you all for the 2012 Showcase Season next year!
