Reviewed on Friday March 20
One of Australian music’s longest-standing favourites, Something For Kate, could never disappoint with such flawless vocals and a truly electric stage presence as they demonstrated at Taronga Zoo. With the iconic view of Sydney Harbour wreathed in cloud and heavy rain, this family-friendly gig wasn’t shaping up to be the picture of perfection I was hoping for, but all that blew away as soon as the band stepped out onstage to open with ‘Cigarettes And Suitcases’.
Supporting was Jen Cloher, who wooed the crowd with her crafty lyrics, grungy progressions, youthful stage presence and Mick Jagger haircut. Her words told a story in a voice that retains an ocker-ish tonality only Aussies can really appreciate.
Lacking only one thing, their Stephanie Ashworth on bass (“Hi Steph” was taped fondly on the bass drum), Something For Kate played a good mix of tracks from their older albums as well as their most recent release, Leave Your Soul To Science. The sprawling set included songs like ‘Hallways’, ‘Star-Crossed Citizens’, ‘Three Dimensions’ and ‘Deep Sea Diver’, as well as old-time favourites ‘Monsters’ and ‘Déjà Vu’.
Rarely has a drummer lost his sticks as many times as Clint Hyndman did – on purpose, of course; this guy has so much energy. Paul Dempsey’s voice box needs its very own place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; his vocals tonight were as impressive as ever. Something For Kate can really play an incredible live show, and there were no disappointments here – save Ashworth’s absence and some crappy weather.
