REVIEW: The Laurels @ The Annandale, Sydney

A three piece, east rivers clean guitar, vibrato organ and groovy rhythms gave off a very nuggetesque vibe. Though under white lights, a very bedroom / garage-y impressions was given. A short set, every song unfinished had us thinking every song was ending before it began.

A thickening crowd and a thickening sound. Moving closer toward what we all came to hear, Witch Hats, the frontman looking freakishly like Alex from Straight Arrows, seemed to fall short. Don't get me wrong, these guys definitely hit the nail on the head it's just the highs could have been higher and the lows became luls; still these guys are really good. A singular dynamic became rather stagnant and when combined with a pop song structure, there was something holding the guys back. Although embracing the dissonances the songs became all very same and rather poppy. Last track, a pulsating 5-8min epic took the crowd on a journey though there was still spent hung missing..

Now, The Laurels... What do I even say... After more than five years the wait was over, having finally released their debut LP, everyone was here to celebrate this release with them. The crowd repetitiously chanting their name under dim lights as we all waited for them to take the stage.

As the muted string were struck we all knew what was coming, 'Black cathedral' went off!! Luke O'Farrell ad his Jazzmaster thrashing about wildly. Whils Luke was shaking, Piers was playin it cool, Kate and Connor holding it all together. Though there was so much more, 'Tidal Wave' and 'Merry Go Round' both mind blowingly good. The Annandale was buzzing! As they left the stage  the audience soaked in a wall of feedback, standing around wondering if there was going to be more. You know, these guys and gal are one of Australia's best live acts at the moment and their record is a must hear for any rock n roll lover. So what are you waiting for? Get to it!

The band were our PURPLE SNEAKERS FEATURE ARTIST a little while ago, check out the full article HERE

Words by Joshua Daydream