Live Review: Jones Jnr, Okenyo, The Venusians

The Venusians flood the stage. Seven of them in total and their youthful and positive energy exudes.

With the intersecting voices of vocalists Meklit Kibret and Christian Hemara we’re given a mix of jazz-infused soul and electronic, percussive sound. There are lush layers of sound here. The combination of solid bass lines and organ plus expert soul guitar from Ben Panucci give the band a sound sometimes reminiscent of early Prince. The big wall-of-sound numbers are powerful but it’s the sparse, delicate tunes that really stand out in their short set. Lots to enjoy here.

Donning a smaller version of Pharrell’s hat, Okenyo takes to the stage quickly. No stranger to stages, whether it be theatre or TV, Okenyo’s musical persona is one of power and confidence. Her music is expressive, like Grace Jones with a tinge of Solange Knowles pop. This scribe can’t help but be transfixed by her as we’re immersed in her personal lyrics. Whilst the MPC bass harshly infiltrates the ears at times, it’s the percussive fast-paced songs that really stand out. A definitely promising talent.

Ev Jones and Morgan Jones (aka DJ Morgs) form the basis of Jones Jnr, and tonight is their very first headline show. Neither Jones is a stranger to the scene, having performed with various projects over the years, but this collaboration, born out of the Blue Mountains, sees them deliver a neo-soul and Motown vibe to the Newtown Social Club. From slow-burning gospel to up-beat disco, there’s definite variety in this set, but the cold winter air may have taken some of the power from Ev Jones’ voice tonight. He still delivers a set that builds with every well-thought-out song, the majority taken from their debut EP, Step On Sleep. With the addition of live trumpet from Fiasko, the vibe is joyous for their new track, Perfume, a funky passion-filled song and highlight of the night. They take their fresh sound to the Bello Winter Festival later this July.