Live Review: Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Big Smoke

Melbourne outfit Big Smoke brought us their country twang laced with an electric-rock 'n' roll twist as the entrée last night.

Looking ever the Melbourne hipster part, frontman Adrian Slattery's moustache was remarkable. They played songs from their old album that were loyal to their country style as well as songs from their latest EP, in which Big Smoke have drifted away from the country sounds towards an indie flavour. Title track Lately was delivered with standout passion, leaving the audience wondering whether behind it there's a tale to tell.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, the brother and sister trio from London amazed us with Kitty and Daisy's striking patterned cat suits and Lewis' dapper style. They were joined on stage by their parents on acoustic and bass/double bass, and Daisy announced they were going to play us some "shock 'n' roll". Halfway through the first song, Daisy took to the keyboard to entertain us with some finger-thumping delight. During their set the Durham siblings switched instruments continuously, showing off their multi-instrumental talents. The first single from their latest record Baby Bye Bye elicited a grand reaction from the crowd, as did Kitty's phenomenal harmonica skills. The family band invited Jamaican trumpeter Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton to the stage for three blissful tracks, including Whenever You See Me, which touches on media hot topic, catcalling. Slyly, Kitty told us there would only be time for one more before they belted out their incredible cover Going Up The Country, sending the crowd into hysterical bopping and foot-stomping. The band then came back for a 15-minute encore that included a cheekily extended tune (that was maybe a tad overdone). They closed with their version of Mean Son Of A Gun, showcasing for one final time their aptitude, musical ability and astonishing showpersonship.