Live Review: The Beautiful Chains, Sam & Colin Kucera, Susannah Coleman-Brown

Considering our humble population, Tasmania has a great music scene - regardless of what genre you're into.

The all-Tasmanian line-up at Hobart's Republic Bar on Friday was a testament to this claim, with three local acts delivering A-class performances to eager punters. 

The first act, Susannah Coleman-Brown, provided a perfect start to the evening. Soulful, rich vocals accompanied by powerful, yet delicate electric guitar. The Hobart-based songstress has been working very hard on a new record, stating release date to be in the coming months… Definitely one to keep an eye out for. If this performance was anything to go by, it's a must-have addition to your library.

Next up on the bill were brothers Sam & Colin Kucera. Originally from Tennessee, the duo provided the steadily growing crowd with an assortment of beautiful Americana-inspired original tracks. Think sprawling vocal harmonies and tender acoustic guitar melodies - these guys performed together with the intuition and chemistry that only brothers could deliver.

Prior to this show, The Beautiful Chains (fronted by singer-songwriter Seth Henderson) had not performed in over a year. The crowd was predominantly made up of loyal fans of the group, and needless to say, everyone was keen for their set by the time they hit the stage at midnight.

One of the most special things about this group (besides their heart-melting originals) is their fluidity and ability to change up their instrumental format. Starting as an intimate duo arrangement, Henderson and Ali Probin (vocals/percussion) gently eased the masses into the set to come. Shortly after, the two were joined by Ben Wells (drums, vocals) and Nick Probin (lead guitar, vocals), with Wells taking to the mic for three songs before nestling into his drum kit for the rest of the set. In their regular format, the band performed all the songs fans have fallen in love with over the years.

Personal highlights were This Is Not A Cage and Hold The Train - two songs that take you on a journey into the heart of Henderson's brilliant mind. To finish the set, lead guitarist Nick Probin took to lead vocals for a cover of Metronomy's The Look. It was a great way to end the set, proving again their format fluidity and the ability to share the lead.