It’s the Wolfe…It’s the Wolfe
The Wolfe Brothers
Live at the Small Ballroom
Saturday the 5th April 2014
Review by David Jackson
Saturday night.
The Small Ballroom.
Newcastle.
The night when country came to town. These four, loud, burley blokes from Tasmania took the stage and for the small crowd in attendance, blew them away. Post show conversation in the bar centred around “how good they are”, “country gone loud” and “I want them to come back”. All very positive vibes from people so use to a stable diet of rock that essentially is Newcastle.
The band or phenomena that started with an appearance on Australia’s Got Talent two years ago is better known as The Wolfe Brothers. Collectively this talented group of 4 musicians have taken country by the throat over the past 18 months and is made up of brothers Nick and Tom Wolfe, Casey Kostiuk and Brodie Rainbird. These seasoned Tassie pub rockers were lucky enough to serve under country master Lee Kernaghan as his support and backing band for most of 2013. At the same time the guys released their debut album “It’s On” with nationwide acceptance and three hit singles. The promotion via the Kernaghan tour and the ongoing exposure has seen these 4 guys become well known in all major cities and country areas by then end of 2013. In addition to an album and exposure they were also nominated for two golden guitars. Even though their nominations weren’t followed by wins, their performance at the golden guitars lifted the hats of the most seasoned performers in the audience. I should know, I was there to witness it.
Given there was a small audience in the ballroom on Saturday some artists would drop the ball, play the minimum and even take it out on the city. This was not the case with these guys who took the audience through almost two hours of rockin, country and even took the time to introduce themselves to the audience. The venue itself is awesome and a real find for Newcastle, you get the impression the artists are playing just for you and on Saturday night that was certainly the case. Their debut album was showcased proudly I might add and rightfully so. Whilst his roots are rock, Nick Wolfe can also stand behind his voice when it comes to a ballad. “The Girl, The Bottle, The Memory” reached number one on the CMC charts last year and you get the feeling this is only the beginning.
The audience was lucky to get a sample of the new album, its name still a secret but expect more country rock with a twist. A personal highlight for me on the evening was a cover of the James Blundell’s “This Road” which will feature on the new album. Guest spots on the show went to talented pocket rocket Jasmine Rae who covered “Honky Tonk Woman” with pure gusto. The Golden guitar nominated “Just Don’t Ask Me How I Am” from her new album “If I Want To” was a real highlight. This was Jasmine’s first trip to Newcastle; excluding her visits to CMC Rocks the Hunter shows. Having watched her live a number of times she is definitely a show worth catching. P.J. Kevo provided some killer harmonica to an AC/DC classic well supported by one of the finest guitarists in the country at the moment Mr. Brodie Rainbird. Support act for the evening was brother, sister group Kaylens Rain. Kaylee and Glen Harrison have been playing the festival and Tamworth circuits for the last two years. With one album “Found” producing two great hits “Waiting On A Bus” and “Outta Here” they are about to hit Nashville to produce their second. Kaylee is now a proud Newcastle resident, so welcome and make sure you catch this duo next time they are in town.
Overall an interesting evening. The stage was occupied by a band that honestly deserved ten times the crowd that ventured out on the night, in saying this you get a feeling this is only around the corner for these four talented guys from the apple Isle.
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Justly so.