You often hear an AU contributor rate a gig as a highlight of the year, but by the time the year is over, what still sits on that top 5 list? Well, we asked our contributors just that and from all those responses we bring you the AU’s top thirteen local touring artists of 2013! Read on and see how many of the bands on this list you caught in 2013…
13. Beasts of Bourbon
When: March 2013 (Supporting Iggy & The Stooges) – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: Perkins is always entertaining to watch – his capability to remain gruffly charming whilst delivering some sweaty, gritty vocals is impressive, a talent which he carries into each musical project he has on the go. Spencer P Jones is fucking amazing to watch; the guitarist plays with the dexterity of someone half his age, and is such a dominating force to watch, even if he looks to be reserved and utterly focused on his role in the band only. The audience is well responsive, a great sign this early in the evening and some even chant for an encore from the Beasts when they wrap up their set and take a bow. – Sosefina Fuamoli
12. Palms
When: January 2013 (Supporting Django Django) – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: Frontman, Al Grigg was once again in fine form and an absolute joy to watch because he’s always so animated whilst playing his huge Rickenbacker guitar. They played scuzzy, indie rock songs and most of these should be available on their forth-coming, debut album. An obvious highlight was the shiny pop number, “The Summer is done with us”. This one was all nostalgia and wistful longing wrapped up in a bear hug while “Love” was a song about a certain four-letter word. And if history serves me, I’m sure our paths will cross again very soon. – Natalie Salvo
11. Kirin J Callinan
When: July 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: Kirin J Callinan is an underrated yet formidable talent. He put on an exasperating show, full of warped, tortured soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of what a performance can and should be. A Kirin J Callinan show is a necessity. – Anna-Maria Megalogenis
10. Stonefield
When: September/October 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: The sisters are still so young and have so much talent! It’s still unbelievable. Their latest single “Put Your Curse On Me” Is just how it should be. Raw, untainted Aussie rock. As I was watching, witnessing a revival in ‘Girl Power’ I was thinking to myself that they’ve been around for a good couple of years now… how the hell had I not seen them live until now!
9. Sarah Blasko
When: February 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: Sarah Blasko received a standing ovation for her wonderful, Sydney Opera House show. It had been so personal, relatable and feeling while also cerebral and clever. There had been some tear-inducing moments but Blasko’s divine beauty in every sense of the word shone through. She had managed to get inside the hearts and minds of everyone in the audience and embrace us in the warmest of hugs. – Natalie Salvo
8. The Delta Riggs
When: April 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: The Delta Riggs put on a highly admirable display of visceral rock & roll with vocals in the same vein as legends like Iggy Pop. Their sound is nothing new, but Delta Riggs stand as a very welcome cohort of the rock revival contingency. Single “Rah Rah Radio” has the attitude many of their other songs could have used a bit more of, but despite their lack of creativity, they gave us the bare bones of classic garage rock and a very entertaining set. – Chris Singh
7. The Cat Empire
When: May 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: For the entirety of the set, which I have to add was over two hours, I stood in awe and admiration of the musicians I was watching on stage. They know each other like the back of their hand and this is plainly obvious in the way that they just let solos continue past the rehearsed bar allowance. I am ever thankful that this band has been as successful as they have been. Lord knows they deserve every success. Tonight has reinforced that I can still call The Cat Empire the best live act I’ve seen. Period. – Bree Cohen
6. Washington
When: September 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: All in all, Washington’s hour set (complete with encore, of course!) was fantastic and serves as a teaser for what’s to come. It proved to be a great chance to see this award-winning artist in a tiny venue, as I’m sure her album tour next year will be a lot bigger. Yet no matter the size of the venue, the crowd are sure to be silenced and wowed at the beautiful sound of Washington’s voice. – Tanya Ali
5. Paul Dempsey
When: October 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: The end of the night brings with it another huge reaction with a cover of You Am I’s “Berlin Chair”, “Bats” and “Theme From Nice Guy” and before we know it, we’re at the end of what has truly been a one-of-a-kind experience. These were songs for the most part, that everyone knew and had some connection with – it was less about watching a great artist perform other songs by other great artists, but more about a whole heap of music fans appreciating some great music. To sell out so many venues doing this, Dempsey has definitely struck gold and will be a memorable chapter in his solo career, this much is true. – Sosefina Fuamoli
4. Jagwar Ma
When: July 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: Jagwar Ma live is a wholly enjoyable experience, with the band having just as much fun on stage as the audience off it. It was however all to fleeting an experience; despite the band playing a little past curfew, the performance seemed to be over far too quickly. I guess that old adage ‘time flies…’ really is true. Despite that the band worked their way through a number of tracks from their debut album Howlin’ including the single “Man I Need” and two favourites of mine “What Love” and “The Throw”. The band also came back for a brief encore (apparently their first ever). – Simon Clark
3. The Smith Street Band
When: August 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: There was positive energy flowing over the crowd as there was Coopers flowing from the taps. It is amazing how this little band have encaptured the Aussie scene. Wil Wagner literally lives and breathes for the music. He wears his heart openly on his sleeve and that’s love and passion that is so damn infectious, it is difficult to not be reeled in with the performance. – Jason Strange
2. You Am I
When: June/July 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What we said: During the night Rogers made the comment “This is not nostalgic for us, this is what we have been doing for the last 23 years”. While I can understand where he is coming from, I find it hard not to feel an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. In particular, when I hear Hourly, Daily, I am reminded of gigs in Melbourne pubs, drunken music festivals, some rather liberal dancing, and one heck of a good time. For me, this album encapsulates a certain period of my life, one that I fondly recall and strongly associate with; I am more than okay with that, in fact, I think it’s a really beautiful thing. Who wouldn’t want to look back and think, goddamn, that was one hell of a good time! All the better that I can put on a CD and feel that way. – Kate Katrina
1. The Drones
When: September 2013 – See Reviews & Photos from the Tour!
What We Said: It’s clear live that there’s an uncompromising veracity to The Drones’ music in the best traditions of Australian rock; a portrayal of the grittier, messier aspects of life. It’s a quality that will continue to help the group shine above the rest. – Andrew Campbell
