We’re all for supporting the local arts scene here in Sydney, and so is the Oxford Art Factory. So tonight, the venue lent a hand by holding a fundraiser for a soon to be launched art space in the city – The Paper Mill. A few bands came along to show support, too, as the Guitar Hero event wrapped up next door. I believe that call that subsidising?
First up were relative newcomers Eye to Eye – a band who have just started passing around their demos. The lead singer channels a bit of Jeff Buckley in his voice, while the bass lines are Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired. It’s an interesting mix. I’m not quite sure what I make of it just yet, but I do like what I hear so far!
Check em out for yourself here: http://www.myspace.com/eyetoeyesydney
No strangers to the scene, Bird Automatic followed. This is a band I remember seeing, with a much different lineup, back in 2005 and 6, so they’ve certainly been running around our fine city for quite some time. They played a few new songs tonight by the sounds of it, but the epic “Fireflies” was the set closer, and as it often is, an easy highlight for their show. They’ve come a long way in those 4 or 5 years – they’re a lot tighter, and a lot more impressive, I just wish they were more popular!
Three piece The Paper Scissors closed out the night, in what they called Paper Scissors Mach 2, as they just signed a new record deal! They played mostly new tracks, but through in the old favourites too, including “Yamanote Line” and “Tipped Hat” – which they had notably left absent in some recent performances. Ironically, it was only when they played the singles that they were marred by technical difficulties. But they pushed through it, lead singer Jai Pyne jumped into the crowd, and made it a truly enjoyable show. I daresay it’s the best performance I’ve ever seen from them. And it was lovely seeing Lucy Hall join them on stage for a tune. She opened the night, and I unfortunately missed her!
And really, what better band to support The Paper Mill, than The Paper Scissors themselves! Keep your eyes peeled for more Paper Mill fundraising events – and of course the venue opening itself!
