In recent times there’s been a steady influx of Australia’s finest bands descending upon our UK shores with the likes of Tequila Mockingbyrd, Massive and the Black Aces leading the way in somewhat of an Antipodean rock renaissance.
Following stand out sets at both HRH Road Trip in Ibiza and Camden Rocks Festival inside of the last month Tequila Mockingbyrd makes a welcome return to the North East of England for a show at the Queen Vic in sunny South Shields. This date being part of the band’s most extensive UK headline tour to date.
As the hard-rocking trio hits the stage they very quickly remind those in attendance that they are most certainly not in a Weatherspoon’s, as they belt through a triple whammy of the frantic “Money Tree”, a harmonious rendition of “Never Go Home” and new single “Tell Me”. The latter of which being the first of several new tracks to be included in the set this evening.
The three-piece comes together seamlessly all night long. Louisa Baker’s beautiful voice and passionate delivery captivate the North East faithful, whilst drummer Josie O’ Toole and bass player Jacinta Jaye prove tonight that they are one of the tightest rhythm sections around right now.
The T-Byrd’s have been cooped up in their Melbourne based studio recently working on their currently untitled sophomore album. With that in mind, the band takes the opportunity to road test some of their freshest cuts including “Pretty Picture”, “Pink Cigar” and “Forget My Number”, to name but a few. On the strength of these songs alone, the band’s forthcoming release will certainly be one to watch out for.
Before “Enjoy The Ride” drummer Josie O’Toole informs the crowd that it wasn’t all fun during their recent Spanish tour with much of the band’s equipment being stolen in Barcelona which in turn put their tour in jeopardy. Josie thanks the T-Byrd’s fans who immediately rallied together online to raise almost £6,000 to help the band out during their difficult time.
As The T-Byrd’s hurtle towards the end of their set, they break into classic cuts from their debut album Fight and Flight including drinking song “Jagerbomb”, their punk-tinged take on The Ramones “Somebody Put Something In My Drink”, the groove-heavy “This Ain’t Dead” along with a pair of hard rocking anthems “Good Time” and “I Smell Rock N Roll”. By their own admittance, a somewhat ‘cheesy’ encore of “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness rounds out the proceedings.
With the T-Byrd’s recent line-up changes coupled with the trials and tribulations of life on the road, it’s fair to say that things haven’t always been easy for the Melbourne based trio. However, with the band’s current regrouped line-up, a constant touring schedule that has both energized and solidified Tequila Mockingbyrd along with their ability to overcome any obstacle thrown in their way, this hard rocking Aussie outfit has proven that they are most certainly stronger than ever before.
Tequila Mockingbyrd
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Event Date: 07-June-2018
