Live and loud: Sydney bands rocking the city

By Jay Chabon

No quality of technology can take away the experience of listening to music live.

The connection with the artist, the musical vibrations and the crowd buzz … you don’t get that through the end of a speaker.

We’re proud to say that Sydney’s got a wealth of talent, established and emerging, and some very cool venues in which to showcase it.

From major Sydney events to intimate bars, here’s the Sydney bands you should be listening to, and where to catch them in February and March.

Above: Boy & Bear Lucinda Goodwin.
Above: Boy & Bear. Image by Lucinda Goodwin.

Boy & Bear

With soon-to-be three full-length albums and hundred of hours of gigs under their belt, Sydney five-piece Boy & Bear are armed with plenty of material for a set list that will both satisfy and electrify audiences.

Playing the Hordern Pavilion on February 12, see for yourself why this indie band has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s best-loved musical exports.

Check out the wacky video clip for Walk the Wire, the lead single from the new album Limit of Love.


Above: Lime Cordial.
Above: Lime Cordiale.

Lime Cordiale

Just hailing from Sydney’s northern beaches makes this band cool in our books.

The band’s summery indie pop sound has already created a buzz on national and international tours.

Third EP Road to Paradise pumps out summer jams in tracks such as Not That Easy, which sources the smooth roots-infused pop and electronic stylings the band’s fans have come to love (have a listen via Soundcloud).

Lime Cordiale returns to its native northern beaches for the Party in the Park festival in Pittwater Park, Narrabeen, on March 19.


Above: Hush Honey.
Above: Hush Honey.

Hush Honey

Take the classic sounds of all-time classic rockers like the Eagles, Tom Petty and Creedence Clearwater Revival, mix with a modern rock and roll twist and you’ve got Hush Honey.

The Sydney indie-rock outfit features on Triple J Unearthed, the radio station’s salute to new Australian music.

Find out what these fellas are all about on February 11 at Frankie’s Pizza in the CBD or on February 13 at Newtown’s Botany View Hotel.


Above: The Buffalo Grass boys.
Above: The Buffalo Grass Boys.

The Buffalo Grass Boys

These guys mix folk, rock and country sounds with lyrics that aim to tell a story whilst keeping the audience’s feet moving.

That makes them cool in their own right.

But perhaps even cooler, in our books at least, is that this six-piece is on the bill for the Meatstock BBQ & Music Festival (February 13-14) at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

As the name suggest, this one’s dedicated to the Aussie love of the barbecue.

Plus there’s bands, beards, butchers, bourbon, barbers and beer to boot!

The Buffalo Grass Boys play February 14.

You can also catch them at Hotel Steyne, Manly, on February 11 and 25.


Above: Bootleg Rascal.
Above: Bootleg Rascal.

Bootleg Rascal

After touring Europe with Sticky Fingers – playing to sellout crowds in France, UK, Holland and Germany – Bootleg Rascal wrapped up 2015 on the festival circuit, playing Festival of the Sun (Port Macquarie), Lost Paradise (Peats Ridge) and The Falls Festival (Byron Bay).

Now the hip-hop/dub/electro soul outfit are touring their new album around the country.

Catch them at Manning Bar – one of the best bars in Sydney for live music – on March 18.

For more on live music venues, Sydney, check out our posts Rocking the city: Sydney’s top live music venues and Best venues to see a show.

 

Know a great Sydney band? Tell us in the comments below.

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