Two Hours Traffic
On the first of their last shows they sure seemed to be enjoying their curtain call. Plenty of thank you's for the years of support were accompanied by plenty of tracks, new and old. It was bittersweet to hear songs for the last time that I've become accustomed to seeing a couple times a year but it was also a fitting goodbye - a way to go out on their terms. As may have been hoped for Alec O'Hanley returned for a tune he had written, Sorry Than Safe, which oddly saw the new, new bass player (first show) exit while second guitar moved back to bass to reunite in the original lineup. To prove there was no residual animosity Alec and Liam Corcoran exchanged a big hug as he departed. It wasn't too long later that another guest, Brian Murphy, joined them for a mini set of their side cover band, playing some Nick Lowe and Steve Miller Band to change it up. Back in action they closed out strong despite Liam's faltering voice, with Territory, then a solo acoustic of Stolen Earrings to rest the throat before closing down with Jezebel. Nobody believed for a second they wouldn't play Backseat Sweetheart so they returned with Alec and that number before attempting to end once again, this time using Stuck for the Summer. Alas an extended will they or won't they encore call did have them return. It was unplanned so as they worked it out Liam played the oft requested but rarely heard Kiss Me acoustically (for the ladies) and they all came back together on one of Liam's personal favourite covers to finally wind down the night. It'll be sad to see them go but great to have them endure this long. Plus there's always the albums on repeat.
Grounders
Although Grounders had a few grin inducing moments during their between-song banter the set itself was uninspired. As before I was unimpressed with the singer's vocals, though I'm not convinced it was bad effects so much as just bad singing. They were a hometown band happy to be playing a gig on the large Lee's stage, though the crowd was still relatively sparse it did include loved ones and even a couple year-old offspring. The crack about Two Hours Traffic's impending retirement and indie rock heaven "complete with tour busses, Factor grants, and free beer" was rather amusing.
Although Grounders had a few grin inducing moments during their between-song banter the set itself was uninspired. As before I was unimpressed with the singer's vocals, though I'm not convinced it was bad effects so much as just bad singing. They were a hometown band happy to be playing a gig on the large Lee's stage, though the crowd was still relatively sparse it did include loved ones and even a couple year-old offspring. The crack about Two Hours Traffic's impending retirement and indie rock heaven "complete with tour busses, Factor grants, and free beer" was rather amusing.
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