Gig Review: Teeny Tiny Stevies at The Triffid, Brisbane

Well, I can't think of a much better way to spend a Sunday morning than attending the Triffid in Brisbane, one of my favourite live venues. This place is an old commercial hangar that combines its WW2 heritage with a unique garden, creating both a comfortable and vibrant atmosphere. Its cylinder-like structure, leaves the impression that you are entering a tunnel, and the number of classic Beatles tracks I heard blasting out of the PA on arrival provided an additional bonus.

The set began slowly with just vocals and keyboards on display, before the additional musicians arrived on stage, picking up the pace with noticeable skill and dexterity. The band then launched into the wonderful "Light As A Bubble" a charming song which really got the audience going. The song featured some breathtaking harmonies, underpinned by a sublime rhythm section that really stirred the senses. It was abundantly clear something pretty special was happening, as the children were already up, eagerly surrounding the stage and dancing with rapturous delight.

If you shut your eyes and zone in on the music, it could be Fleetwood Mac up there, with shades of Joni Mitchell or Edie Brickell on display. A unique sound, combining rock, and country music, lapped up and celebrated by a hugely enthusiastic audience. I was nonetheless a little surprised at how loud the music was for a family concert; no cotton wool kids here, which suited me just fine. The times clearly are a changing.

The band continued to work their way through more of their back catalogue including the enchanting "Sleep Through The Night", the uplifting "Baby In Mum's Tummy", and the absorbing "Plastic". A song which finished with the declaration that 'even if you're small you can help change the world'. Well, I for one would second that; providing empowering and encouraging messages to the next generation should be encouraged at every opportunity.

"How Am I Different" utilised a superb bass line, with imaginative lyrics exploring individuality, and the importance of celebrating difference. In a world where young people are often pressurised into conforming, this song provides a notable breath of fresh air, emphasising the importance of simply being true to your own unique self. The song is one of many from the set taken from their latest album, "How To Be Creative", which you really should check out at your earliest opportunity.

My favourite song of the set was the magnificent "I Ate A Rainbow", which absolutely blew the roof off, a fabulous foot stomper, with its relentless rhythmic chant. The song takes the audience on an interactive roller coaster ride where there's a party going on and we’re all invited. Many of the songs in the set encourage audience participation, with an open invitation for everyone to get up and get involved. This was further enhanced through the inclusion of a highly effective digital backdrop, where at one point I noticed a platypus grooving along to the music.

"Had You To Teach Me" introduced a ukulele to the proceedings, before the rhythm section arrive enabling the song to bounce along in fine style. The song has a gentle warm vibe, which ebbs and flows throughout, with lyrics suggesting that despite life's ups and downs, I'll be okay 'because I had you to teach me'. A song written perhaps for all the exhausted teachers and parents out there, who may need to be reminded that their efforts don't go unnoticed.

Although there was already plenty of dancing going on, the band then shifted gears announcing that ‘it was time to boogie’, and I guess the song "Dance", was the perfect song to drive home the point. A superb piece of music, that really hit the target with its funky bass line, and nimble drumming throughout. The music actually reminded me a little of Chic if anyone remembers them.

"Boss Of My Own Body" began with just bass and drums, providing an opportunity to introduce the musicians who received rapturous applause during their brief solo improvisations. The song is essentially a statement of intent, emphasising the point that although there may be many things I can't control, I am in charge of myself. The compressed and somewhat staccato approach used on the verses, provided the necessary tension and release for the chorus to really soar captivating the audience throughout.

The band finished in fine style with the succinct and slightly psychedelic "Use Your Imagination", providing the perfect finale through its simple message and extraordinary vocal effects. The song exploded with a final flourish, encouraging the kids to use their imaginations, hitting the spot through an astonishing cacophony of sound that has to be heard to be believed. Amazing!

This band really have it all worked out, they make music which is interactive, lyrically insightful and easy to dance to. The set was also an hour long, providing excellent value and destroying the myth that kids can't focus on anything for more than half an hour. I know it’s a cliché, but their music really does appeal to both children and their parents alike, who can be seen enjoying the music every bit as much as the kids. The band have captured a slice in the market where nowadays, a gig isn’t just for the parents, the band entertain and uplift everyone, even an old rocker like me, and that is some achievement.

Teeny Tiny Stevies – love you live.