Two Gigs. One Venue.

Venue Review: HQ. Adelaide

disclosure

There can often be a negative connotation associated with the two letters "HQ" in Adelaide.  Located a few doors down from one of the world's dirtiest maccas, HQ is arguably South Australia's largest night club, known for weekly dress up parties, burley bouncers, thumping beats and massive dance floors. Whether they are proud to admit it or not, most South Aussies have been to HQ at some point in their lives, and probably had one of the biggest nights they can (or can't?) remember.

As well as being a massive part of the weekend night life in South Australia, HQ has become a popular venue for concerts and gigs; from all genres from dance to hip hop to rock and roll.   Within the course of two weeks I was fortunate enough to attend two of these gigs and witness how the venue coped with different music and their respective audiences.

Foals. 24th September. 2013.

foals - sourced from the au review

Both concerts were spectacular in their own right.  Foals was a rock and roll concert unlike one I have ever seen before.  An all ages concert, the dance floor was a drink-free zone but this did not stop the fans from tearing it up. Front man Yannis Philippakis also go in on the action running around the venue and through the crowd all whilst playing his guitar.  The energy in the room was electric - this was possibly one of the best gigs I have ever been too.  And a fair bit could be attributed to the venue itself. 

The amphitheatre design of the HQ Complex means that short-asses such as myself have the opportunity to actually see a band in action, and not just dance facing friends accepting that the live music will just have to do.  Other venues in Adelaide such as the Gov and the Thebby Theatre do have outstanding acoustics and atmosphere, but there was something special about being able to see the main performance without being confined to seat 35E.

Disclosure. 3rd October. 2013.

Disclosure's performance was 18+ only and the alcohol was flowing.  There was no doubt a few people had already arranged the next day off work for a self-granted long weekend.  It did feel like the concert took a little longer than planned to get going but once the show was in progress it was one big party.  Credits to the lighting team who combined with the shows graphics took the performance to a whole other level.  There was no shortage of lasers at the Disclosure gig and it was the perfect fit.  There were those who tried to dance on the podiums throughout the concert but were quickly removed by security - much to the delight of those whose view were temporarily obstructed with an unwelcomed bottom or two.

Ultimately the staff at HQ are were great - and a lot more friendlier than I remember them being upon some earlier visits.  I thoroughly enjoyed the two concerts I witnessed at HQ and it certainly felt as though the audiences did as well.   Whilst HQ may get a bad wrap from time to time they certainly know how to run a performance smoothly, make sure everyone has a good night and that everyone makes it outside safely to get their late night dirty maccas feed.

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HQ Complex - www.hqcomplex.com.au

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HQ Sponsor Fresh FM

Check out The Quintessential Mix at

www.fresh927.com.au/thequintessentialmix

www.facebook.com/thequintessentialmix



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Pop Fix: AlunaGeorge

AlunaGeorge

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"Little grey fairy tales
And little white lies
Everything you exhale is attracting flies

And you can go off the rails
And you can cry your eyes out
But everything you exhale is attracting flies"

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Uber cool English electronic duo AlunaGeorge, comprised of vocalist Aluna Francis and producer George Reid, casually entered the UK charts and airwaves last year and are now becoming regulars on stations across Australia.  Cheeky lyrics and a unique 90s RnB inspired sound has AlunaGeorge grabbing attention of lovers of pop, soul, house and rnb genres alike.

Collaborating with UK House DJs Disclosure for the smash hit "White Noise," saw AlunaGeorge make their mark on the musical map, and with their follow up single "You Know You Like It," the duo are working to truly cement their unique and funky sound.

Their debut album "Body Music" was released here in Australia July 26th, 2013 and has been lapped up by Aussie fans, currently holding a 4.5 star rating on itunes.  Reviews are so far positive and full of high praise for the duo, however many critics interested to see how AlunaGeorge will be received in the long term and if their music and sound will resonate with listeners over time.

"The entire album is sexy and strange and sugary all at once. That these songs were recorded over the course of a couple years (straddling a major-label deal) and still maintain total fluidity throughout speaks to the strength and maturity of the duo’s initial formula." - Pitchfork, 2013

AlunaGeorge will be coming to Australia very soon, along with collaborator Disclosure, for Listen Out Festival which will be taking place across the country throughout late September and early October.  When asked what fans can expect at a live show AlunaGeorge responded, "A louder, slightly more acoustic version of our songs. We try and keep as close as possible to the original recordings. We’ve got a live bass player, a live hybrid kit, live keys. It has some softer moments here and there."  But with Disclosure also on tour, who know - perhaps a joint onstage performance can be expected?

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Read the full interview with AlunaGeorge in anticipation of their Australian tour at the AUReview.com.  Find AlunaGeorge on Facebook and Twitter. 

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