After a brief stint in Sydney in 2015, Rolling Stone’s Live Lodge has returned to Melbourne and made its home at Fitzroy’s Worker’s Club. 2016 boasts a stellar lineup over a number of weeks, including the psychedelic powerhouse that is Victoria’s own, Stonefield. This was an opportunity to witness new tunes from Stonefield’s sophomore album ‘As Above, So Below’ in an intimate setting before the band heads out on an almost two-month-long Australian tour.
Melbourne three-piece Destrends opened the night. Their post-punk androgyny is a sight to behold and their energy on stage set the bar high and did not waver through their entire set.
After winning Triple J’s Unearthed High in 2010, Stonefield have come in leaps and bounds. Having performed at some of the world’s premier events including Glastonbury and SXSW, it is refreshing to see a band that remains undoubtedly humble.
Each member of the quartet brings her own unique personality and musicality to the stage, yet not one of them outshines the others. To the right of the stage, on keyboards, Sarah is akin to a young Christine McVie, providing lush vocal harmonies and rich organic textures fleshing out baby sister Holly’s intricate bass lines. On stage left stands guitarist Hannah, her vintage tones and beautiful melodic solos reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters. The oldest of the sisters, lead singer and drummer Amy, is a force to be reckoned with. Sitting centre stage, behind a drum kit, she effortlessly commands her audience’s attention with a voice that evokes soulful memories of Janis Joplin and a sense of wisdom beyond her years.
The women of Stonefield make cohesion look simple. It is said that band mates are like family, and he Findlay sisters bring that notion to another level. Their unity on stage is effortless, as is their musical prowess.
-Dani
Dani Smarrelli (@nussymusic) is a Melbourne musician who always wished for younger sisters with whom she could create her own girl-band.
The Rolling Stone Live Lodge runs September 21 to October 9 at The Workers Club, Fitzroy. Check out their full program of events and read our guide.
Download Stonefield’s music and find out about their tour on www.stonefield.com.au.
