Live Review: Tree and Ray, Julia R. Anderson, & O.J Mengel @ The Milk Factory

All I can say is, THEY DELIVERED! These three best friends really did deliver a combined force that gave us an amazing night and warm fuzzy feelings all over!

Brissie 4-piece Tree and Ray definitely know how to get a gig started and how to enjoy it! Their track Spectrum from their their 2015 album will always be one of my favourites. It’s the track which explains this 4-piece to the very core, as they’re just a bunch of guys wanting to do what they love and that’s what connects best with their crowd. With it’s upbeat rhythm and sunshine feel, it’ll always be my number one.

TFW started off with a beautiful combination of slow keyboard melodies by Tylor Elmsly and soft guitar strums, but the pace had only yet to fasten as Kirby Elmsly began screaming out the lyrics. This track showcased how well new bass player Kai Grant fits into the band as they all seemed right at home on the stage.

“Even with a tongue ulcer that apparently had already lasted three whole days, Anderson seriously knows how to work her vocals.”

With Nick Bailey’s kickass drumming and guitar strums the guys began playing out Sad Today. Ending with a crazy-energetic guitar solos and strong bassline the pace slowed until all you could hear were the soft synth key melodies once more.

For their final song they belted out Beyond Body, an upcoming single set to be released in September. The energetic beat of Bailey’s drumming brought everyone to their feet dancing as Elmsly let loose, dancing around himself giving the track his all. It was a fun and incredible way to end their set on such a high note and made us even more keen for the track’s release!

Weaponised with her Cherry Red guitar, Julia R. Anderson began her mesmerising set with Filter 4. Her beautiful vocals soared over the smooth bass start. The pace slowly livened through the cheery guitar strums and brought The Milk Factory to life as people began swaying to the beat. Anderson, being the one-woman amazement she is, not only sang but played her guitar and let loose the sweet synth-like melodies of her harmonica, leaving us astounded in her multi-tasking musical skills.

Her latest single In the Beginnings began with a similar slow rhythmic start to Filter 4 but quickly picked up the pace. Even with a tongue ulcer that apparently had already lasted three whole days, Anderson seriously knows how to work her vocals.

Their last song, which actually came as a disappointment because you simply just wanted to hear more, was a cover of Oh! Mickey by Tony Basil that pulled at all our heart strings. This was when things really picked up with a more rock vibe they took this single to a whole different place, it was amazing! The energetic vibe got people dancing and I almost lost it as I watched in admiration as Anderson strummed her guitar like crazy!

As O.J Mengel came onstage an energetic vibe came over the room. Maybe it was the cozy, adoreablness of the The Milk Factory (shout to the awesome bartender in the flanny!), or maybe the band really read our last article but they were AMAZING!

Hop Right In began with a shoutout to Oliver and Jordan Mengel’s mum for rocking up to cheer on her boys! The song was the perfect way to get everyone dancing and a great live rendition, with lead guitarist Jordan Mengel’s sharp guitar playing and whammying and Fletcher Ross’ bass strums.

“For a gig that only cost $5 all bands delivered well and over the price!”

Keeping the energy high, O.J has no place for the ordinary as Oliver Mengel whipped out his harmonica for their next track White Whale. This track with his smooth and light vibe brought the crowd to an easy swaying rhythm. Oliver Mengel’s beautiful harmonic melodies soared over the crowd as they danced to the solid rhythms by drummer Nicholas Downing.

After a short break to chat with the crowd the 4-piece belted their cover of Mac Demarco’s Ode to ViceRoy. Oliver Mengel’s vocals took the lead singing about durries and classic life choices without taking too much from the greatness that is Demarco’s creative strive.

Anememes continued the slow rhythmic beat from earlier as Oliver Mengel’s vocals poured out over the crowd. He wasn’t simply just singing, oh no, he was telling a story. Its glossy dreamlike instrumentals and soft lighting were the perfect mixture to create a relaxing mood over the entire ‘Milk Factory.

For a gig that only cost $5 all bands delivered well and over the price! The three bands are definitely ones you need to keep your eye on and see live ASAP!