Sydney musician and part-time skater Jonathon Boulet was welcomed in Brisbane to showcase his brand new record last night. We Keep The Beat, Found The Sound, See The Need, Start The Heart, has had all the hype after the success of his self-titled début album in 2009. With what is emerging as his signature chic hobo look, bearded Boulet took to the stage armed with a double dose of percussion ready to shake down West End’s The Hi-Fi Bar.
Diving head first, the 23-year-old Jonathan Boulet and band issued the venue with Black Smoke Heart. Its rampant rhythmic beats were but a taste of what was to become a drummer’s march of big sound, chanting and excitable pop rock tunes.
What seemed an almost arrogant Boulet addressed the audience on a number of occasions. Self-promoting, he spent a good minute trying to flog off his merchandise, rattling off reasons why people should buy it. When introducing This Song Is Called Ragged, Boulet blurted out, “Why don’t you instagram this song”. Not sure exactly what he meant by this. The crowd awkwardly laughed, until the beats kicked in, and then they were carelessly banging their heads and stomping their feet.
In a heartfelt bro-mance moment, Jonathon dedicated his next song, Trounce, to what he described as, “One of the best bands in Australia”, Wolf & Cub, who are opening for Boulet along their We Keep The Beat tour. Boulet, on stage, boldly challenged anyone who disagrees with him. And who would? In what felt like the most electric display of the night, the track climaxed with Jonathon launching his guitar sky-high, barely missing the stage lights above.
Jonathon Boulet finished up the night thanking the Hi-Fi for coming out and supporting Australian music, announcing: “These next two songs are for you”. They were not to disappoint, playing crowd favourites, A Community Service Announcement and the smash hit Animal. No encore was needed. In this performance, Boutlet cemented his position in Australian music, sitting shoulder to shoulder alongside some of Australia’s finest music talent.
