8 November 2024 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone – words and pictures by Brad Fry
The crowd at The Harvey Road Tavern in Gladstone, (in central Queensland for those that have no idea) were treated to a night of exquisite music from The Rions on their Happiness In Places Tour. The quartet, already making waves in the Australian indie scene, delivered a tight, high-energy set that showcased their dynamic musicianship and undeniable chemistry. Along for this leg of the tour were Mackay’s Giant Palms ,who were a perfect addition to the night’s entertainment.
Before The Rions took the stage, the audience was warmed up by the talented opening act, Giant Palms, a Mackay based outfit. From the start of the set you could tell that Giant Palms were something special. The band is made up of guitarists (Cohen Murry and Aidan O’Flanagan) , bassist (Jett Briggs) and drummer (Jack Rayner) who handles the majority of the vocal duties. Their set was a blend of original songs mixed with some covers which were given the Giant Palms treatment. The energy from all members of the band made them an ideal lead-in for the high-energy performance to follow. By the end of their set, the crowd was buzzing! As if their music and performance hadn’t earned them some new fans, Giant Palms threw in how much better the Gladdy crowd were than crowds in Rockhampton. This was met with loud cheers from the crowd ensuring that the next time the Mackay boys come to town, they will be met with open arms.
Giant Palms – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
The Rions kicked off the night with ‘Sweet Cocoon’ and had the crowd hooked right away. Their sound is a refreshing blend of catchy riffs, driving rhythms and emotionally charged vocals. Lead singer (and bass player) Noah Blockley with his distinct voice, commands attention. Alternating between smooth melodies and moments of raw, heartfelt intensity he was a joy to watch. What stood out most about The Rions’ performance was their stage presence. Despite their relative youth, they exuded confidence and a clear passion for the music, engaging with the audience in a way that felt genuine and unforced. They seemed to be having as much fun on stage as those in the crowd were having. Fun banter between the band mates made the whole show feel fun and welcoming. Noah’s bass playing combined with Tom Partington’s drumming formed a powerhouse rhythm section, while guitarists Harley Wilson and Asher McLean’s melodies added layers of texture, giving the performance depth and variety.
The Rions – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
Their set had all their hits from ‘Sadie’ to ‘Disassociation’, ‘Passionfruit’ etc but where was ‘Mini Van’? One of many highlights of the night came when they performed ‘Scary Movies’, a fan-favorite that had everyone in the venue singing along. The interplay between the upbeat instrumentals and melancholic lyrics created a perfect contrast, a hallmark of The Rions’ sound that resonates deeply with their fans. Another highlight for this Star Wars tragic was the lightsaber duel prior to ‘Anakin’ (what a cool touch). The crowd at Harvey Road Tavern responded with enthusiasm, feeding off the band’s energy and creating an electric atmosphere. There was no photo pit so I was all over the venue and there was energy in every corner of the room!
The Rions – Harvey Road Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
As the set drew to a close, The Rions wrapped things up with a thrilling encore. Guitarist Harley Wilson showed off his skills on the keys as Noah Blockley belted out a powerful rendition of ‘The Part’. After this the whole band took the stage once more to perform ‘Mini Van’ which was greeted with huge cheers from the crowd! With their infectious sound and impressive live presence, The Rions continue to prove why they’re one of Australia’s most exciting indie rock acts. Their performance at Harvey Road Tavern was a testament to their growing reputation, and it’s safe to say that anyone lucky enough to catch this show won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. Keep an eye on these Northern Beaches lads – they’re just getting started.
