It seems fitting the Gold Coast's sun-drenched beach culture should be an early host on the marathon tour schedule for The Rions to end 2024.
After packing out Miami Marketta on Sunday (3 November), The Rions seem destined for brilliant success off their newly released EP 'Happiness In A Place It Shouldn't Be'.There must be something in the water in the Northern Beaches of Sydney that nourishes musical talent. The Rions are the latest example of this, following in the footsteps of their recent peninsular contemporaries Lime Cordiale and Ocean Alley.
Dating even further back in God's Country music history is Midnight Oil. Whilst a fair bus ride from the rolling surf breaks at Avalon or Palm Beach, The Oils began their journey in the leafy Northern Sydney suburb of Turramurra way back in 1970.
All currently boasting far more impressive locks than Peter Garrett, Noah Blockley, Harley Wilson, Asher McLean and Tom Partington are The Rions. Following on from their maiden EP 'Minivan' (August 2023), The Rions released the 'Happiness In A Place It Shouldn't Be' EP in September this year.
The Rions - image © Hope Morgan
Ahead of their GC sojourn, the lads rocked Coffs Harbour at the iconic beachside bastion the Hoey Moey Tavern. Prior to hitting the Banana capital, the Northern Queensland centres of Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach all played host to this vibrant young band.
The Rions have certainly set themselves a task as they close off a big 2024. Nineteen more stops await after their Gold Coast visit, before the calendar rolls over to 2025. Among them the University of Wollongong's UniBar; a favourite haunt of mine growing up in the Gong. I'm pleased to know the UniBar is still going strong after 40 years.
Being a 1974 model with plenty of miles on the clock, my formative live music tastes began as a teenager in pubs and clubs in the '80s and '90s. Think INXS, Hoodoo Gurus, Crowded House, Hunter and Collectors, Noiseworks and Boom Crash Opera.
My love of live music has recently been reinvigorated by a veritable smorgasbord of amazing young Australian talent. Fuelling that has been triple j. Every time I tune in, up pops some more modern Aussie music gold, just like the subject band.
The Rions were triple j's Unearthed High 2021 winners. As usual, Aunty and its devoted listeners were right on the money with these lads! It seems the Gold Coast agrees, with local music fans voting with their feet and packing out the funky Miami Marketta. The first sell-out show of their current tour, I'm certain tickets will be scarce again next time.
The opening support act were Brisbane's FELONY. who started the vibe for a great night of local talent. Speaking of which, Chutney were next to front and the Chuts didn't disappoint their home town. Up the Chuts!
The Rions - image © Hope Morgan
With the scene well set for the main act, The Rions took stage and immediately owned the night before a big set with a mix of old and new. Harley Wilson looked resplendent in a black suit and baseball cap, giving off slight Angus Young vibes (sans the shorts and tie).
Frontman Noah Blockley got the room rocking quickly, opening up with 'Sweet Cocoon', which is also first up on the band's new EP. Five of the six tracks from the current EP got a run tonight, and it's not hard to see why. This release is packed with talent and is a significant step forward from their maiden EP that bristled with goodies too.
One of the features of the set was the melodic 'Time Will Try', the possible star from the current EP. The band seems big on this one, and rightly so. It's a belter. Further down the set list came the beautiful 'Friend', one to tug on the heart strings and equally impressive.
The Rions - image © Hope Morgan
'Physical Medicine' is getting big airplay at the moment and I'm sure it will be dancing off the lips of music fans all over Australia soon, if it isn't already. 'Passionfruit' (as you would expect) was delivered sweetly, and was devoured by the punters.
A masterful display of Jedi lightsabre prowess ensued in a 'Star Wars' tribute before the boys belted out 'Anakin' off the back of some prelim keyboard magic by the versatile Harley Wilson. If you haven't caught The Rions do 'Anakin' with Molly Millington in a 2022 bathroom session, I suggest you do.
With Asher McLean's grandma looking on from the front row, The Rions took the crowd for one final spin with 'Minivan', before drawing a close to an energetic gig that will have everyone coming back for more.
- written by Grant Morgan
More photos from the concert.
