Myles Vincent, Good LittleFox, The Preytells @ AmplifierBar, Perth (20/3/08)

Tue 25th Mar, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Kicking off the Easter long weekend at Amplifier was a line-up consisting of a number of bands that, despite continued success through local and national band competitions and significant JJJ support, still fly somewhat under the radar in Perth. Still, a tight Thursday night crowd showed that the fans are hearing the music and stamping their approval.

It has been three years since The Fault emerged triumphant from the prestigious Next Big Thing Competition, a unique blend of schlock horror and carefree jazzier elements securing the band a unique position on the local landscape. However since then you get the feeling that they have failed to live up to their initial promise and push on with something else. Whereas frontman James Rogers goes from strength to strength in his other NBT-winning project Harlequin League, taking elements of what The Fault seem to be trying to achieve but condensing them into tighter, melodic expressions, many of the songs on show tonight contained merely ideas without any overarching form. Granted this may be what they have always done, and they are a good band no doubt – but only good. With each member having promising ventures elsewhere, it may be time for a re-think.

Keeping the steadily filling beer garden entertained in between sets was Ben Witt, otherwise known as frontman for local outfit The Chemist. Taking his cues from the ethereal school of vocals popularised in modern rock by Mr Jeff Buckley, Ben has a seriously strong voice. His subtle gritty undertones bring to mind Kelly Jones. Perhaps being the sole focus in the rowdier garden was slightly off-putting, as he seemed to seek solace in the comfort of a warm driven amp and extended guitar extravagances – which is not a good idea when you should be giving as much space as possible to those vocal chords. However, the elements are certainly there, so when it finally clicks we could be in for something truly special. Allow the indulgences for now, if not only for the fact he held his ground on a take of the Dylan classic Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.

Deviating from their mildly psychedelic – œ60s pop sound, the new material on display from The Preytells tonight sparkled with a Springsteen-like sense of wide-eyed urgency. Holy Roman started with the kind of chordal melody Dire Straits built a career on, before evolving into a melodic indie rock sound with lilting guitar interplay and layered melodies. Shout followed suit, bringing an Arcade Fire level of emotional intensity to mind. While the usual staples for which the band has come to be known for, such as Nowhere to Run and Could I Change Your Mind, were there, it is the new tracks that bode well for the anticipated album release. Pointing to a rapid evolution in song construction, the vigour and passion with which the tracks were performed suggests a significant conviction on the band’s part. Rounding out a varied set with a somewhat art-pop take on Books and a very quirky melodic closing number, The Preytells showed that they are writing some of the most interesting pop (no, it’s not a dirty word) songs around. They deserve a significantly greater level of attention.

Elements of The Police and Franz Ferdinand were evident in a fun dance-pop spin that was easy on the ears and feet from the relatively unknown Good Little Fox. Starting their first co-headline Amplifier gig (somewhat of a rite of passage these days for Perth bands) with a sense of trepidation, any apparent nerves were quickly eased. The dancefloor moved in effortless unison to crowd favourites Jealousy and Love, Lust and Interest (their contribution to the split single). Recognising the value in an incredibly talented and personable (he could teach a thing or two to some bands who think crowd interaction is a no-no) frontman, Good Little Fox gave Carl the required space to showcase his range and control. Playing with each other and never over, riffs and rhythms were bounced around as a tight cohesive unit. With a hectic gigging schedule, Good Little Fox are steadily building a deserved fan-base. They certainly won their fair share of admirers tonight.

On the back of a well-received EP and JJJ Unearthed success, top billing for the night went to Myles Vincent. In much the same way as the Killers have evolved, previously favoured post-punk stylings have gradually merged into an approximation of propulsive American music history along the lines of Mellencamp, Petty and Springsteen for Myles. Their sound is large and driving, with duelling Edge -esque guitars and invocations of open spaces and endless plains. However, it is all well and good to hurtle full-pace into the unknown, but if you have nothing to say along with the music you will ultimately fall short.

Therefore, while Senior has considerable muscle and swagger, the lyrics, “Senior, I would go to war for your daughter, trust me, I’m not some blow in from the east coast city” come across more as a meek Friday night promise ahead of a movie date at the Galleria rather than the machismo swagger of a Mexican bandito. Tonight they clearly relished headlining the filled room, and worked their set with considerable confidence. Standouts included Warped Reflection (which showed that you can often achieve a greater sense of foreboding atmosphere with restraint), the up-tempo stomp of Lot to Lose and the radical acoustic reworking of Revelations.