Twas a chilly night in Perth, but the Amplifier was crowded, as many swamped the building on hearing that lovable locals New Rules for Boats were performing for the last time this year. The band have come along way since winning 2004’s Next Best Thing competition, having supported such acts as Ben Lee, Ben Kweller and Eskimo Joe among a plethora of other exceptional artists.
Russian Winters kicked off the night oozing the suaveness of Euro-pop with a grunt of their own concoction -that gave them a very Australian feel. Their EP, Another Chance struck a chord with the small crowd and a few heads were seen bobbing to the cool delectable tunes from these relative unknowns.
Next cab off the rank, were folk indie band, The City Watch. What is immediately striking about this band is their blend of casualness and dignified confidence. Straying away from the expected, they incorporate a piano accordion which gives their music a reverent feel, harking back to the old days when Dylan was considered a god. The City Watch are an acquired taste, like a fine merlot, though enjoyable at present, they have the structure and intensity to improve with time.
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Felicity Groom and the Black Black Smoke caused some confusion among the crowd who recognised the members from their other bands. With the astute ensemble of Alex Archer (Kill Devil Hills), Andrew Ryan (Adam Said Galore), Ian Chater (Bank Holidays) and most recognisably, Vanessa Thornton (Jebediah), where could this band possibly go wrong? Sultry songstress Miss Felicity Groom looked stunning as she sang to the warming crowd. Her voice flowed evenly with the music and together they reinvigorated the strong indie vibe, which had been brewing all night. They will soon travel to Europe, with much success expected for them in the near future.
Personal space inside the Amplifier suddenly became a rare experience, as, with a wicked smile from singer, Miranda Pollard, New Rules for Boats began their set with 24 hours as the crowd jammed itself further inside. The band had a small chat to the crowd before starting I’m Your Tenant from Thousands. The crowd smiled and cheered the ambiguously named pair, who then played Seventy Seven, from Skips on the Record bravely early in the set. This feel good song in particular makes you want to dance and sing-along, and many chose to do just that. Those who have been following New Rules for Boats’ career would have fondly recalled Not Impressed and You’re Out from their debut EP, All at Sea. They then slowed the pace of the crowd, striking deep with an acoustic number, You’ll Never Win. After a few more songs showing off their divine folk alternative style, they ended the night with their classic, Skips on my Record which definitely hit the right note with the crowd, who applauded wildly before bidding them bon voyage. Saturday night will be savoured by all until the New Rules for Boats return to shore.
See Williamb’s Gallery of the night HERE
