The Lucksmiths @ the EastBrunswick Club (27/06/08)

Tue 1st Jul, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Gracing the stage for the last time before heading to Tasmania to record a new album, the Lucksmiths, and the near capacity crowd what greeted them, were clearly here for a good time and that is exactly what we all got.

Before the naturally upbeat fun of the Lucksmiths however, we had to get through a somewhat misplaced set of melancholia from Brisbane quintet the Bell Divers. In Melbourne to support their Tim Whitten (the Panics, Powderfinger) recorded new release June July, the Bell Divers never really got going. Like so many before them, this interstate act initially seemed overawed by the occasion and the Melbourne crowd. Throughout their set of simple indie pop songs it became apparent that as well as being out of their depth, the band members were just sad. I honestly don’t know who this type of music appeals to. Each song told some story of heart ache and love lost, but there was never any feeling to back it all up. Nervously plugging away at their respective instruments, it felt as if the band were singing of things they had no actual experience of, but may have read about some time long ago. Song after depressing song was meet with polite applause from a mostly uninterested crowd (except possibly the – œvegans’ sitting down the front). Coupled with a lacklustre performance, complete with understated musicianship and painfully shy and antisocial performers, it was hard not to be bored by it all.

Not to worry though, because the Lucksmiths hit the stage a good ten minutes early, intent on getting through as many tracks from their healthy back catalogue as they could. Despite such a wealth of songs, from their fourteen years togetherand nine acclaimed albums, the crowd knew every one. Girls were joyously dancing, as were their boyfriends. Indeed two strapping young lads near us were singing every word, giggling like school girls at the start of every song like it was the one they had waited all night to hear. Rapturous applause was quietened by quite the funny witty banter between band members and audience, before another happy go lucky pop classic was played for the enjoyment of all. Here was a feel good set of feel good songs about such simple things as Fridays and tshirt weather, delivered by a funny, talented and clearly respected group. The cold winter night was quickly forgotten as Tali White (vocals and drums), Marty Donald (guitar), Louis Richter (guitar) and Mark Monnone (bass) created a warmth born of a genuine love of the music.

The Lucksmiths can be seen as part of an indie pop crowd that at any given point has included the likes of Things Of Stone And Wood and Frente, while they have doubtless opened doors for current indie darlings the Basics and Little Red. Uniquely Australian in both mood and character (and accent!), these acts open up your mind and your heart with their honesty and a simple yet positive take on life. Though they were just as good during a few more reflective, quieter moments.

A mate had dismissed the Lucksmiths as ‘The Wiggles for Adults’, though maybe that’s an apt description. I have seen kids pouring out of a venue after a Wiggles show – they have huge smiles on their faces, having just danced to every song, and sung every last line. That was pretty much what happened tonight at the East. At nearly two hours, this was some sort of goodbye to leave the loyal fans with before heading to the studio to record what will no doubt be another well received album. Hurry back lads, Melbourne loves you.