J-Pan Fan, My Fiction, RootsAbove Ground @ Second Degree(UQ), Brisbane (27/03/09)

Sun 1st Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

With O-week over and the start of uni just around the corner, the UQ St Lucia campus kicks off the semester with an afternoon/evening of live music. First on the bill are Roots Above Ground, who offer a nice blend of reggae, ska and rock. While their stage presence is a bit lacking, they play a sound set which is ideal for unwinding on a Friday afternoon. At this point, I notice that the Red Room – sorry, Second Degree as it is now called – has undergone renovations. However, my surprise turns to disappointment as I realise that while the walls, tables and chairs have been replaced, the stage and sound quality have been neglected in the upgrade.

Nevertheless, as Brisbane boys My Fiction take the stage, I forget all about the change of decor and become caught up in their energetic set. Frontman Eric Robinson is as lively and intriguing as ever, while guitarist James Laubscher rocks out on the side. They have an additional member tonight, a keyboard player who churns out the synth sounds, leaving bass (and sometimes synth) player Mike Willmett to concentrate on his art. Singles Your Tokyo and Go are always highlights, but I am particularly impressed by their new material, which is more synth-driven and incorporates catchy beats from drummer Danny Murphy. This new sound is more akin to the indie-electro acts emerging from the UK and I hope the band continues in this new and exciting direction.

Fellow Brisbanites, J-Pan Fan, close out the night, with a rocking set led by singer Emma Carton. Not having heard much about this band, I was surprised to see them playing after the more well-known local act My Fiction, but was quickly won over by Pete Heywood’s catchy guitar riffs, Johnny Ryan’s solid drumming and Carton’s strong female vocals. J-Pan Fan remind me of a very early no-nonsense version of The Grates, but with better vocals and none of the frills and twee. It is refreshing to hear a rock band fronted by a female singer who combines the right amount of melody and punch. They are certainly an act to watch out for in the future.