As if it were news to anybody, today proved again a timely reminder that we’re in the middle of a worldwide recession. Around the globe, many continue to feel the severe financial strain, and amidst all of this, we mustn’t forget that our favorite bands and artists are no exception. So really, its all the more special when a little-known band from Norway pack their things up and jet out to Melbourne to kick off an extensive tour.

To kick of proceedings at the Northcote Social Club, however, were locals The Zebras, leading with largely inoffensive mid-tempo pop. After a couple of numbers, given that their sound lacks any great depth, I had to wonder whether so many members were necessary. There was a definite over-emphasis on guitar, and their set soon begged for the inclusion of anything that wasn’t six-stringed, if only to break the noticeably flat lining trend of their sound. It was all nice enough, and its not as if the band is completely horrible – they are good musicians, but their music runs the risk of being lost in that grey, forgettable void that so many fall victim to. I really longed for a little variety, and I waited to be challenged throughout the performance, but it wasn’t to be. A makeover is required, to inject some much needed excitement. For now, however, I remain unconvinced.

Quartet Crayon Fields were next up, bringing with them a peppy, twee-pop vibe, fronted by the softly-spoken Geoff O’Connor. The bands members were decked out in red, blue, yellow and white, and their performance also proved colorful, from the upbeat harmony-laden chorus lines of How Loved You Are, to the moody, subdued Choir Of Tiny Boys. The key was variation, and when accompanied by bouts of highly entertaining stage banter, Crayon Fields were cooking with gas. They often indulge in fun, surprising directions in their craft, and at times draw inspiration from the best bands of the 60s, making for an engaging display for the eyes, and a joy for the ears. All in all, it was a cohesive, near-flawless effort, and I urge you to track them down.

All were standing for the arrival of Oslo’s own Je Suis Animal, primed and ready to profess in everything from pop, to punk, to psychadelica. And that they did, immediately kicking the night into an entirely different gear, soon impressing the locals with Secret Place, the spirited guitar-landscaped track one from their debut album. Almost everything about the Norwegians proved a departure from the previous two acts, as the band displayed a harder edge, infused with energy and stage presence. Impressively, however, they also know just when to tone it down, with the catchy, Edgar-Allen-Poe-inspired The Mystery Of Marie Roget.

Throughout the set, it was obvious that Je Suis Animal are far from afraid to make a bit of noise, often breaking into jams and hard-rock segues, as their showmanship captivated the Northcote crowd. The highlights of the evening were undoubtedly the impassioned Hotel Électrique, and the dreamy encore Rousseau World . It came as no surprise that, with rapturous applause, the band soon returned to the stage, with plenty more tricks up its sleeve yet. You know, I could go on and on, even about how attractive they were, but I think you get the idea: they were great.

You could have asked pretty much anyone after the fact at the NSC, and I feel confident they would have agreed upon the same thing: Je Suis Animal’s venture down under – at least thus far – has well and truly been a success. I only wish I had the money on me at the time to buy their debut. That, readers, is the measure of a top night out: you want to take it home with you and relive it over. The Norwegians have one more date in Melbourne, at the Edinburgh Castle, on the 27th of June. Check them out.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE