The Good China, GeorgiaFields, Swiss @ The Toff,Melbourne (17/09/09)

Thu 24th Sep, 2009 in Gig Reviews

On a cold, wet and windy evening, Melbourne band The Good China hosted a gig at The Toff in Town to launch their debut EP, Old Maps/New Roads. Referred to most commonly as an – œeight‐piece indie pop troupe’, the dream year that was 2008 for The Good China, brought along with it four week residencies at iconic music venues, The Empress and The Evelyn. As well as bringing their infectious live show to Revolver, The Tote and Ding Dong Lounge, The Good China played the 2009 St Kilda Festival on the – œAir New Music Stage’, eventually winning the group not only a cash prize but also a spot on the main stage in 2010 and a whole new legion of fans.

After recording their debut EP in the winter of 2009 at Soundpark Studios with producer Steven Schram (Little Birdy, Silverchair, Little Red), The Good China are taking the organised musical circus that is The Good China live experience, on the road.

To kick off the evening, local band Swiss brought their intriguing vocal melodies in the form of lead singers, Louisa and Phoebe. Backed by a four piece band that, for the majority of the set, brought very little energy to the overall performance, detracted from the fun vibes the lead girls were attempting to add to the live show. Heart Love, Tough Skin and Winter Coats were highlights in a set full of indie pop tracks with a dance vibe which occasionally crept into the tracks.

Next support act, Georgia Fields, instantly impressed a building crowd with her infectious energy and music, from the very beginning, demonstrating with her acoustic indie pop, exactly why she was chosen for the support. With a style reminiscent of acclaimed Australian songstress, Clare Bowditch, Georgia’s talents which extended to piano, guitar and ukulele were beautifully accompanied by her vocals. Tracks Drama on the High Seas of Emotion, One Finger and Satellite, written by one of Georgia’s band members, gave the eager crowd an indication of the multiplicity that is Georgia’s sound and lyricism, as well as an insight into future releases. Drawing influence from an extensive range of talented female vocalists, Georgia’s set, which finished with a unique version of Sweet Child O Mine, was an undisputed highlight of the evening.

When the time for The Good China had arrived, my initial fears that the band themselves would not be able to fit on the stage together, were immediately quelled as they launched into the first song of the evening, No More Maps, No More Roads.

Their influences range from Arcade Fire to Radiohead to The Frames, this group bring a diverse energy and musicianship to the stage and to each individual track. With a uniqueness which stems from their constant swapping of musical instruments which range from the basics; guitar, drums and piano, through to banjo, mandolin and violin, The Good China as a live experience, will keep you on your toes and guessing. Perhaps one of its most attractive features, the lack of a sole front man or woman leaves the leading vocal duties predominantly shared between band members, Nicko, Jag, Adam and Ryan, a refreshing element to their diversifying sound.

EP track, If Pain Persists was another crowd favourite with the catchy sing-along vocals and for a change from the violin, the drums driving this powerful track. In what could very well be a preview of what’s to come for The Good China, Self Help Section and Window Seat gave the packed Toff an insight into the future sound of the band. Another favourite, 39 Black, a charging rock track which proved a fine contrast to the following performance of Turn The Page, a slower song and more ballad based than any other on the set list, demonstrated the pure variety of their sound and capabilities as songwriters. It is particularly through track 39 Black, where the powerful and intense vocals of Mit are at their most compelling.

In continuing with the upbeat energy which The Good China continue to provide every performance and particularly throughout that specific evening, Emily Grace and Couch Song captured the crowd’s attention, providing even more opportunities for dancing and general enjoyment, particularly with the catchy harmonies provided by Mit, Cara and Quyen. We Found Three Whistles, is a song which bases its meaning in a childhood spent playing video games and exploring the many different worlds that were available in the virtual world. With a powerful violin hook provided by Quyen and fervently sung by Nicko, the track was both a highlight of the night and a highlight of the EP.

Best known track and final for the evening, All or Nothing had audience members singing and dancing along, not to mention, also handclapping in perfect time to the song’s catchy hooks. The success this track received on Triple J, Triple R and SYN FM attracted even more awareness and acclaim to the band, was highly deserving and the after viewing the live performance of this track, it is not hard to see why. The band returned to the stage and treated the audience to an encore of A Million Little Pieces, then proceeding to treat the audience to a cover, like only The Good China can. Jens Lekman’s Maple Leaves was given its own life courtesy of a snippet of Barry White classic Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love injected into the track alongside the life the band members give the track.

Aside from a few technical difficulties, the incredibly decent sized crowd gathered and quality of their live performance, all eight members of The Good China, proved why they are so deserving of the success that has and will continue to come their way. The infectiousness and diversity of their tracks along with the pure energy they bring to anything they touch, is something not commonly found in the music industry today and is to be highly valued. Although it is tempting to end the review by saying that ‘The Good China aren’t just – œgood’, they’re – œgreat’’, I shall restrain myself. I’ll just let the music speak for itself instead.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE