Amplifier Bar is known as the home of Perth’s best music. It is not, however, known for being the cleanest or most glamorous venue in town. Although some will not choose to obey this rule, it is wise to wear enclosed shoes for it gets harder and harder throughout the night to find surfaces that aren’t dowsed in alcohol. There isn’t room for glamour. But for the Luna Parade’s EP launch, there was glitter in the air…

Looking loved-up with glitter under the eyes, Good Little Fox vocalist and guitarist Carl Fox took to the stage with fellow band mates who delivered some addictively simple indie pop. Vocal melodies and guitar hooks were never over played nor underplayed, the perfect amount to draw you in. Every lyric was pronounced with such rich character, something many professionals seem to lose as their musicianship expands. That’s not saying that their lyrics were unanimously deep, though. Opening track Let’s Fuck Like Crazy People set the precedent for this eager audience; Good Little Fox don’t take their music too seriously, and neither should you. Once that precedent settles in, it was tunes like Let’s Make Party that got the crowd on their toes, barking brain-dead lyrics like – œWe make party for your mum / we make party for your dad’. That’s not saying the band is incapable of depth, with tunes like their latest single Darkside and Love Lust and Interest wrestling with some deep and heartfelt lyrics that show this band actually can be taken seriously, despite the front (and glitter) they put on. Courageous and angular bass lines conjured up memories of 80s classics, tastefully cheesy, with drum beats supplying all that was required and nothing more. It was simple music, but great music: a satisfying mix of both heart felt and fun tunes.

If the foxes set the standard for the night, then Lacey were the let down. It is hard not to compare bands when they play alongside each other. Every good curator knows that an art piece is always viewed in context of its surroundings. Well, after the dazzling work of the opening band, Lacey were disappointing. Almost everyone can play some music these days, but it’s those who capture some kind of magic that draw us in the most. And if that’s the case, Lacey were fumbling magicians who never managed to capture any magic convincingly. As for their sound, they felt like all the average elements of the hottest indie synth pop bands of today thrown into one basket. For a band performing at Amplifier Bar, Lacey just weren’t up to scratch, feeling very amateur and lacking in professionalism. They need to gain much more experience before they’ll seem at home in such a venue.

Finally, it was over to Luna Parade, who have worked long and hard to find their groove. Oozing an attractive classiness, the trio delivered a silky smooth and well-crafted set to a satisfied audience. Very 80’s in approach, there were certainly some charismatic U2-esque riffs, which is never a bad thing. Vocalist Michael Paolino exercised the depth of his voice at moments, pulling some heavy and husky notes from deep in his chest, and for the entirety of the set, this frontman projected a magical charisma. Some of their new tunes were absolutely spectacular, whilst others seemed a little lacking. If you know of Luna Parade’s history, you may remember they once were a 5 piece with a violinist. A few of their tunes would certainly have benefited from added members, but alas, gone are those times and the band are heading confidently in a new direction.

The only significant downside of this performance was that Luna Parade were joined by another nine men; friends and musicians from the support bands, who all bashed and clashed any tambourine or cowbell they could locate. It was too much of a stage overload that lasted too long. The band disappeared, and the audience were left unsure of who was making what music. This is no comment on Luna Parade, though – they managed to remain impressively tight despite the stage overload they were absorbed into. Well done!

Photo: Jacqueline Jane // Lloyd Hughes