Having played only a handful of low-profile gigs, it should be somewhat surprising that Melbourne band Francolin were able to gather a fairly notable line-up of local musos to help launch their very first EP at the Toff. It should also be surprising that, at the end of the evening, Swedish-born songwriter Staffan Guinane and his assembled band were able to prove just how deserving they are of such support. Yet, there is something special about Francolin’s well-arranged pop-songs that has taken them out of friend’s garages and into more significant venues. A near-capacity Thursday night crowd filed into the Toff to find out more.

Those who arrived early enough were lucky to catch a solo set from Kieran Ryan, one-half of the highly regarded, locally-based Kid Sam. Given his band-mate and brother Kishore would later provide drums for Seagull, it was evident that management had deemed them too big for such a support. Nonetheless, Ryan’s stripped back acoustic re-workings of material from their self-titled release were well received from the handful of seated onlookers. Singing in a weary, almost mournful tone; he may not have succeeded as much of a party-starter. Songs such as We Are All Made Of Water were still thoroughly impressive though and were greeted with warm applause.

Local art icon Darren Sylvester’s blend of 80s driven guitar, synth and drums was perhaps more upbeat and fitting in the context of the evening but ultimately, less captivating. Although an undoubtedly accomplished musician, Sylvester shuffled through what was a somewhat repetitious set, with those arriving late heading for the bar and balcony rather than the dance floor.

A similar fate sadly befell the Triple J-favoured Seagull. Their own headline shows have previously garnered solid reviews however, before a near-capacity crowd, Chris Bolton failed to generate much enthusiasm. The presence of an accordion, wafting in and out on Joy did attract some interest, however, with most still milling at the back of the Toff for drinks and a chat, it was clear that those present were there purely for the night’s headliners.

Francolin’s six members took to a rather congested stage with nervous smiles, encouraged by the raucous applause their arrival provoked. A few words of thanks were mumbled before beginning with Let’s Stay Together. The song immediately brought to the fore one of the band’s greatest assets; talented trumpeter Aaron Silver, who drove the song between verses. H.M.M.M.F., with its upbeat mix of guitar and horns, is about as catchy a break-up song as you’re likely to hear and it succeeded in getting most of the Toff moving.

“The next song is called The Ing Song. Because all the words end in “ing”” instructed Staffan Guinane. It might have sounded a bit poxy but Guinane actually managed to pull together a clever set of lyrics into one extremely well-crafted pop-song.

At the back of stage, almost hidden from view, stood guitarist Natasha Rose (ex-Martin Martini, Patinka Cha-Cha). Holding a fairly lofty reputation on the local music landscape, she proved her standing as one of Melbourne’s best young guitarists with a imposing solo on the following Skyhook.

Having built up a feverish mood in their relatively young crowd, Francolin significantly brought the tempo down by having all members bar Guinane exit the stage for the night’s only acoustic song. On Murderer, he set up an interesting and heartfelt piece of storytelling against some very gentle guitar. It was a bold move but one that was ultimately received by a less than silent crowd. The song itself should be persisted with, however it would seem Francolin are a not quite yet able to command their audience’s undivided attention.

With the rest of the band rejoining him on stage, Guinane launched into the first and undoubtedly best track off the Francolin EP, War On Summer. An at times euphoric piece of music, War On Summer brought together all the band’s best elements, with Guinane’s self-reflexive Indie-kid lyrics played off against an up-tempo bed of guitar and drums which were, in turn, mimicked and extended by Silver’s flittering trumpet. Compositionally, it is a near-perfectly arranged pop-song and should definitely be pushed as the band’s first single.

Warm horns from Silver and some rhythmic clapping, reciprocated by the crowd, provided a satisfying conclusion to the evening on Hospital Song. Having thanked everyone for coming, Guinane and his band could certainly be pleased with their night’s work.

On the strength of their EP launch, there is enough to suggest that Francolin have the ability as a live band to continue to draw crowds and enough quality material to flesh out an album, if and when an offer to do so arrives. They may not have much of a profile yet, but the more they continue to make music, the more people will listen.