The Joysticks, Comic Sans @Spectrum, Sydney (14/05/2010)

Mon 17th May, 2010 in Gig Reviews

The Spectrum with its dark and mysterious décor was the breeding ground for catchy tunes and even more eye-catching bands. The four band line-up – Step Panther, Brown Bear Black Bear, Comic Sans and The Joysticks – each had something unique to offer and the audience, intoxicated, were left wanting more.

Comic Sans followed the two earlier acts, Step Panther and Brown Bear Black Bear, who each showed off their talents and got the audience moving. However, Comic Sans presence instantly struck a ripple through the crowd of interest. These boys on first sight definitely had a ‘wow-factor’, each of the five members were young men with scruffy hair and unique fashion sense, from tie-dyed shirts to sweater vests. Comic Sans definitely stole the attention of everyone in the room with their highly energised disco house punk/garage vibe, they focused heavily on percussion and powerful chants, especially with their track Tom Moore.

However, I would have to say, what sold it to me about Comic Sans, besides their passionate aura on stage, and amazing choice of a set-list, was their cover of Benny Benassi’s club hit Satisfaction. Their cover demanded a dance floor with amazing percussion beats and chanting of the lyrics got everyone in the venue involved. Some other stand out tracks from the night included the bands new song, Vixen and Nani, which had a dark melodic feel and was definitely unique.

The Joysticks took the stage around-about 11pm, however were greeted by a passionate and energised crowd, still reeling from Comic Sans amazing set. Dressed in matching white shirt attire were anything but bland. The band gave off a combination vibe between psychedelic wanders the doors and a late Beatles, progressive influence, all in all, the band was reminiscent of an earlier genres, especially with stand out track Purple Berries. My first response to the song was to note “intense 70’s vibe”, with a catchy riff and melodic lyrics, it was definitely a winner for me and the crowd.

Playing a nine song set-list, The Joysticks kept up their vigour and amazing on-stage presence throughout their performance, belting out catching lyrics and powerful instrumentals. The youthful Sydney based quartet, with their post-punk, garage and rockabilly style were extremely impressive, and with their closing song, their current new single It Makes Me Sick, there was a bittersweet feeling left in the room. The song was amazing with the catchy vibe, channelling English bands like The Horrors and Arctic Monkeys, however everyone was sad to see the bands set come to a close.