Birds Of Tokyo, MidnightYouth, Rockefeller Frequency @The Hi-Fi, Brisbane(28/05/2010)

Tue 1st Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

2010 is set to be a very productive year for Birds of Tokyo. After recently taking out Most Popular Act at the WAMI awards they are planning to release their third self titled album in July. Last time the band played along the east coast audiences were in awe of the stripped back intimate setting of the Broken Strings Tour. This time they have reverted back to full sound and Brisbane’s Hi-Fi bar is at full capacity with an eager selection of punters.

Brisbane five piece The Rockefeller Frequency lingers silently on the stage before beginning their set with quiet confidence. The band seems a little nervous but there is plenty of potential. It’s not all their fault as the backline of Birds of Tokyo cramps up the stage and doesn’t allow them to fully exercise their stage presence. Their well composed and mature riff driven numbers like Planet Rockefeller and I Told You I Was Hardcore are loaded with catchy pop hooks. Singer Josh Eckersley exhibits the makings of a great frontman, his powerful and gritty voice emanating throughout the interior of the Hi-Fi. It’s disappointing that their intensity peaks at the final song because the band are more than capable of impressing.

A flurry of manic drum fills introduces the crowd to New Zealand’s Midnight Youth. Despite their somewhat hipster image their songs are unpretentious and they are a formidable group of musicians. Drummer Aidan Bartlett exhibits exceptional flair behind the kit flipping and twirling his sticks through the tight set of pop-rock. However, their style seems shamelessly manufactured and derivative. Most of their songs seem reminiscent of a host of other commercially orientated rock. The soaring choruses in songs like All On Our Own feel rather contrived and predictable, but are nonetheless well performed. Having said this, Midnight Youth exhibit enough musical ability to rectify these issues.

A monstrous applause booms throughout the Hi-Fi as Birds of Tokyo stroll out onto the stage and promptly launch into The Saddest Thing I Know and Armour for Liars. The set tonight consists mostly of material from the sophomore album Universes with Wayside being the only track from Day One. Realistically this isn’t a surprise given the second album’s massive success. Even the lesser known tracks like An Ode to Death, Head in My Hands and the lamenting Trainwreck are known word for word by the audience with the sing along choruses pervading through every corner of the room.

Ian Kenny has become the quintessential frontman. His iconic voice cannot be faulted, with both the seemingly effortless projection and mastery of vocal range simply sublime. His on stage mannerisms are a lot more light hearted and dainty compared to Karnivool. A goofy smile appears on his face every time the cacophony of the audience applause resonates throughout the interior of the Hi-Fi.

Kenny shouldn’t take all the credit. The energetic performance of the rest of the band deserves considerable praise. The backup vocals of guitarist Adam Spark flawlessly accompany the frontman’s lead vocals, which is a remarkable accomplishment given the ability of Kenny’s voice. The ethereal White Witch and Wild Eyed Boy are played with the endearing confidence that has cemented Birds of Tokyo in the Australian music scene.

The new songs from the forthcoming album appear darker than their predecessors. They are a stark contrast to the bright and glowing sound of the previous album. Despite being a little more foreboding these tracks are still loaded with the catchy pop sensibilities that made Universes so renowned. The audience seems rather bewildered, but they show appreciation nonetheless. Once the album has received high amounts of rotation on Triple J and people familiarise themselves with the songs this sentiment will undoubtedly change.

The set ends rather abruptly on Silhouettic and the insatiable appetite of the audience remain unsatisfied. They bellow at the band to play an encore and the Perth quarted return to a thunderous ovation, finishing on the immensely popular Broken Bones. It will be interesting to see what kind of success awaits Birds of Tokyo after the release of the self titled album in July.