Circle Pit @ Oxford ArtFactory, Sydney (26/05/10)

Tue 1st Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Circle Pit discharged their creative juices all over Oxford Art Factory with the launch of their debut album Bruise Constellation. CDs bearing the photo of Jack Mannix and Angela Bermuda on the cover were splayed on tables alongside printed black and white shirts sporting explicit images. Fans were more than happy to snap up the cheeky merchandise and support the Sydney band.

A last-minute change to the line-up meant that The Bed Wettin’ Bad Boys replaced Songs as the opening act of the night. The three members caused quite a ruckus and a stir as they pumped out the energy in two to three minutes bursts, playing songs off their debut 7-inch. Taking it in turns to switch between instruments, the boys filled the venue with frenetic drumming and punk rock vocals, bottles of liquid courage never straying far from their lips.

Dead Farmers’ raw vivacity and explosive presence had punters hooked from the opening ripping riffs. As the second act of the night, their sound tore through the room with a dynamite blast that had both bassist and guitarist hurtling across the stage. Playing a few new songs in amongst their setlist comprised of tunes off their newly released LP Go Home, Dead Farmers swept up listeners in their pounding wave of garage rock, leaving most exhilarated in the wake of their aurally assaulting storm.

Jarrod Quarrell’s familiar vocals and swaying movements brought a more demure vibe to the stage. Armed with one bass player and a nifty keyboard, Lost Animal aptly pairs suave lyrics with incredibly smooth beats. Execution was tight; their catchy tunes sensuously lured the back of the crowd to the front where many listeners were already hypnotised under the spell of Quarrell’s poetic finesse. The soulful electronic duo stirred up a different mood, building on the energy of the room with their slower beats and timed keyboard effects.

Circle Pit walked on stage to supportive yells and appreciative applause, Mannix flaunting a fitted striped sweater and Bermuda an elegant fur hat. A welcoming introduction and a sip of jack and coke initiated their set, after which the band launched into the first song. Their tracks were polished off with ease. Speed Limits and Beginning And The End saw great vocal work from both band members, while the heavy bass line of Dead Meat oozed a much darker and potent sound.

Despite Bermuda’s guitar troubles halfway through the set, she recovered with tambourine and ample head swaying. Another Trick displayed great guitar work from front man Mannix as well as new addition Harriet Hudson situated just shy from the front. New song Suicide is testament to Circle Pit’s growing potential. Fast, loud and powerful, the track went down a treat, proving to be the most exciting of their entire play list.

The end of their set bore witness to Mannix ditching his guitar and taking up microphone holding duty, complementing this action with a barrage of sensual hip swaying that would leave any flexibly challenged individual fuming and frothing at the lips.

It is testament to an enjoyable evening when the night ends on the call for more alcohol, and Circle Pit did just that. A satisfying launch to what is one of the most exciting albums of 2010.

Check out the photos from the gig