The Soft Pack, Cabins @ TheEast Brunswick Club, Melbourne(08/07/2010)

Sun 11th Jul, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Sometimes, very rarely, there comes a band who, on the strength of a small body of material and a zeitgeist of rumour and speculation, it seems driven by fate or God that you will witness them in action. Not only that you simply see them, but that you see them as the passion and excitement is rife, so that you’ll forever be safe in the knowledge that you were there at the beginning. For me, The Soft Pack carry such a torch and it is thus that I venture into the world of the East Brunswick Club.

In the support slot tonight come Sydneysiders Cabins, themselves carrying their share of hyperbole behind them. Bringing the stomp heavy Rhythm and Blues perused by the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on their Howl album crossed with the slight garage psychedelia of Wolf and Cub, the band show admirable competency when tackling tracks like Catcher in the Rye. The rhythmic quality to their songs keeps many a foot tapping throughout the set, so while the lyrics are all but indefinable, the groove is solid. Whilst some may decry the lack of innovation the simple rhythm and blues structure offers both an appealing staple and huge possibilities for both expansion and innovation in the future. This was demonstrated on the wonkily off kilter The Moon, with its strange bending melodies and progressions.

Opening with the punky progression of Pull Out, all expectations are met and then some when The Soft Pack attack the stage. After all the lineup and name changes the band has been through it is surprising just how much of a cohesive unit The Soft Pack are. Sure, key song writers singer/guitarist Matt Lamkin and Guitarist Matty McLoughlin definitely shape the songs around themselves but the steady effervescent patterns of Brian Hill’s drums and David Lantzman’s intricate bass lines perpetuate them into greatness.

On stage the band are refreshingly average in both attire and rapport with the audience, harking back to the days of American college rock before it became a farce with the likes of Blink 182. It’s this everyman quality that brings real integrity to tunes like More or Less, “you ask more than anyone else, you want more than anyone else, yet you have more than anyone else.” Musically too they are reflective of the college scene with Lamkin’s vocals reminding of Pavement while McLoughlin often indulges in Pixies style lead breaks such as in the ridiculously catchy Extinction. The whole thing is capped with a sense of melodic punk that recalls Tim era Replacements. Make no mistake though, The Soft Pack are their own animal, shifting readily between influences whilst making their own mark.

Other highlights include C’mon, Parasites and the endearing slow waltz Mexico. Showing themselves to be ready to go with the flow the band respond easily to a crowd request launching into the faster pace of Down on Lovin. Saving the best for last, the band launch into the impossible catchy current single, Answer to Yourself, before closing with an extended assault of a song. After cries for more no encore is forthcoming with the band claiming that, “That’s all there is, really.” Even so, you would struggle to find anyone at that gig that didn’t enjoy themselves. Do yourself a favour and see The Soft Pack before they explode.

CHECK OUT SHOTS FROM THE NIGHT HERE