The Drones, PK 14 and TheTwerps @ The Forum Theatre,Melbourne (22/10/2010)

Thu 28th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

This is a night that doesn’t come around that often, and for that we must say thank you to the Melbourne International Arts Festival. For where else would we see the extremities of international talent and Australian alternative rock for just $20?

The Twerps have created a reputation for mixing genres and doing it well, and they affirmed such remarks tonight. Before a sparse Forum crowd, their performance was not in any way reserved. Lead vocalist Marty Frawley displayed a stage presence somewhat inspired by ‘80s punk frontmen, as he infrequently knelt to the floor and licked the side of his guitar. Their lo-fi pop worked well, with the base of The Twerps sound conjuring the image of ‘50s beatniks that are looking for the local dance hall, just to kick back and relax.

Laid back, but still dominant, it would seem this group made a lot of
effort to look like there was no effort involved, with a distorted edgy sound bouncing off amps as they stood fairly still and occasionally nodded and swayed. Their mood was aloof, but they do have manners, and amidst greeting the crowd and saying thank you, this young group played high energy music that was an enjoyable and pleasing listen.

Next up was a group of musicians named by Time Magazine as one of the best bands in Asia for 2008, with their post-punk style influencing the contemporary rock scene in China.

“Hello, we are P.K. 1.4., and we are from Beijing, China. We are very happy to say hello to you.”

Despite not being able to connect through their lyrics (the band sing in Mandarin Chinese), those present were still enthused and attentive throughout their performance. P.K. 1.4 not only showed their excitement through their highly energetic music, but also offered a very animated stage presence and some minimalist acting, with the frontman at times pretending to knock out other band members with his microphone.

Engaging the audience with their raw upbeat sound, their songs set the venue alight, and with their vocals conveying such power and grit, it left many genuinely interested in what they were singing about. They certainly impressed and were very grateful for the opportunity to play in Australia.

The Drones –the mere mention of their name continues to carry such weight on the local music landscape. This is a band that never fails to deliver the concept of honest performance and captivate those that come within earshot to their beautiful and haunting tones. The light and shade in the vocals of Gareth Liddiard is the core of this group’s unique sound, both lyrically and melodically. Moving from growling depths of despair to soft whispers of enlightenment,
Liddiard’s vocals fits perfectly among the gripping unease of his band members’ powerful instrumentation. It is the combination of these that immediately set the audience in their paces, as they looked on in awe with open eyes and hearts.

Nail It Down, the opening track from last year’s acclaimed studio album Havilah, introduced the already inspired crowd to what The Drones had to offer; soulful aching words and heart thumping musicality. Songs such as The Minotaur and The Millers Daughter were well received, with many abandoning the ever so popular crossed arms stance for some crazed arm flailing movement.

Jezebel, as always, provided a highlight of the evening, with Liddiard’s voice echoing into eerie silence, with the rolling sound of guitars and drums left to display their keen skill. The Drones have a poetic hostility that puts you at ease and agitates the blood pumping through your veins at the same time. Their songs display why they are homegrown greats, and their live performances cement that they will remain that way. A woman next to me was asked by her friend why she couldn’t wipe this big smile off her face, to which the woman responded, “I have The Drones back in my life tonight!”– That says it all, doesn’t it?

With declarations of all sorts amongst those present, this night seemed to inspire some to listen to promising upcoming local talent, take an interest in a foreign language, and rediscover a band that will go down in our musical history.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE