John Steele Singers, Deep SeaArcade, Fishing @ Oxford ArtFactory, Sydney (4/12/10)

Wed 15th Dec, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Fishing from Sydney, were first up at the Oxford Art Factory. An electronic duo who don’t have any recognizable instruments on stage, they make their upbeat sounds using what looked like a couple of sequencers and a Mac notebook. You get the feeling that you are perhaps watching the future of live music. Except these guys have one toe, if not a whole foot, rooted in the past with samples which remind me of old school computer arcade games. Having said that, the boys looked quite comfortable on stage and were clearly having a good time. Their enthusiasm drew the crowd in, an impressive turn out for the first act of the night and their all-instrumental, upbeat electronica however worked well as a warm-up to the rest of the night’s acts.

Bright young things of the Sydney scene, Deep Sea Arcade, took to the stage next with their version of psychedelic, garage inspired pop. The five piece ensemble have a clean cut, polished image and the word that springs to mind is neat. The songs are neat, the beat is neat and so is their hair. Nothing is left to dangle or hang out messily. Apart from being neat however, the songs are also alarmingly catchy. Singer Nic McKenzie reminded me of a modern day version of Davey from The Monkeys, and then every song started to sound like Day Dream Believer. Although I didn’t really mind this at all as I really love that song.

The singles, Keep on Walking and Lonely in your Arms, actually sounded much better live then on radio. And when Nic lets out a Morrison like growl, you get the sense that this is a front man yet to fully embrace his inner rock-god. Think The Stems revamped for a newly turned on Gen Y audience, with nuances of Apples in Stereo perhaps. All in all a sound set from an act yet to reach their stride and who have a lot more juice in the tank.

Headline act John Steele Singers took to the stage in a sea of hair and Hawaiian shirts playing songs from their newly released album, Tangalooma. Being Brisbane boys, these guys certainly channel a relaxed Queensland vibe with their let’s get loose attitude and out there hair. That we are watching an ensemble of accomplished musicians however is quite obvious as most of the band members seem to play more than one instrument, often during the same song.

The inclusion of brass instruments to the mix also added to the big band vibe. Their energy and enthusiasm are just plain fun to watch, as the band members run around the stage swapping instruments between songs and sharing the vocals. All members sing and the harmonies were faultless. The altogether effect is big, bold and unapologetically pop. The singles Overpass and Rainbow Kraut were stand outs of the set. Rainbow Kraut especially sounded impressive live with the band making use of theatrical dynamics to full effect.

Even though all three acts are quite different from each other somehow the line up worked well together, creating an interesting sampling of what tasty morsels are currently on offer for those who like their music unique, quirky and sensibly pop.