Loon Lake @ Ding Dong Lounge,Melbourne (03/06/11)

Tue 7th Jun, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Nothing beats a gig in Melbourne’s China town; Saki and wonton soup topped with an EP album launch equals a great Friday night out indeed. After passing the many varieties of delectable Asian restaurants, it’s hard to miss the formation of people standing outside Ding Dong; two well fed security guards smoking outside repeatedly point to the sign at the entrance ‘SOLD OUT!’ The disappointment very apparent on many faces who take the walk of shame back down the alley way.

Up the steep staircase is a red haired girl ready with a stamp and serious look meaning bribery is definitely out of the question tonight. A decent sized venue, a single bar, old school Pac man gaming and a collection of band posters covering the walls; you can see the resemblance to the venue’s sister Cherry bar. The stage full of instruments, many bartenders ready and waiting whilst the blaring sounds of what must be Triple J’s Hottest 100 making a conversation almost impossible.

The Frowning Clouds take to the stage around 8pm, bringing with them the definite sounds of the 60s and the tight straight legs of Mick Jagger. A solid performance with a great stage presence, though the small ratio of people make it hard to create a firework ambience. Nonetheless, the band attempt to bring a rock star like attitude.

Shortly after everybody gets a refill The Growl take to the stage, with more people starting to pile in. By the time the band has completed their first song, there is little space to move. The Growl create this almost hypnotizing sound with the untuned guitars, heavy blues melody and light yet raw vocals of lead singer Cameron Avery. One particular song Smoke it Down sends the audience into a wild frenzy, as splashes of spilt beer hit unaware bystanders. By now, the scene is set, piles of people rocking out to the sounds of messy yet oddly rhythmic beats and The Growl finish up to a satisfied crowd.

There’s around half and hour till Loon Lake is set to play, so many retrieve back to the bar or outside for a smoke, the female toilets getting a lot of action from what I overheard from the group behind me, but that is probably another story best left out for now. The final 5 minutes before the main act and suddenly a ‘*Honey Pots’* is introduced on stage; many including myself stand up on chair to catch a glimpse. A cardboard shaped wave and sexily dressed mermaid moves around slowly removing traces of clothes ‘she’s drowning in bubbles I think’ says my friend who is in better view. The routine goes for about 3 to 5 mins then the lights turn off and curtains close. Who knew a mermaid drowning could be so sexy.

A few minutes late and the crowd is now aroused, intoxicated and annoyed for the wait. Finally the curtains part to reveal a background of the letters LOON LAKE outline in lights. The band assemble and straight off the tunes start in time for the audiences applause. 5 guys all dressed in shirts and jeans take the stage, unfazed by the mosh pit of people before them. Starting off with Easychairs, Loon Lake continue through each song, taking a break to mention their thanks to the opening acts and venue.

If The Strokes and The Beach Boys had a love child, Loon Lake would be it; a collection of Fenders and Gibsons mixed with the catchy early 60s, melody is their sound.

During the set, a group of balloons appear out of oblivion; the jumping around crowd sending each balloon to pop, which weirdly enough matches up with the drumbeat. Either way, the venue goes nuts when Summer is played, sending the second level into a vibration from the severe stomping.

Running through their small set list Loon Lake, thank everyone and head off stage, only to return once again due to the begging for an encore from the still hungry crowd. My Sharona was the final song for the evening, and it proved a strangely fitting way to leave their audience.