Eagle and the Worm @ TheBakery, Perth (25/08/11)

Mon 29th Aug, 2011 in Gig Reviews

For Eagle and the Worm’s first tour to Perth since becoming one of Richard Kingsmill’s favourite bands, the Melbournians enlisted the help of newcomers Hang On St Christopher, Tusk and indie darlings Goodnight Tiger.

Hang On St Christopher lacked stage presence which became boring and tedious a few songs in, but what they lacked in presence they made up in abundance of musical ability. They set the tone for the night, but their great talent won’t have them opening shows for very much longer. If you want to play the comparison game, think Grizzly Bear soundwise. Not wanting to write them off completely, the good news is that while they’re still pretty new they can work on their stage antics and improve. They have the potential to become one of the best things in Perth’s thriving local music scene.

Tusk swaggered and swayed their way through songs like Jimmy, Talk Talk Paedophile and Sweat Shop much to the crowd’s delight. Each move seemed calculated as if they were creating a paint by numbers through what seemed like hours of watching their favourite musicians and trying to copy them in the mirror. The lead singer emulated Nick Cave while he swam in and out of an amazing Tom Waits-ian drawl, depending on the song. The crowd loved it, dancing and cheering every moment they got.

Goodnight Tiger are two girls and two guys that make cutesy indie music to make out with your girlfriend or boyfriend to. They’re a bit like Tegan and Sara only a bit more sweet with not so much heartbreak.

Up until this moment, the feeling of being at a local show on a Thursday was strong, and evident in the number of supportive friends in the room. Also, because it was a Thursday, the crowd was a little thin; Perth people are not really known to party during the week and a four band line-up on a weeknight is a lot to ask of punters who have had an extremely long week in the office or classroom. By the time Goodnight Tiger had finished, people were yawning and looking for the exit.

That’s when something miraculous happened. Eagle and the Worm exploded onto the stage and into their set with such energy and fervour that they breathed new life into the gig. Soon, the entire room was dancing and making out. Playing a set full of tender and sweet songs mixed in with amazing vocal harmonies and songs that you could really cut loose to, its not hard to understand why these guys are surrounded by so much hype at the moment. They deserve every bit of it. Stereo Days and Futureman were stand out tracks with the former being dedicated to their inspiration The Beach Boys.

As the punters piled out of The Bakery, it was clear that everyone wanted to see Eagle and the Worm again on the shores of WA. And if they do come again, do yourselves a favour and see them. They deserve so much more than to be playing to a room full of friends and family. Fans, assemble!

Check out our gallery from the Mojo’s gig