Re:Enactment, Mr Maps, NovaScotia, aheadphonehome @ TheZoo, Brisbane (03/11/11)

Tue 15th Nov, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Tonight The Zoo has drawn a reasonable sized crowd for a Thursday night and with good reason. Premium local label Lofly is pulling out an all-star line up to showcase their roster of highly talented up and coming acts. Beer is flowing and spirits are generally high as tonight feels just like old times at the truly unique former home to all of tonight’s bands, the Lofly Hangar.

Having supported Built to Spill earlier in the year to releasing their critically acclaimed debut self titled album, five piece Nova Scotia are playing their last show for the ‘foreseeable future’ before scattering around the country put on a performance guaranteeing that they will be sorely missed on the local circuit.

Everything about the band is flawless tonight as bassist Dan Callaghan delivers an immensely tight performance locking in with drummer Cam Scott’s every beat. Guitarists Scott Brique, Ash Timms and Nathan Gyger’s three pronged attack prick up ears and consistently demand attention. The faultless sounds of tracks like the six minute plus The World Is Not Enough and new unnamed tracks are just so tight that watching them makes it feel cruel that this could perhaps be the band’s last show. Leaving the stage to widespread applause, Nova Scotia are a band that will be sorely missed.

Also celebrating the launch of their debut album this year, instrumental six piece Mr Maps are without a doubt another one of the highly talented bands around town. The band are so in tune and in sync with each other that everything about their performance is enjoyable and a fun experience. Tennis Party goes from twee guitar riffs and addictive clapping to almost metal with the hard hitting drums of Jacob Hicks along with Chris Perrens fast paced guitar work. Mr Maps music at points heads down roads of Mogwai/Mono post-rock atmospheric landscapes. But at other points it is its own beast, almost classifiable as post-indie. The addition of cellist Briony Luttrell adds an interesting dimension to the music as she touches upon classical playing styles and then goes to new and unique territory for the instrument all within seconds. Once again, an insanely tight band that backs up tonight’s talented bill.

Closing the night are long time genre hopping locals, Re:Enactment. The groups sound mix is incredible tonight as they waste no time getting on stage and getting the crowd going. Frontman Jacob Hicks, having just intensely drummed with Mr Maps for forty solid minutes, is fresh faced and within the crushingly short break must have had a portable shower and a case of Red Bull as his enthusiasm and energy shines through in his performance. Perhaps one of the group’s more prolific and unique members Shane Rudken, who is a part-time keyboardist in Regurgitator is full of energy tonight as he hops around his keyboard entertaining, provoking and firmly making eye contact with everyone in the room.

A cue from Hicks sees the crowd storm to the front of the stage as the band revel in the exploratory electronic frequencies of Nintendogs, a disco ballad but still a crowd pleaser. Hicks takes to a floor tom frequently throughout the night next to the group’s drummer and he delivers tribal rolls and cowbell clanging with deadly precision and speed. The band then finishes with new track Higher Duties, a track perhaps a tad poppier and safe than the tracks before. Still, it is a great track to go out on and it also sees Rudken pull an 80’s rockstar move as he hurls his synthesiser and pedal board to the ground.

Tonight proves why the Hangar was such a popular DIY venue and a much missed institution. Lofly have an eclectic roster of bands and while it is sad to see the possible demise of talent like Nova Scotia, the future for the label is bright with Re:Enactment and Mr Maps proving themselves the most talented bands in Brisbane, if not the country.