The Harpoons @ The Toff(25/01/12)

Mon 30th Jan, 2012 in Gig Reviews

At the Toff, the red curtains opened to a slightly nervous Oscar Slorach – Thorn, who was performing under the moniker of Oscar Key Sung. His uneasy energy wasn’t through lack of musical confidence, it was probably just through feeling a little awkward. For those people used to seeing Slorach-Thorn accompanied by Martin King (also a member of The Harpoons) as Oscar + Martin, it couldn’t help but feel he was a little lonely on stage. Tracks from his EP Tape Voice were intriguing through the use of loop techniques. However, despite his nice vocal textures, at times they seemed to drone and inevitably became a heavy and monotonous listen. It wasn’t a bad solo effort, with Pious Eyes capturing a balance of light and shade in an arrangement so downbeat you feel uplifted. The audience was already dancing and showing well-deserved support. It is clear Slorach-Thorn has talent and solo sets can only help further unlock his potential.

The Neighbourhood Youth were a refreshing choice, with songs that could quite easily be placed on rotation at Triple J. They were musically cohesive and delivered a tight set to an enthused crowd who had no trouble picking up on lyrics to chant to. With a catchy ‘folk meets rock’ style, The Neighbourhood Youth showcased fun songs which show shades of a Hungry Kids of Hungary attitude. It seems like they might be a band you hear on the radio and run to get a pen and paper. Their little audience interaction might be something that needs work; although it isn’t a big selling point for many bands, it would be nice to see bright personalities accompany their bright music.

An anticipated act for 2012, The Harpoons had no trouble getting the crowd in the mood for a groove from the get-go. With an infectious vibe and a powerful sound, this group has been circulating the music scene for a little while, and we’re getting antsy for an album. The atmosphere was warm and inviting for the fresh faces on the dimly lit stage, and when the music started the crowd was instantly taken back to a time being a hipster didn’t have a label. They are like Herman’s Hermits with the soulful touch of a girl band like The Shangri-Las; Bec Rigby’s strong vocals are a force to be reckoned with alone. Don’t be fooled though, The Harpoons have a special quality which surpasses others who try to emulate that same 1960s sound.

The bubbly Swim My Baby makes you want to swing, while heartwarming track Keep You Around makes you want to sway. Rigby pointed out that if you listen to the lyrics their songs are not always as romantic as they seem, but that didn’t stop a little waltz here (or the man who was fist pumping like it was the ‘90s). Brothers Henry and Jack Madin also shared vocal responsibilities – everyone thought that was nice. Martin King was looking quite dapper – everyone thought that was nice too. As it was the launch of their single Walk Away, they cheekily and confusedly mentioned it was for sale and according to H. Madin it was anywhere between $3, $5 or any kind of offer (they will accept more) which got a bit of a laugh.

The Harpoons have sweet songs and they are sweethearts, too; these qualities will certainly take them far.