Austra @ Northcote SocialClub, Melbourne (02/02/2012)

Tue 7th Feb, 2012 in Gig Reviews

Austra have been infiltrating the Australian music scene over the past year, taking our music scene by surprise with their shadowy, alternative rock sounds. Austra have entered the country all the way from Canada for Laneway festival and are currently touring with a set of side shows, including their recent gig at The Northcote Social Club. Kool Thing has been touring with them, who are a band from Berlin propping a music style which is feathery and faraway. Kool Thing has a dark, mixed-up synth style which is portrayed well in a live performance.

Austra opened with Young and Gay, the last song on their first EP. This song has a vintage light-hearted feel and the airy-fairy dancing of the band members added to the overall theme of this tune. Already the intertwining of the three girls, Katie Stelmanis on lead vocals, is strategically gifted and harmonious, using the three voices to introduce and twist the groups thriving tones in the most beneficial manner.

The performance lifted in intensity as they began the introduction to Hate Crime. Here the thickly laid drum beat was especially present, with the deep thumping complimenting the incredible vocal range held by Stelmanis. The high and low notes that she can reach in quick succession left the audience gobsmacked. The audience reaction to this song showed that it is a crowd favourite. The other two singers here largely contributed to the impressiveness of this song, contrasting and bringing to light Stelmanis’ capabilities.

Austra followed Hate Crime with Lose It which is yet another crowd pleaser. This is when the set exploded into a fiery mess of movement, light, intense vocals and bass. For the first time the microphones were ripped off the stands, and the girls playfully jumped around the stage. This, in turn, got the audience more rowdy and energetic. The band really seemed to be enjoying this song and their pleasure was contagious over the room.

Austra are a completely mismatched band. The styles of the members float between indie, hippy, space age and almost preppy. They are an eclectic mix of talents and qualities. The kaleidoscope of personality traits, however, come together in a mesmerizing mix, creating a presence all their own. The amazing thing about the lead singer, Katie Stelmanis, is that she is entirely suited to be a solo artist or within a band. Her voice is enthralling; with each note it quivers and wavers, creating a completely individual style; her voice somewhat overshadows and quietens the appeal of other female artists such as Julia Stone or Emily Haines. Her comparison lies in those women who shock audiences and can hold those deep, intense notes, such as Adele and Florence Welch.

Following with The Choke was definitely impressive. They built this song as if musically climbing stairs. The microphones were back on the stands, starting the song at a low take-off point. The song became fuller, bringing the drums in heavily with each chorus and ending the whole song with a massive bang. Darken Her Horse calmed the vibe and relaxed the crowd after the previous heavy songs.

Austra said goodbye and exited the stage but the crowd waited in anticipation, well aware that the encore was about to arrive. Bursting back onto stage, the group opened effectively, satisfying the needs of their doting fans. They finished on a high with The Future, the familiar carnival-like keyboard set bringing in the song and playing throughout. The intensely intimate lyrics and the bursting talent of the players left a strong impression on those present. The song slowly ended as the instruments faded away and we were left with pure and bare vocals.

The individuality of Austra is something that will continue to set them apart from other bands. This should help to further their popularity with Melbourne and the whole of Australia. As impressive as they were at The Northcote Social Club (which was remarkable) I do hope that the next time I am able to see them live it will be in a more auditorium-like setting, to really set off Stelmain’s voice. Overall, Austra were utterly fantastic.