Free beer in an alleyway equals one sick Danica, but unlabelled beer wasn’t the only thing attracting people to this particular alley. Being held here was the Blonde Venus/Outpost party featuring brand new local band I Heart Hiroshima. They may be brand new but one member is already leaving this promising band, guitarist/singer Mel formerly of the Kicks, has decided to go solo, and Hiroshima has decided to go on without her.
With everyone dressed in their best [in an alley], first band ready to play is one of Brisbane’s pop/rock favourites the Little Lovers. This band plays light-heartedly with ease, and makes you want to sway back and forth with a smile on your face. Their pop/rock/folk/reggae influenced music warm the rapidly growing crowd, as much in adrenaline and in heat. Three hundred people in an alley equal a lot of extra heat [really not needed in the 35 degree land of Brisbane].
The word is Pony Loaf are playing next, having not seen these guys since the beginning of the year I’m interested to hear what’s new. They take a while to set up, due mostly to sound issues, but seriously you can’t expect much in an alleyway. Once all synths are sounding right to Pony Loaf’s ears, Shane’s hands are up in the air as he waves them blissfully staring into space. The sound of the synthesiser is one of my favourites, so this band appeals to me greatly. They might not do much for you if you loathe the sound, all of their music is ruled by it. Sound issues rise once again and the drummer is hardly even heard, but word that all 700 free beers are gone is enough for a cheer from this crowd.
Pony Loaf spent most of the time tonight complaining about sound then actually playing, although justifiable, we would have rathered just hear them play.
The crowd is much drunker and surprisingly half of them have left, as I Heart Hiroshima take to the “stage” for Mel’s last show with them. Having just recorded a full length album and planned an east coast tour [which they now have had to cancel], it’s hard to see from the outside why Mel would leave at such a critical time in this bands life. Whatever the reason nothings going to stop her, this is her last set with them and it starts out as a great one as the crys of Matt’s voice travel down the Zoo’s alleyway. He has a voice that overrides all instruments and really makes you pay attention to the lyrics, which I love in a band.
Suzy P asks for the drumkit to finally be turned up, and as she is known for her ambidextrous manner of playing, she kicks the bass drum, bangs the tambourine and drinks beer all at once.
Familiar sounds of one of 4zzz fm’s favourite songs of the 2005 Bubblegum Gun gets the crowd dancing and even singing.
I Heart Hiroshima end with a devilish song filling the night perfectly, which exceeds their already great reputation as Brisbane’s newest favourite band.
