Famous By Association EPlaunch @ Home, Sydney (29/09/06)

Tue 3rd Oct, 2006 in Gig Reviews

Whilst a peculiar place for bands to perform, with the vast majority of the Friday night Sublime regulars downstairs getting busy to the latest German trance tracks, there is always good support upstairs at Home for top notch up-and-coming bands. Famous By Association (FBA) last Friday night was no exception.

The Mornington Peninsula rising stars of alt-rock released their debut self-titled EP on indie label Basin Records in July this year. After playing a string of dates in their native Victoria, FBA traversed north of the border for a couple dates in Sydney and Canberra.

Kicking proceedings off with the EP’s lead single Stereo a catchy guitar-pop number currently getting rotation on Triple J, singer Tim Smyth soon had the warm crowd tapping their feet along and smiling to the chorus as he sang “take me- I can be yours”. The influence of bands such as Motor Ace and Kisschasy could be clearly seen in the tight melodic guitar riffs, catchy chorus harmonies and enthusiastic energy of follow up tunes Perfect Sunday and Age Is Just A Number. The latter also showcased guitarist Leigh’s fine soloing skills, proving the band might have the required steel to take on much larger outdoor crowds, given half the chance.

Midway through the set FBA started a bit of internal banter, commenting on their surroundings and thanking the crowd for coming along to listen to their music. In regards to the local DJ downstairs punishing half a dozen bass bins, Smyth remarked “they sound way better than us, we should be down there boogying, not playing in a band” it was hard not to grin with the cheekiness of the comment. Only a few years ago up-and-coming artists rarely afforded this kind of wry confidence. With the late resurgence of live music, audiences are once again being treated to a plethora of local talent that is both easily accessible and eager to please.

Powering through the second half of the set, FBA continued to hold the crowd through their strong songwriting and tight musicianship.  The audience continued to be drawn to the personal conviction of Smyth’s emotional vocals. It was refreshing to experience a set in which no two songs sounded alike. This may prove to be a deciding factor in FBA’s inevitable rise over the next year.

I left Home Nightclub soon after the set finished up, feeling quite impressed with the lads from Famous By Association. Knowing that whilst this may have been their first Sydney performance, I am sure it won’t be the last.

Famous By Association EP is out now on Basin Records, distributed through Rubber Records. To hear songs from the debut EP Famous By Association, visit:

www.famousbyassociation.com.au