A sizeable crowd was gathered for a night of harmonious pop rock in the lengthy narrow Producer’s Bar. Many punters must have arrived early to catch the first ever gig for opening band Late Night Matinee. I noticed the average age of live music supporters who ventured out on a chilly winter’s eve was older than the crowd I am used to at this venue.
Filling the centre slot were fellow local lads Bird Lantern. I was standing towards the back of the bar and didn’t realise the band had started as three of the four members were seated with only the keyboard/effects player visible. They kicked off their set with summery guitar based tunes reminiscent of John Butler Trio. This got the dance floor moving early and they had quite a few fans rollicking along. Bird Lantern’s songs persisted with happy melodies, jangly guitar and toe tapping tambourine that filled the room with an ambient beer drinking soundtrack.
Then we were ready for the Melbourne quartet indie guitar/pop/rock experience the Icecream Hands. I remember this band being around in the late nineties when other bands like Even and Snout were doing their 60’s influenced catchy pop thang. The refreshed ICH certainly continue that vibe. They walked on stage with a been there done that kind of look, lead singer Charles “Chuck” Jenkins dressed in a smart pin striped suit and other band members equally well-groomed. The three guitarists shared front row with drummer in back, all kitted with microphones and knowing precisely what they were there for – to satisfy long term followers, win over new fans, and promote a new album, their fifth, entitled The Good China.
The band powered through a number of pop drenched tunes with Charles in command of vocals and the other guys complementing him with pitch-perfect harmonies and tight musicianship. Their songs obviously wear the influences of The Beatles and Beach Boys, and another comparison I noticed is Teenage Fanclub, particularly when the drummer took charge of the microphone for a pleasing tune. Mid set brought out the odd acoustic number, but most of the night’s focus was on homogenous electric pop rock sounds. By the time the gig ended, all four members had performed lead vocals impressively and I left having enjoyed their cruisey mellow tones. There were no tracks that really stood out and screamed “hit single”’. ICH certainly have a whole lot of fans in Adelaide although it wasn’t the kind of gig that would make you rush out and buy their album and tell all your friends about.
