Anne WidjajaVerdict: Yves Klein Blue at the Northcote Social Club 10.7.09
July 16th 2009 12:45
With the release of their debut album - Ragged and Ecstatic - the result was a slightly more pop friendly album, clearly swayed by a few different genre influences, also more polished with the help of Cold War Kids producer Kevin Augunas. The piano riffs were more of a feature on this album, well melded with the guitar melodies, however, compared to the EP, they're were less varied melodies and impressive solos in each song's bridges and more focus on vocals. Despite the slight variances in sound in the album, I hoped that they'd maintain their excitable on-stage presence, admittedly a bit worried that this could not be achieved in the same way as the loose structure of the raw and organic creation that was their EP. Safe to say, they're show is still vibrant and bouncy, and gosh dang it what a relief. Michael Tomlinson is all a frontman should be . Inviting, engaging and expressive, Tomlinson tells a story with each of his lyrics, with a great dash of the dramatics, something which is seriously lacking in the cold lifeless cool of the indie scene. Easy on the eyes too ladies, and/or gentlemen. The set was thankfully a good balance of older rougher tracks and stand outs from the new album. About the Future had Tomlinson in a very moving performance of this heart on sleeve confession, an introspective commentary which truly brought the audience on their knees, it was truly, captivatingly raw.
The music is more exciting than ever, sprawling choruses that you can't help but sing along with - the best example of which is, without a doubt, Getting Wise. I saw some seriously uncontrollable bopping to this song. The whole place was just beaming with grinning like an idiot smiles (I blame the brilliantly charming smile on Tomlinson, suck on that you unhappy scenesters). The tight musicianship of the whole band was at its best in the band's roughest, rock tracks, the superb guitar work of Charles Sale at its peak on Digital Love and Queeny. A stellar example of the perfect dose of a classic rock riff, injecting a bit of rock n roll into a song, without being boringly unoriginal or predictable. These tracks were stand outs in the set, tight yellers which inspire this reviewer to desire to yell inspiring rock/not cliches- rip that guitar, go son go. Yeeeaaaahh (punch air).The band may still be finding their sound, purposefully experimenting with styles, but guitar rock is still where they're tightest.
The amount of energy the band brought to the stage was overwhelming, the northcote was quite ready to explode with sweat and love vibes. The whole place was buzzing, the band was enjoying it, the audience was enjoying it. It was the way it should be. Following the gig the band mosied out for a signing, with so much modesty and bashfulness it was almost underwhelming after the epicness of the gig. The band took the time to chat to all the fans and say thanks for coming, personal messages was scrawled on the memorabilia - a constant thanks was also given by Tomlinson for selling out the show in his between song banter with the audience. I apologise for the shameless rave reviewing that has occurred above, but I'm going to stick by my guns and can not wait to see these guys spread more love in the future, in a big big way. Watch this space.
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