Running through a selection of tracks from their Dolce Doggerel album, frontman Shem impressed (as always) with his bizarre yet hypnotic style of movement, which can only be described as watching an angry epileptic fit that somehow never seems to end in injury. Jemma entranced with her solo "Army Wife". Amusing moments in the short set included the playing of instruments with bottles of Tooheys Old (which I'm not even convinced we were meant to notice), Shem's "special needs" (also involving Old) and the adjustment of ego and talent levels.
Next on stage was 4 piece Melbourne band Skipping Girl Vinegar. Impressing from the outset, their first track saw all 4 members of the band providing vocals. Not the only unusual facet of the setup, all members seemed lined up along the front of the stage, providing a refreshingly good opportunity to grab photos of often less-seen members of the band. The various woodland creatures attached to microphone stands gave this set a distinctive character even before the music began.
To be honest, SGV was the highlight act of the night. Big on audience involvement, their up beat, catchy melodies had us "releasing our inner bogan"(including holding up prompt signs, a job which Ben from Hungry Kids did admirably), joining their "postal revolution" and getting excited over one of the best presented CDs I've ever seen (more info in a later post). Including songs such as "Getting Wasted", this band is one to watch for, with their laid back style. Tracks also included keyboard-as-organ style keyboarding, something I haven't heard in a long time (or at least since the last time I watched Dogma).
Final act Dead Letter Chorus were wonderful, but after the engaging and self-deprecatory humour of SGV felt a little flat. This could also, however, have been partially due to the crowd, who had by halfway through SJ's set swelled to a respectable number. To one end was a low rumble of continuous talk, whilst to the side was one extremely drunk loose woman attempting to exotically dance with a male bystander (or at least I hope he was a bystander, I'd be horribly embarrassed to know her in any way). I'm reasonably used to crowds being inconsiderate, especially if the individuals are waiting for the last band, but this was during the last set. Some of us ARE actually there for the music, sweethearts.
The 5 piece band was energetic, and switched it up quite a bit, with keyboardist Gabrielle switching between her keys and guitar often. Their new song, entitled "My Father is Drunk and my Mother is Dead" was amazing, and the vocals were incredible. This set produced my favourite quote of the night, being "The base player headbangs a lot for someone with only one tuft of hair". And in an excellent finishing move, members of the previous bands, as well as one of the members of The Gin Club, joined them on stage for the final song.
All in all, a wonderful combination of sounds. I'll definitely be looking out for SGV next time they head up this way (and sending them a letter, too!)
Until next time
AJ
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