An impressive assortment of up and coming bands assembled on Friday night in support of Melbourne’s own Hollow Everdaze, as the four piece finally launched their self-titled debut album.
After years of relentless touring schedules and performance grind dating back to 2007, the relief was palpable as frontman Daniel Baulch pumped out the entire track listing in front of hundreds of adoring fans.
Up first however was dream pop shoegaze offering Sleep Decade, presenting an exciting blend of loopy atmospheric sounds and languid melodies that openly showcased the expansive vocal talents of frontman Casey Hartnett.
Indie rockers Contrast soon followed with a stirring performance of their own, with an inclusive display of post-punk textures and stirring bass lines that coincided with the single launch of rousing release “Dull.”
Melbourne’s Baptism of Uzi then rounded the support leg with a scintillating selection of tracks from highly regarded debut EP Stray Currents.
With vocalist Bojon Stojanov in fiery form, a surging performance was underlined by EP highlight “Fire Penguin” and Triple J favourite “Stray Current.”
As the final few patrons then filed in, the unassuming headliners graced the stage for an utterly compelling and comprehensive performance.
Opening with former releases “Le Quirk,” “Ominous” and the fantastic “Inevitable,” it was clear the band would deliver a polished display of particular substance, whilst drawing from numerous past and present catalogues.
As the band then slowly progressed through the new record in track listing order, the advanced instrumental capabilities of the band were established.
In lead single “It Will Never Really Sing” and follow-up composite “Selfish,” Baulch’s’ vocals were youthful and profound, while recent addition Guy Louis was commanding on drums in the explosive “Excuses Are Useless” and the experimental avant-garde track “Butter Me Up.”
As Baulch and keyboardist Tim Karmouche then switched roles for the piano-bathed slow burner “Ships” and driving melody of “Excitation,” the renowned flexibility of the band was further showcased.
Expert on keys throughout the set, Karmouche was also prominent on penultimate track “Still Raining,” while cohesion was underscored with lo-fi special “There Was No Choice,” as accomplished bassist Jackson Kay and Baulch shared microphones in a drone rendition that perfectly closed the act.
Though as the quartet paused, the evening was finally sealed with courteous expressions of gratitude by the band and a somewhat exuberant rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Baulch, concluding an accomplished and absorbing performance by a vibrant and gracious quartet.
