Melbourne has long been touted as being a hotbed for young emerging gifted musicians.
Melbournian punters are in the lucky position of being able to witness a plethora of local talents develop and rise through the ranks as they toil away in smaller venues before graduating to the more established band rooms.
There is something special about following the progress of a band or artist from their early days and before they hit the big time. Even more so, is when you see their hard work and determination pay off and you know honest-to-goodness, Aussie music will live on to fight another day.
In the heart of Chinatown at the well-respected institution in Market Lane called Ding Dong Lounge, five gentlemen known as The Good Morrows are ready to grace the stage for a flower punk/garage/indie extravaganza.
The atmosphere of the night is helped along by the room’s décor: polka dot psychedelic-themed walls, an amply sized shimmery disco ball, and comfy red booths dotting the sides of the venue – oh, and a spacious dance floor that will inevitably get a solid workout.
To kick off proceedings is opener of the night, Sandgiant. The quintet has a big sound that is best described as fuzzy space rock.
Highlights of the set include their debut single, “Seamless” and their funky Motown cover of “7-Rooms Of Gloom” by the Four Tops.
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Next up to bat is Magic America, who are also releasing a new single, titled “I Thought I Told You”.
The foursome brings to the stage their own special blend of psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll, making them a complimentary precursor to the main event.
The Good Morrows are an undeniably talented bunch of blokes who, in their short time together, have produced fun, psychedelic, and highly danceable music.
Their pretty spunky attire is attested by guitarist/vocalist Jarred Scopel’s floral shirt and bassist Steve Acott’s animal print shirt, which incidentally goes a long way to set the scene for their genre of choice.
Rounding out the band to create their distinct vintage sound is drummer Liam Skoblar, guitarist/vocalist Andrew Plisi, and tambourine/harmonica player Tim Bass.
Tonight is the launch of their new single “Help You Be Yourself”, a nod to the late 60s era of psychedelia complete with guitar driven riffs and impressive vocals that take you on a magic carpet ride via sounds and imagery, and straight into a music-induced haze.
Their opening song “Je N’ai Rien A Dire” literally translates to ‘I have nothing to say’. But, as it turns out, the packed room doesn’t mind, and from the get-go punters are swaying to the hypnotic rhythms of the indie outfit.
The hour-long set is peppered with catchy guitar hooks, memorable choruses, and the mesmerising dancing skills of Mr.Tim Bass.
The highly energetic lads play their way through numbers such as “Spaceman” and “Get Out Of My Head”, easily transporting ticket holders to another music era – a time where most people in the room hadn’t even been born yet.
Bringing the night to a close, The Good Morrows go out with a bang and play the extremely upbeat, danceable song “Running Around”, to which the audience happily indulge in a bit of footloose and fancy free, old-fashioned fun on the dance floor.
The Good Morrows are having a stellar year with “Help You Be Yourself”, their third single for 2013, as well as the band receiving airplay on Triple J.
One can only wonder what exciting new ventures 2014 will have in store for them. Until then, bidding you a good morrow, ladies and gentlemen.
Setlist
Je N’ai Rien A Dire
60,000ft Above The Ground
Spaceman
I Wanna Know
It Won’t Stop
Come On
*untitled blues number*
Monkey
Get Out of My Head
Help You Be Yourself
You’re In My Way
Running Around
