More often than not, things are not what they seem. What can once seem completely alluring can become rapidly torturous, a harsh name can hide sweetness, does Joanie really love Chachi?
In the case of Sydney based quartet Battleships, their somewhat fearsome name belies their beautiful sound.
Forming in January 2012, the band has managed to attract some serious interest as well as a steady stream of new fans. The launch of their mini album, To You at The Espy was certainly something to behold.
Trading the cool bay breeze for the beer scented air in the front bar, Second Hand Heart’s singer Jess Carroll’s voice turns a few heads.
Initially their indie/folk sound is quite lovely, if a little safe. After a while, notes seem to go missing and the set slides from sweetness to eye rolling monotony as it becomes bleaker than the most depressing Lilith Fair line up.
Carroll has a wonderful voice, as does her co-vocalist Lily Parker, but their set is dry and so bone achingly boring that by the end of it the race for the bar is on.
Their single “Trouble” is polite enough and they are equally, politely received by the Thursday night crowd but unfortunately Second Hand Heart just give nothing that draws the listener back.
Thankfully, Battleships don’t befall the same fate, and from the first moment singer Jordan Sturdee opens his mouth; it is true love – despite the fact that he is dressed like a dapper geography teacher.
“Coming Back To You” plays beautifully with perfectly measured, early Interpol-esque guitars courtesy of Nato Hannaford and chugging drums from the large arms of Dan McMurray; while bass player Jonathan Bowden doubles as keys man, building their layered sound.
“Your Words” picks up the intensity and they become a tricky band to pin down. Sturdee’s effortlessly dreamy vocals are in complete juxtaposition to the urgent, searching music. Imagine The Temper Trap (they are going to be plagued by comparisons to them eventually, so why not start now) if Interpol’s Daniel Kessler was in charge of all of their guitar work.
Sound confusing? Well somehow it works and very well at that.
Pushing his glasses up for the millionth time, the singer smiles a little shyly as pushes his escaping spectacles back up on to his nose when a fan begins to perform a Shakira-meets-Beyonce belly-dance. Not to be outdone, another woman over the other side of the stage breaks out into a similar boogie that evolves into a kind of glaring competition across the room.
“Another Way” makes full use of Bowden’s keyboard ability, adding a new depth to the song and “Head On” is sparsely wonderful. The only real complaint is the fact that To You is a mini album of just seven well-crafted tunes.
Meaning that as everything begins to soften and the warmth of the songs settle over the room, the houselights are back on and the band are loading out.
There is much to like about Battleships and time will tell if they beat the buzz. Fingers crossed there is much more to come.
