Big Scary have recently released their second album, Not Art, following up from their first full length release, Vacation in 2011. The Factory Theatre is a spacious venue, hardwood dance floor and a carpeted back area complete with lounges and a bar. It provides a very open atmosphere that fits the vibe that is to be the opening leg of Big Scary’s national tour.
Support act Courtney Barnett and her backing band, notably called the Courtney Barnetts, entertain the chilled crowd – so chilled that the majority of them are sitting cross-legged on the floor. With some unbelievably catchy tunes, the band were reminiscent of New York-based duo The Pierces.
It’s that kind of music that is easy listening, soulful, heart-breaking and happy all at the same time. Latest single ‘Avant Gardener’ is a blues-rock almost psychedelic track with some great scratchy guitar riffs throughout that transport you back to the ‘70s and it’s a ride that everyone can enjoy.
When it comes time for Big Scary to take the stage, the crowd leap off their feet and cram together, trying to get as close as they can for what is sure to be an explosive show. Frontman Tom Iansek announces that they’re going to be playing their new album front to back, along with some “oldies”, much to the delight of eager punters.
Without a second thought they launch into ‘Hello, My Name Is’, the opening track, a perfectly designed fusion of sudden drum-bursts, cymbal splashes and amped-up, metallic guitar that combines together flawlessly to not only raise up the volume of the venue, but the mood an emotions of anyone in ear-range.
The lyrics add so much depth to the sound of the song and it really sets the benchmark for the rest of the show.
Leading into ‘Luck Now’, Joanna Syme’s uneven, broken drums echo throughout the auditorium and fill it wall to wall, getting every crowd member swaying in time to the rhythm. With the addition of two touring members, another layer of sound is really added to the performance. It’s like missing puzzle pieces have been found and added to the bigger picture and the result is staggering and beautiful to look upon.
Love Pierce Brothers?
Get the latest Pierce Brothers news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Piano-heavy, soul anthem ‘Why Hip Hop Sucks In ‘13’ really strikes a chord with the crowd, full of indie pop-rock fans who would probably get the title of the song tattooed on them just to show that they agree with Big Scary on the matter.
As the last track of the album, ‘Final Thoughts, With Tom And Jo’ rolls around, the crowd goes almost silent as they revel in the masterful keystrokes of Iansek on the keyboard and the marching band-like drum rolls of Syme.
It’s a harmonic melody that works best if you close your eyes and let the music wash over you like a warm shower, letting it complete envelope and surround you as you’re lost in what can only be called musical bliss.
The album played cover to cover, now it’s time for the “oldies” that Iansek promised earlier as they launch into songs like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Leaving Home’ which garner energetic reactions from ticket-holders who dance around and sing along to the songs they’ve come to know and love over the last few years.
But it’s the final song of ‘Purple’ that really gets the blood pumping and the crowd jumping. The funky guitar riffs, short, quick shouted lyrics and harmonies of “do-do-do-do” all combine to make the perfect finale song and a great way to finish off the night, the first leg of their national Not Art tour.
