Birds of Tokyo are that kind of recognisable band that have wormed their way into the hearts of many Aussie homes.
Few people haven’t heard their 2010 hit, ‘Plans’ (and whether people liked it or not, that tune damn was catchy), and their recent EP This Fire, so it came as no surprise that they had a sell out show at Melbourne’s Ormond Hall.
Hayden Calnin supported, and to this reviewer’s ears, he shone brightly. His sound is expressive – very much related to the minimalist, long sustained and repeated notes of drone music – using vocals that added a spike in tones, sending a jolt of life into the awe-inspiring music.
However, to the rest of the audience, Calnin didn’t seem to do much for them. His unique set was overshadowed by loud talking from everyone except a select few in front of the stage, in rather disappointing form from the crowd. Rants about the state of music aside; long story short Calnin nailed it, the audience didn’t.
Needless to say, when Birds of Tokyo came out they received a loud thunderous welcome. They opened with an ethereal swirling instrumental before jumping into their first song ‘Broken Bones’ which had the audience singing every word.
Again, the venue seemed less excited about the really new and barely heard tracks. Though, to give the room credit, they opened their ears a little more for Birds of Tokyo then they did for Calnin, and because of that they seemed to appreciate the newer sounds despite their inability to sing along.
Having seen Birds of Tokyo play several times before they seemed to fall into their old habit of playing their earlier music really well, with more enthusiasm and creativity, leaving room to play with their music and really enjoy their performance.
However, music from their 2010 self-titled album and onwards, they tended to sound exactly as they do on their albums, with little enthusiasm. Frankly it’s boring – we’ve heard the albums, how else can you play your amazing tracks?
One new song (the name unmentioned) was a brilliant track that had a Foals-like feel, while still staying true to the the band’s traditional feel. Not only was it a well-written track, the band executed it brilliantly.
While it was a real shame that ‘The Baker’s Son’ – arguably one of the bands best songs – didn’t get an airing, they of course played ‘Plans’ last. It wasn’t played well, unfortunately, but this didn’t seem to faze the audience who sang loudly with the band and danced like crazy people. It was enough to slap a smile onto the face of even the cruellest of sceptics.
