Six-piece indie-rock collective Civilians may have only formed last year but when they took to the stage at Brighton Up Bar on a full moon September night, they arrived like a band that has been through the trenches together and come out the other side a well honed team.
They are totally in tune with each other’s thoughts and musical styles. Able to just do what they love, make music. From the first bar, this was evident.
With members hailing from all walks of life, from Tamworth to Surry Hills to Brazil, it is no wonder that Civilans’ music is so translatable. They flow from blues, pop, rock and country-roots to soul, but are probably best described as pretence-free music for pretence-free people.
As they casually sauntered onto stage and into opener “Golden State”, the crowd became quickly attentive. This melodious groove, effortlessly sung by Luke Prout (lead vocals and guitar) paved the way for what was to be a well-structured set full of positively fuelled rock.
The rhythms of Dylan Jones (drums) and Lachlan McQueen (bass) kept the band driving through each song like a hell bound locomotive on happy gas, whilst Gavin Clarke (Keys,Trombone) Murilo Tanouye, (guitar,uke) and Joel Geist (trombone,violin) complete the line-up to accomplish a sound that is so full and rich that their collective effort proved to be greater than the sum of their individual parts.
As their set progressed onwards, the earthy sounds of Wilco and Blitzen Trapper were channelled through songs; “Green Strings’ and “Wild Southern Beasts” while the violin and trombone added an entirely unique flavour to an already aural feast.
A standout moment was when they payed homage to Paul Simon with a rendition of “The Obvious Child”. They not only nailed all of the percussion elements that made the song famous but, added a new energy that felt like they had just written it backstage. The crowd responded in kind with flailing limbs and flirty eyes.
For what seemed to eventuate almost too quickly, Civilians finished the launch with the single “We Were Wrens”, a sweet little ditty oozing with summertime lovin’ and foot stomping beats. That is instantly recognisable and totally catchy from the opening tremolo guitar riff to the final chorus.
Well thought out lyrics, beautiful melodies and the stage presence of a band that is ready for the spotlight. Listening to Civilians for the first time is like catching up with an old friend. This band should be a staple on the festival circuit and would be perfectly at home playing a big stage at Bluesfest.
