Stepping into the Northcote Social Club’s iconic band room, one can’t help but be wrapped up in its sense of history.
How many international acts have graced its stage? How many emerging home-spun groups have nervously and earnestly plied their craft here? Simply put, too many to name.
So when music lovers walk through the door, they could very well be about to witness an amazing slice of musical history in the making.
New Estate, a four piece Melbourne-based indie pop outfit, is at home performing on the renowned venue’s band room stage. The chemistry between band members is sparky; they engage the audience effortlessly, and produce energetic, thought provoking music.
The band, originally formed in 2002, has seen many changes in their lineup over the years, but it now appears they have found their winning formula in: Mia Schoen (keyboard), Marc Regueiro-Mckelvie (guitar), Toby Dutton (bass), and Larry G (drums).
The best thing about New Estate is they each share in singing and songwriting duties. The maths is simple: four artistic minds at work, equalling a vast range of new and exciting, stylistically differing material to choose from.
At the helm, Dutton, dives into instantly catchy guitar and drums driven number “Herge” from second album Is This Real? Another stand out performance of the set was Schoen’s distinctive vocals on “Free Sherry”, a song from their debut album Considering.
From New Estate’s most recent offering Recovery, was Regueiro-Mckelvie’s soothing influence with “Can’t Do Without You”, and Larry G’s messier, noisier “Whiskey Spider”.
New Estate has definitely hit their stride with the new direction that Recovery has taken them. With melodic harmonies, catchy and uplifting songs, and unified presence, they are definitely ones to keep tabs on in the ever- impressive Melbourne indie scene.
The band room now is at full capacity as fans lie in wait for The Wedding Present to hit the stage. Joining the crowd are members of the support act, who are equally excited to see the British indie rock band in the flesh.
Here to perform songs over two nights from albums, George Best and Hit Parade, tonight’s set list will be the acclaimed debut album George Best in its entirety. Or so punters are led to believe…
Frontman, David Gedge, and fellow band mates, walk on stage and immediately belt out “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah” from 1994 release Watusi.
Next, he delivers a catchy tune about toying with infidelity in “Skin Diving” from their fifth studio album Saturnalia. By the third turn of the chorus, even a novice of their work would be hard put not to join in the irresistibly boppy line, “So come on / just this one more time.”
Gedge’s voice is a music treat when he launches into a newer track from 2012 record Valentina, “Deer Caught In The Headlights”’ showing that he hasn’t become boring in his songwriting throughout his three decade long career.
The band’s themes are evident as each track progresses. Lyrics filled with imagery on love, lust, heartbreak and everything in between, sometimes played with bitterness, sometimes with a touch of humour, all giving The Wedding Present their particular flavour.
Looking around the room, one can’t help but feel how influential their work has been. The audience laps it up. Bodies are swaying as much as a packed out room will allow, the voice of the masses join with those coming from the microphones at the front. Smiles abound.
They are seeing one of their favourite bands in an intimate setting, and the place sizzles with energy. It’s obvious everyone is having a grand time of it.
Finally, the band digs its claws into George Best. Named after the celebrated Irish soccer star that played for Manchester United, the album itself was critically acclaimed on its release in 1987.
Filled with fast paced guitar playing, the album reads almost like a relationship diary covering the first throes of love, in “A Million Miles”, to the messy breakdown of a relationship “My Favourite Dress” (a crowd favourite), and “Something And Nothing” about unrequited love.
Before closing the night with “Brassneck” from 1989 studio album Bizarro, Gedge and company are filled with gratitude for everyone coming out to see them. The crowd’s applause is payment enough it seems, the band break out into huge smiles as drums and guitar kick in for the finale.
The final song is the final song. No encore. No shouts for an encore; fans of The Wedding Present know that the band simply don’t do them.
