Wild Flag’s music can only really be described as rock n roll. However, it’s not rock n roll in the sense that so many other current bands see it; rehashing the music in their parent’s record collections without any touch of thought or individuality that moves their music away from being simply a facsimile of a facsimile.
No, Wild Flag’s brand of rock n roll is intelligent, considered and brings together a multitude of styles to make something that has hints of its influences but has a unique identity of its own.
The group were greeted with a rapturous response as they entered the stage and launched into “Electric Band”. For the most part, Mary Timony and Carrie Brownstein went song for song on lead vocals. Timony delivers her vocals in a more sultry, understated voice while Brownstein is more sneering and punkier. Drummer Janet Weiss and keyboardist Rebecca Cole provided some excellent complimentary backing vocals for both leads.
With only one album, it was little surprise that every track was performed; many in an elongated format. It was in these extended sections where the band’s quality really came to the fore, particularly Weiss’ powerful, incisive drumming (her drumming pushes the band’s entire set). “Black Tamborine” and “Racehorse” had some especially lengthy, groovy sections.
“Romance”, the album’s first track, with its punchy rhythm and fists-in-the-air sing-along chorus brings the main set to a stunning climax. The band then returns to play a three-song encore with a couple of covers, including a version of “Do You Wanna Dance?” that was more like the Ramones’ version than the Bobby Freeman original.
As the group behind one of the best albums of 2011, Wild Flag’s live debut in Australia was a much anticipated tour. On this, the last night of the tour, the band did anything but disappoint. It was great to see a rock’n’roll band play with smarts and nuance and not just retread well-worn stereotypes. Youngsters would do well to take note.
– Michael Hartt
