Are there even beaches in Brisbane city? So, where the heck do the Go Violets go to nut out a new tune? The Brissy-based surf-rock, all-girl band finished off their national tour at the John Curtin Hotel, warming us up with their summertime singles.
Having won triple j’s Big Sound competition last year and scored a spot on FBI Radio’s Best Australian Songs of 2012 list as well as touring for their new EP Josie they were no doubt wrapping things up on a high.
But hold the phone, what the fuck is that? A popcorn machine? Dispensing free popcorn? Yes, dear reader I was chillaxin’ with a beer in one hand and a brown paper bag full of buttery popcorn in the other watching a really cool band. Whatever.
From a female punters perspective Go Violets have the package down: four individual, yet not wholly dissimilar women, dressed in plaid pinafores, leather skirts and baseball tees who can play their instruments and look like they have a lot of fun doing it.
Anything you read about Go Violets will inevitably draw comparisons to Californian counterpart Best Coast. Kicking off the evening with single Runaway the evidence is well and truly there. Their sugary vocals and stoner riffs evoke surf, sunshine and spliffs. But there’s plenty of other influences present; the thick droning baselines of The Breeders, the awesome-foursomeness of The Donnas and the cutesy harmonies of The Pipettes (minus the gimmick) for example.
All their songs are upbeat, short but completely adorable. Vocal duties are shared between the four and harmonies compliment the scuzzy, echoing guitar riffs on songs such as Crazy (penned by drummer Ruby and her Dad) or Teenager, which make you feel like you’re staring into the sun.
So, I didn’t realise there was going to be a burlesque dancer between sets compliments of Melbourne’s L’amour, the Lady Provocative. And yes, I suppose it was provocative (and how does she do that with her boobs?).
Finishing with Perth five-piece Split Seconds was definitely a change of pace. The ceiling was a little too low for their big sound but provided an intimate setting for fun tracks such as Top Floor. They specialise in driving indie-pop; thoughtful lyrics with elements of chamber pop and a big dose of the Beatles. The song Top Floor is bouncy and probably their most tangible single to date.
At gig’s end, one does wonder how a Brissy all-girl surf band, a Perth indie-pop quintet and a burlesque performer ever got together? But then again, who really cares when the result is this good?
BY ADELAIDE FRENCH
LOVED: Girl power.
HATED: The dreaded image of myself eating popcorn while staring at bare breasts.
DRANK: Compliments of my +1.
