His astute observations, even those separate from matters of the 86 tram, were lapped up by the Northcote crowd;
Go Go Sapien were first in line to support The Bedroom Philosopher, the curtain opening on each member clothed in interstellar-inspired attire. At times a happy middle between Little Birdy and The New Pornographers, the music – though often just stock-standard, methodical rock with a dash of synthesiser – was enjoyable enough. It was the dreadful lyrical content that proved to be their undoing, however, each line ripe for parody.
Songs such as Destroy The Humanoid and Celebrities Are Your Gods Now were oddities within a set that played out as if it were lifted straight from The Mighty Boosh, recalling, strangely, ‘90s pop music (Swoop, anyone?). Go Go Sapien come off as a little gimmicky, and as a little too throwaway as a result. All in all, it’s natural for punters to take the piss, and whatever the band’s approach, it may need to be rethought.
The Boat People, despite an uninspired opening to their set, soon recovered well enough to display why they’re a local act to look out for, as they tour their latest album, Dear Darkly. Cats Collar emerged as a creative, angst-ridden effort driven by pronounced guitar line. Damn Defensive summoned the help of an eager audience, the NSC in fine voice for the Brisbane gents. They have a distinct knack for pop-rock and mine their potential with stunning results, providing a varied and entertaining selection of hooks and melodies, each simply irresistible. Although their songs are founded on a few textbook traditions, The Boat People also do much to break the mold; the charming, good-willed bunch breathing life into familiar musical ideas. The Awkwardstra were brought out for their finale, a collaboration between bands ensuing to bring their set to an epic close.
Justin Heazlewood – aka The Bedroom Philosopher – took to the stage, his band decked out in old Met uniforms coinciding with the launch of Songs From The 86 Tram.
Heazlewood immediately established an endearing stage-presence, a warmth that could only come from a man with a concurrent background in comedy. The latest additions to his repertoire were executed brilliantly, from the seedy faux-seductive Tram Inspector, to the exposition of We Are Tramily as The Bedroom Philosopher’s ability to tickle the funny bone shone time and time again. Even a string snapping during the evening’s highlight of New Media failed to halt the funny juggernaut for too long, Heazlewood covering for the hiccup well.
It definitely helps that Heazlewood is a complete package: a genuine, charismatic character as well as an accomplished musician. Not only that, his Awkwardstra worked to provide a welcome dose of theatre to the evening that aided his comedy routine to great effect. His astute observations, even those separate from matters of the 86 tram, were lapped up by the Northcote crowd; silly grins from ear to ear were worn long after the show. Highly recommended.
