Jim Lawrie and his band started off the night with a patchy performance. Sounding like a poorer version of The War on Drugs, the band desperately needs something to help them stand out from the overcrowded classic rock genre.
Second on was Lanks, the individual project of Melburnian Will Cuming, but with support from a trio to form a full band. The start of their act was disappointing, with average synths sounding closer to the sound effects of Super Smash Bros on a Nintendo 64 than an actual instrument. Thankfully, this was only a feature of a couple of early throwaway songs. For the most part Lanks has an interesting and unique sound, but often lacks a quality hook. This was forgiven and forgotten however, when Lanks suddenly brought out a flute Ron Burgundy-style and unleashed a ripper solo in the penultimate tune of the night. These final two songs were excellent, and Lanks certainly has some promise.
Holy Holy are a band going places. Since dropping their fantastic debut single Impossible Like You just over a year ago, they’ve gone on two mostly sold-out national tours, supported the likes of Boy & Bear as well as Ball Park Music, and will shortly begin a tour with The Preatures. Despite only being in existence for a short time, Holy Holy have all the professionalism of a band that’s been touring for a decade.
This isn’t surprising: their performance at the Northcote Social Club was flawless. Lead singer Timothy Carroll’s voice is delightful, and his lyrics are compelling. Lead guitarist Oscar Dawson is phenomenal. His riffs are original and drive many of Holy Holy’s best songs, and his solos are even better. Their cover of Neil Young’s Southern Man epitomises their sound: folk rock at its finest. Clearly, Holy Holy are heavily influenced by Neil Young, but take his work to another level. This sound, with a slight hint of country to it, has the potential to crack the highly lucrative American market.
Holy Holy’s only fault is their three singles – Impossible Like You, House of Cards and History – are so good every other song feels almost disappointing in comparison. House of Cards is perfection. The lyrics are clever and the guitar’s simply astounding. History, their latest single is just as good and was greeted with a strong reception from the crowd. Impossible Like You was also brilliant and should have been the closer. Other songs like Heroine, Pretty Strays and Wonderland are quality, but simply can’t contend with this trio. Hopefully Holy Holy will add more classics to their repertoire in their debut album being released next year.
BY JOSH THORBURN
Loved: The bouncer who only needed to see my Facebook account to verify my age.
Hated: Forgetting ID.
Drank: Water.
