Karova Lounge was a fitting venue for the eagerly-awaited return to gold country of native sextet Hunting Grounds, and what a golden harvest it was. Having been the backdrop for the band’s performances since their emergence from their primordial dwellings under the name Power Of The Zookeepers, Karova Lounge and its shadowy inhabitants of grungy teens witnessed a band transformed as they performed an hour-long set of atmospheric tunes and vigorous jams.
In 2009, the band (also previously Howl) shot to national renown after taking the title of triple j Unearthed High. For locals though, their success wasn’t surprising, having been reaping the aural rewards of their performances at resident venues for some time. The Ballarat set of their In Hindsight tour was no exception. While comically plagued by technical difficulties early on, Hunting Grounds didn’t disappoint loyal enthusiasts, offering up their trademark energy on stage, while injecting their new, hypnotic melodies – a sound evolution that has accompanied the band’s name change. Such new tracks provided a refreshing accompaniment to their earlier, much heavier assemblages.
Much of the show embodied a spacey rhythmatism which transformed the intimate setting into a bursting, sweaty mass of swaying bodies. When the boys unleashed into prolonged instrumental jams, the raw energy was palpable, broken only by Lachlan Morrish’s (or Michael Belsar’s, or Galen Strachan’s for that matter) searing vocals. A particular highlight of the set was a cover of No Doubt’s Hella Good, which had the walls trembling with appreciation. The punchy riffs and alluring lyrics interlaced intrinsically well with the band’s spacey ambiance.
Another notable aspect of Hunting Grounds’ live set was the way the members individuality enhanced the experience. Slight and timid Strachan (on keys and vocals) grounds the band, rattling off any number of ethereal melodies. Slapping the bass is Johnathon Crawford whose steely exterior and rigid movements mirror his bass-work. Contrasting further is Tim Street on lead guitar, who has an uncanny resemblance to Cousin It on the stage He plays with an unbridled energy, barely contained under his locks of hair. Morrish’s physical connection with each song is unmistakable as he convulses and shudders with every climb and fall the track takes. Daniel Marie is dynamism personified, belting the drums and setting a cracking pace for the other members to follow. Belsar’s emotional relationship with the lyrics – particularly in Flaws and Cold Feet – resonate heavily in his voice, adding an impassioned element to Hunting Ground’s newfound mysteriousness.
Hunting Grounds have finally reached a satisfying plateau, content with the direction of their sound, which is evident in their onstage presence and growing maturity as a band. With writing of their second album already underway and construction of a studio at Belsar’s house ongoing, the electric sound delivered in their hometown performance appears to be here to stay – an exciting prospect for lovers of Australian music.
BY SCARLETT TREWAVIS
LOVED: The obvious reverence the band and local fans share.
HATED: Having to jostle for a prime position pre-show.
DRANK: Vodka, lime and soda.
