Generally speaking, patience isn’t a trait commonly associated with teenagers. I say this is especially the case with teenagers in 2014, who’ve had gadgets to fiddle with and access to all variety of stimulation since the beginning of their self-development.
Thus, the concept of present-day teens making electronic music doesn’t hold too much promise. Largely, the results are probably truly egregious: ADD-DM made by over-excited garage band users loaded with Monster Energy drink. However, Melbourne’s Gab Strum, aka Japanese Wallpaper, totally thwarts this impression (perhaps an indication that, at 26, I’m quickly becoming a haughty crank).
Early on, Strum made the proud, if not dumbstruck, announcement that this – the first of three Melbourne dates this month – was his first sold-out headline show. Utilising deftly layered synths, swaying drum patterns and the occasional input of his slightly forlorn vocals, he took us through a set of originals, live remixes and a lovely cover of Grizzly Bear’s Knife.
Appearing on stage alone, standing fairly timidly behind keyboards and laptop, Strum’s performance approach is still a work in progress. But the sounds unfurled during his 45 minutes on stage brought the full house Shebeen to relaxed and patient attention. His quietly bashful banter endeared everyone in the room even further.
Verily, it’d be pretty incongruous for Strum to shake around like an animal or include mid song hype-up calls. Visual displays seem like a more apt counterpart for his sonic decorations. Anyhow, closing one’s eyes tonight, visions of marshmallow fields and bicycle rides into the autumn sunset were waiting just behind the lids.
Yes, some of his synth sounds had an unfashionable polyphonic ringtone flavour, but he’ll be getting plenty of live practice in the immediate future, so things are likely advance in no time. Either way, the permeable atmosphere Strum generated this evening portends a prosperous future for Japanese Wallpaper.
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Loved: Youth.
Hated: Memories of youth.
Drank: Legally.
