Like most guys their age, they’ve got a thing for hot chicks and ‘phat’ rappers but witnessing Going Overseas and a cover of the Phil Spector-penned (The Ronettes performed), Be My Baby, conjured up visions of Dirty Dancing not Ol’ Dirty Bastard. In fact, dim the lights and launch the mirror ball, these guys are your prom-night specialists. Guru and Slow Burn further demonstrate their understanding of simple song structure and the dynamics of a friendly four-piece in the vein of Magic Numbers and Weezer. There’s no doubt girls will swoon and guys will flock to see Millions having fun on stage for some summers to come. A full-length release would intrigue.
Headlining are Last Dinosaurs, another Brisbane band making rather large footprints in the landscape, as a dinosaur would. These guys are yet another act to be unearthed by those keen ‘archaeologists’, triple j.
Straight off the bat, the sound is impressive; full and clean. It accentuates a tight repertoire that Last Dinosaurs have no doubt honed through numerous festivals and tours. Tonight’s sold out show builds around their debut album, In a Million Years. It’s easy to catch what these guys are throwing out with the jangling guitars and the up-tempo drumming.
Time & Place is dedicated to scientist Nikola Tesla and sees added percussion from behind the keys. Its lyrics are delivered by the call and response vocals from Sean and Lachlan Caskey. Weekend is another cruisy, road-trip of a song with layered vocals and terrific use of keys. By the time Andy is performed one can’t help but hear definite associations with prominent New York indi-rock outfits such as The Strokes, Vampire Weekend or even The Rapture, when effects kick in.
Sunday Night adopts similar calypso sounds that permeate throughout most tracks. It’s catchy and consistent yet lacks variety; the same tempo, the same vibe.
No doubt Dew Process are preparing further onslaughts for these guys and mapping a promising future. Hopefully this helps to develop a more diverse sound and stronger live performance.
BY JOHN DONALDSON
LOVED: Hearing Millions play with enthusiasm and just have fun.
HATED: Seeing useless behind-the-head guitar tricks that missed the mark.
DRANK: A bowl of chicken curry laksa at Bang Bang’s prior to show time.
