Mass Cult have been around for a number of years, putting out music at a steady rate and working the Melbourne circuit. Tonight they launched their razor-sharp new single Time To Wait and brought along with them a veritable mixed bag of Melbournes’ finest to join the party.
Cut turned up, turned on and opened tonights’ bill with large amounts of gusto. Their sometimes dark, sometimes angular rock ‘n’ roll sounded big and ballsy with the whiskey-soaked vocal barrage from all three members a force to be reckoned with. A small but attentive crowd enjoyed what Cut were serving up.
The enigmatic Smoke Signal were next on this diverse bill, and this crazy amalgamation of spacey prog-rock, psychedelia and kraut-rock is a beast all of its own. Synth penetrates your brain, while swirling lead engulfs the room and the solid rhythm section holds down the fort to keep you from floating out somewhere into the ether. Cleverly crafted songs keep you hooked every step of the way – and with very limited vocals, this is no mean feat. Get out and see this band.
Heavy Beach followed on with tunes that tread the line between light and shade particularly well, exercising careful control between the contrast for maximum effect. Sounding not dissimilar at times to early ’90s darlings The Breeders, hooks are plentiful and Ali Edmonds vocals twist and wind as they guide you down some haze-filled forest path. Heavy Beach write songs that are no doubt going to linger with you.
Speaking of catchy tunes, headliners Mass Cult are purveyors of garage-pop gold. They are a tight little unit, churning out smart little two-minute numbers with much aplomb. Dan Trolley’s vocals are reminiscent of Iggy Pop, but slightly less vitriolic, instead taking a more nonchalant approach that is still complete with an underlying venom. Guitarist Yolanda de Rose delivered clever licks with effortless style as always, and drummer Max Whiteman pummeled the skins furiously. The single Time To Wait packed a weighty punch, channeling some Blues Explosion and measured up nicely to more classic numbers Why We Never and This Aint No Paradise off their 2011 album of the same name. Just when the crowd was starting to loosen up and take to the dance floor, Mass Cults’ no-fuss, no-feathers rock‘n’roll injection was over, leaving nothing but needle burn and an immediate craving for more.
Tonights’ show was a fine display of just how spoilt we are in Melbourne, with access to just about every genre of music conceivable and often on the same bill. If you happen to be of the garage/rock‘n’roll persuasion, you best be going out to buy this single It’s quality song writing – trim and lean with nothing but tasty bits.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
LOVED: The diversity of the bill.
HATED: Overdosing on Thai food before the show and having a crazy-arse stomach ache.
DRANK: Flat ginger ale that the lovely bar tender at Yah Yah’s gave me; a sure-fire remedy for an upset belly.
