It was hard to believe this was the very first headline show for Melbourne five-piece Mayfair Kytes. In support of their debut single, Seasonal Thaw, the show piqued the interest of their burgeoning fan base as well as the regular Gasometer crowd. It’s a mean feat to ignore this band once they hit their stride – the power of vocal leads Matt Kelly and Austin Busch blend perfectly with the multi-instrumentally talented remainder of the band.
Set opener, Sleepyhead, instantly impressed with its on-point harmonies and the first taste of the special guest violinists. Driven by a submarine pulse, its follow-up (Animus) was Kelly at his vocal best, haunting tones of Jeff Buckley and totally in his element. A quick apology about the “house music” (KISS, apparently) saw Kelly move into Vow, a more upbeat offering that reminded swiftly of Augie March before trailing into an unexpected, but thoroughly enjoyed, electro breakdown on the drums and keys.
Flashlight had Busch leading the summery vocals as he picked through the offbeat acoustic rhythm. Nobody Told Me played musical chairs yet again to see Daniel Coco on the keys, leading a cool, relaxed top-heavy arrangement that gave bassist Anthony Liddell a momentary rest. Like a puzzle breaking apart and then piecing slowly back together again, Sequence built from a violin loop to soaring harmonies before fading to a simple clap and from there, reconstructing its multiple layers. Seasonal Thaw was a definite highlight, with its Grizzly Bear sensibilities and perhaps the most commercial appeal. To end it all was the blissful Onyx. Like a voyeur looking into Kelly’s lounge room, we sat and relaxed (along with half of the band) as he closed the set gently yet definitely. No encore to be seen.
While one can throw out musical comparisons ‘til the house lights come up, the thing that Mayfair Kytes have going for themselves is not what they write but how they write it. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, shining lights then plunging shadows, just when you think you’ve figured the track out, it turns on its own head. If you’re looking for a neat folk pop song, perhaps Mumford & Sons is the right band for you. If you want to take it that much deeper, check out Mayfair Kytes. This single is just the beginning.
BY JEN WILSON
Loved: The musical twists and turns.
Hated: The house music?
Drank: Water.
