It was miserably wet outside, but the lineup at the Remote Control Records Label of Loveparty had me warmer than the curry I ate in between sets. What a roster. Label founder Steve Cross really has recruited a kick-ass bunch of artists. Five bands were on show along with DJ sets from Lorrae & Sweetie, Harvey Saward, Steve Cross and Milwaukee Banks.
First up was Nick Sowersby’s Sunbeam Sound Machine – a solo project, active since November ’13. So far Sowersby has produced two EPs and the fantastic album Wonderer. He was loathe to describe his sound as dream pop – didn’t want to sound like a “wanker” – but genres are what they are, and the sound is certainly dreamy and poppy. His sound is highly dependent on a range of pedals, including the loop station, dl4 pedal, reverb, delay and harmony pedal.
Dorsal Fins had an enviable stage presence, with Ella Thompson’s powerful, clean voice presiding over the early ‘80s indie pop/dream pop/rock fusion. It inspired visions of coke parties, glitter and bad hair. What a well-trained crowd. For a lot of the night, everyone was standing still and bopping along to the sound like corks in the ocean. I wondered if anyone was going to actually dance.
That’s when Pearls came on, fresh from a nine hour drive from a gig in Sydney. I’ve got to say, they are fucking awesome. I couldn’t help but rip my jacket off and groove with some guy wearing a poncho and a big smile.
BY LITTLE STONE
Loved: Pearls. I need to see them again very soon.
Hated: The weather and nonchalance of the crowd.
Drank: Pints of beer. Not much changes.
