Reviewed on Friday August 26
The trick to performing while backed by an entirely programmed and processed beat is staying militantly precise and diligent. It’s here that Stay At Home Son – who, it must be stressed, are a new act that have all the time in the world to learn this – fall short. Missed cues and flubbed parts almost derail them entirely, while their vocalist’s mono-baritone delivery sees each song eventually shift into holding patterns. There’s certainly a talent here to be watched – it might just take a moment for the grey area within it to subside.
Melbourne’s Alex Lahey exudes both a playful innocence and a visceral six-string savvy; a pogo-mosh between youthful exuberance and quaint wisdom beyond her twenty-something years. Her exceptional singles ‘Let’s Go Out’ and ‘You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me’, stir up a rousing reception, but it’s the newer material on offer that both holds its own and bodes great promise for the future. ‘Every Day’s The Weekend’ is bouncy and carefree, while the brilliantly-titled ‘Perth Traumatic Stress Disorder’ is a frazzled, jangly sugar rush. Expect her Brighton Up headliner to sell out – she’s not long for venues that small.
Let it be known: What follows is easily one of the most joyous celebrations one could imagine when farewelling a band of this nature. Constantly outsiders peering in, The John Steel Singers have always held somewhat of a cult status in Australian indie rock, which is both a testament to their commitment to doing things their own way and the at times inexplicable nature of commercial success. Tonight, the band – with percussionist Jonathan Boulet and vocalist/saxophonist Kirsty Tickle in tow – are celebrating a career of pop majesty, disco detours, glam-rock gold and the occasional dose of Go-Betweens worship for good measure.
Early favourites like ‘Masochist’ and ‘Strawberry Wine’ blend into more recent jams such as ‘Weekend Lover’ and ‘Can You Feel The Future’, which expand out into borderline-delirious wig-outs that feel as though they could go on forever. It ends, serendipitously, with a practically accidental run through of long-abandoned single ‘Overpass’, as well as a wild ‘Rainbow Kraut’, which sees triple j alum and former manager Maggie Collins join the band onstage for one last dance and sing. The John Steel Singers haven’t faded away – they’ve burned out, bright and beautiful. Goodnight and good luck, gentlemen. You’ve done us proud.
