Brightly, We The People, Super Magic Hats @ The Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (09/05/2013)
Brightly’s album release on Thursday night was an absolutely impressive line up for a small-time gig.
Super Magic Hats played well above my expectations having never heard of them before and convinced me enough to keep their name firmly in the back of my mind in case of a future break, which could certainly happen soon.
However, the line up was in no small part thanks to the energetic and entertaining youths known as We The People who impressively rocked the stage on Thursday night. I’ve never seen a support act cause such a stir amongst a crowd to the point where the ground shakes to the infectious foot tapping and half-sober dancing that accompanied every song We The People had to offer.
It isn’t often that one of the strongest memories I had of the night isn’t the headlining band, the jacket on my bedroom doorknob that reeks of alcohol or the faded, purple stamp on my wrist. But, somehow We The People definitely managed it.
Then, Brightly took the stage. At first, I stood in wonder as I watched Brightly play one of the most eclectic set lists I had ever heard in my life. It was so bizarre, I wondered if I was enjoying it or not. For first impressions, it seemed that they were still be searching for a sound. Their large array of instruments complimented many songs throughout the set and I got a strong feeling of innovation from the band.
However, at times it seemed quite messy. The instruments were a little overbearing when too many were being played, the effects were not always spot-on and the vocalist’s voices, while unique, were not always entirely enjoyable.
It was in songs like ‘Tokyo’ that I found the sounds coming together. The song was executed well and it had the crowd cheering loudly. I never got the feeling from it that some instruments were a tad unnecessary and I found myself, post-gig, Googling it just so I could listen again.
When some of the final songs came about, Brightly’s vision in music became a little more coherent. ‘World War’ and ‘Sinking Ships’ were like method amongst madness, they played well and had structure with some well crafted song writing. I had no issue with the songs later in the set, in fact, I liked them very much.
Their final song ‘Preflight Nerves’ was sensational. At this point in the gig, people were dancing around, communicating with the band and generally having a really good time. The track showcased the ability of the members of the band and left a good taste in my metaphorical mouth.
Brightly may be one of those strange, acquired tastes that you have to get used to over time. So, while Brightly may have been just a little too eclectic and eager for innovation for my tastes, with their new album in the airwaves, perhaps, I could be soon their biggest fan.
Jack White
Super Magic Hats played well above my expectations having never heard of them before and convinced me enough to keep their name firmly in the back of my mind in case of a future break, which could certainly happen soon.
However, the line up was in no small part thanks to the energetic and entertaining youths known as We The People who impressively rocked the stage on Thursday night. I’ve never seen a support act cause such a stir amongst a crowd to the point where the ground shakes to the infectious foot tapping and half-sober dancing that accompanied every song We The People had to offer.
It isn’t often that one of the strongest memories I had of the night isn’t the headlining band, the jacket on my bedroom doorknob that reeks of alcohol or the faded, purple stamp on my wrist. But, somehow We The People definitely managed it.
Then, Brightly took the stage. At first, I stood in wonder as I watched Brightly play one of the most eclectic set lists I had ever heard in my life. It was so bizarre, I wondered if I was enjoying it or not. For first impressions, it seemed that they were still be searching for a sound. Their large array of instruments complimented many songs throughout the set and I got a strong feeling of innovation from the band.
However, at times it seemed quite messy. The instruments were a little overbearing when too many were being played, the effects were not always spot-on and the vocalist’s voices, while unique, were not always entirely enjoyable.
It was in songs like ‘Tokyo’ that I found the sounds coming together. The song was executed well and it had the crowd cheering loudly. I never got the feeling from it that some instruments were a tad unnecessary and I found myself, post-gig, Googling it just so I could listen again.
When some of the final songs came about, Brightly’s vision in music became a little more coherent. ‘World War’ and ‘Sinking Ships’ were like method amongst madness, they played well and had structure with some well crafted song writing. I had no issue with the songs later in the set, in fact, I liked them very much.
Their final song ‘Preflight Nerves’ was sensational. At this point in the gig, people were dancing around, communicating with the band and generally having a really good time. The track showcased the ability of the members of the band and left a good taste in my metaphorical mouth.
Brightly may be one of those strange, acquired tastes that you have to get used to over time. So, while Brightly may have been just a little too eclectic and eager for innovation for my tastes, with their new album in the airwaves, perhaps, I could be soon their biggest fan.
Jack White