The Zoo - Fri Jul 18

There’s a bit of half-hearted crowd participation going on as I arrive amid local MC Calski’s support slot, but it’s more out of sympathy than genuine engagement. The cringe factor is high as he energetically delivers some mediocre lyrics over a taped beat. Still, we applaud, well aware that every MC on the Australia hip hop scene has to start somewhere and walk the hard road. You know, like that Hilltop Hoods song?

The Winnie Coopers’ songwriting talent and stage presence have increased immensely since I first witnessed them perform to a hundred or so drunken Schoolies in 2005. Tonight’s audience has increased in size considerably, and they’re more than happy to indulge the Coopers at every singalong opportunity – and there are many. The Educator discusses blogging, Commodore 64 and a love of pizza throughout his rhymes, while fellow vocalist Eloquence dedicates Burning Up to his wife. Aww. Charming, geeky and adorable, all at once. Their breakthrough hit Success remains their most accessible track, and concludes a thoroughly enjoyable set.

The Gold Coast five-piece are a hard act to follow: are TZU up to the task? I attempt to adopt a pessimistic perspective, having witnessed them just a month ago at UQ’s Red Room. They can’t have gotten much better so soon, right? Wrong. The four-piece have expanded to become seven, and their energy is at an all-time high. My attempted pessimism sheepishly departs within minutes. Their charisma, confidence, talent – I can’t decide which is more impressive. No matter; all three factors are influential during some brilliant moments – birthday boy Troy’s drum solo; an In Front Of Me/Sexual Healing mash-up, and a silver jacket-clad performance of Computer Love. Their third album debuted at number 23 on the ARIA charts; tonight’s show is surely close to venue capacity. Mission control: TZU have landed.

ANDREW MCMILLEN

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