The Zoo - Wed Sept 10

It’s a shame that The Red Paintings’ singer Trash McSweeney peddles his societal gripes from behind his band’s pseudo-artistic facade at any given opportunity, because their music is consistently performed with passion and power. Trash and his bandmates play dress-up as usual, this time clad in black body paint; It Is As It Was and the thunderous Streets Fell Into My Window are impressive amid so-so new material.

Witnessing support bands unexpectedly and effortlessly capture the complete attention of an audience is always a joy to behold; the thirty-minute set that unfolds before me is a stellar example of this phenomenon. The Temper Trap’s brilliant pop contains all of the expected ingredients, but with the added spice of Dougy’s incredible voice. The performance of new single Sweet Disposition is one of the most moving, inspiring events I’ve witnessed this year. Outstanding.

One of the primary objectives of the Big Sound conference is to showcase independent and emerging artists, right? So – why is British f**king India’s debut album being played between bands? Thus, tracks from Wind&Brackets’ debut EP Fire In The Ocean take on some unexpected pain-relieving properties. Red wine-sipping singer Tommy Ivo moans about his sore throat while delivering an impressive performance, regardless. The feeling that their post-punk crazy train – recklessly driven by sloppy-but-proficient drummer Will Hickson – could derail at any moment remains throughout.

Fire Fire Fire, Holy Chord, Colour Coding; most bands struggle to achieve such quality songwriting across an entire career, yet this Sydney quintet demonstrate three of their finest in quick succession. Dappled Cities are exhilarating in their delivery of a beautifully-crated pop song six-pack. The mass exodus following the conclusion of their set is meant as no disrespect to the headlining Resin Dogs, but instead a nod toward the midnight mid-week last trains home.

ANDREW MCMILLEN

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