Photo: Justin Ma

Youthful indie up-and-comers Last Dinosaurs might only be playing to about seven people in the opening slot tonight, but the band sound better this evening than I’ve ever head before. Which isn’t to say they’ve suddenly uncovered a new vein of originality – their songs still an amalgam of various naughties Britpop/rock outfits and Strokes-isms crossed with Cut Off Your Hands joie de vivre – but some slower tunes and an impressive set-closer show promise. They’re clearly capable, but need to find their own voice fast, lest they get lost in the wash. Little Scout are up next, and despite some nasty bass problems, the four-piece display the fragile and unassuming grace for which they’re becoming known. The Zoo’s acoustics prove a better match for the band’s delicate folk-pop than the site of the last show I witnessed – the Old Museum – but simultaneously the band seem dwarfed by the sparse crowd and the higher volume antics of Last Dinosaurs. Nonetheless, rousing show-stopper Dead Loss sounds wonderful as ever, with guitarist Pat Elliott endearingly wrestling the song’s rock-out lead line.

Montreal all-girl quintet Pony Up arrive on stage to muted fanfare, the lack of Triple J’s interest in latest effort Stay Gold limiting tonight’s turn-out. It’s a genuine shame, as the new song-heavy set proves just as engaging as their last visit here in 2006. The caustic and funny Making More Beneath opens proceeding, tiny Laura Wills giving lines like “Marry me for fun / You dried up loser” just the right edge as she sparkles behind her keyboard in a sequined dress. Swapping vocals with guitarist Sarah Moundrakas regularly, they work through most of Stay Gold with only one diversion to their debut EP and a couple of highlights off Make Love To The Judges With Your Eyes (the oddly suggestive Dance For Me and stellar single The Truth About Cats And Dogs). Perhaps the finest moment comes with Laura’s mid-set rendition of the sweet Sounds Like My Wedding Night, but by the time we reach what feels like an obligatory encore, only a handful of the faithful remain. Solace perhaps comes to the band knowing they’ve yet to play these songs to a hometown crowd, where the capricious tastes of national radio stations might not be such an issue.

TOPHER HEALY

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