Gossip @ Club 299 - Sat May 29

It’s worrying to walk into any club after nine-thirty to find a fully stocked bar and a lone security guard playing catch with himself in the corner. But if the partygoers are hiding under pool tables as I enter Gossip, opening act Goodbye Gravity couldn’t care less. With a no-nonsense approach, pure energy and honest enjoyment in their punchy electronic sound, this band play like it’s their last show – no one would know it’s only their first. Their encouraging dance gestures may be lost on the small audience, but they create a hypnotising, psychedelic sound – a more approachable Daft Punk. Synth and Keytar player Dane Alexander sums up their style as ‘Rocktronica.’

Compared to the vibrant performance from the evening’s first support act, Brisbane boys Tape/Off don’t quite scale the same heights. There is a definite Pavement-style grunge to their first piece, and as soon as they move into Sweater Curse, it is clear they have Weezer on the brain. The only difference is that these lyrics are indecipherable and the distortion is beyond control. Despite this, they pull off the ‘90s garage-band scene well and are granted with cheers and hoots from the audience on finale.

Finally, the headliners we’ve all been waiting for: electro-pop band Toy Balloon. Yes, they have come equipped with balloons and streamers, and in a matter of minutes the club fills to its larger capacity. Associated with alternative music venue the Hangar, the Brisbane four-piece has built a visible fan-base since the release last year of their first album Toy Division. That fan support is here and tonight we are all graced with a truly professional performance. Their clean combination of sophisticated vocals, consistent disco beats and Warhol Factory-style instruments – a sax, electronics, tambourines, and cowbells – creates an entirely unique sound. It is raw and entrancing, and enough to lead the army of head-nodders at Gossip right to the end. Their set concludes to rising applause and a round of well-earned high-fives amongst the band.

TIFFANY BRIDGER

Comments (3)

3. Written by Mel, on 30-07-2010 18:57 I third that. Pumping set!

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*