The Zoo - Fri Jun 6

Arriving slightly later than I wanted/planned (hooray for public transport), I’m greeted at the top of the stairs of The Zoo with an image that conjures up post-war Russia, if it had more pool tables and depressing music through overhead speakers. The starting time is pushed back as far as possible, but it’s still painful to watch local electro trio Panther DLX play to their friends only. Relying heavily on programmed sounds and drum loops, they appear as wounded deer every time the keyboard is in control. I fear that they’ve officially crossed the line between performance and pressing play; like the Uncanny Valley hypothesis with music.

However, no one could accuse Sydney’s Cassette Kids of phoning it in. Vocalist Katrina Noorbergen quickly endears herself to the audience, saying hi with “We love Brisbane … fuck Sydney!” before kicking over a microphone stand. It’s an old trick, but no less effective today. Comparisons to Yeah Yeah Yeahs will soon dog them – not the least due to Noorbergen’s wail and jittery movements – but their post-punk leanings will allow for impressive shows into the future. If the guitarist can lay off the pitch shifter for a second or two.

It’s a far bigger crowd here for The Whip’s entrance, but I did manage to catch a peek at tonight’s door list…it looked more like a telephone book. First song Sister Siam is a definite misfire, sounding more like TV Rock than Manchester’s next big thing. New Order-aping Frustration is a far superior follow-up, as frontman Bruce Carter gets his bearings. All I’ve managed to write to describe Blackout is “fuck yeah”, which might sound crude, but I stand by its accuracy. The set basically consists of their debut album with a shuffled tracklisting, but it’s the energy of these four young Brits that put tonight ahead of your standard nu-rave show. As crowd favourite Trash concludes the night, I think I’ve cracked the case: less automatic arpeggiator, more distortion. Who knew?

MITCH ALEXANDER

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