Semplesize is a blog that specialises in music, art and fashion – you know, all the good stuff that makes being alive such fantastic fun. This Sunday afternoon bash was billed as a “New York style block party.” OK, it started in the early afternoon, featured a bunch of acts from around the ‘hood and the live entertainment included a brief fashion show. But seemingly no effort went into making it feel like a block party (let alone a distinctly New York one). The lack of street decoration and drinks served in cans and plastic cups was slightly disappointing, but thankfully that didn’t stop it being a good and proper Sunday sesh.
The lineup was something of a mixed bag, both in terms of the performers’ stylistic persuasion and the impact made. Early on came The Trotskies,whose formidable walls of post-punk guitar noise impressed, but their songs were let down by rather fluffy lead vocals. Habits followed, leaning towards heart-on-the-sleeve, future R&B. It was a three-way personality display, with each member having a crack at being the centre of attention. Backed by electronic sounds that swayed from comfortably smooth to jagged and glitch-y, Habits towed the line between exciting unpredictability and schizophrenia with dynamic finesse.
Next came The Stiffys, who’ve recently transitioned from sailors to spacemen, but haven’t lost any of their uncontrollable exuberance. The band might seem like a bit of gag at first, but they manage to dish out banging rock tunes that encourage gleeful laughter without skimping on quality. It was a completely amusing onstage display, which reminded us all The Stiffys are really good at sex, because they’re always doing it.
Like The Stiffys, House of Laurence clearly put a lot of effort into what they do. But going by this performance, it’s hard to detect anything that sets them apart from the pack. The foursome gave us a set of well-rehearsed psych and classic rock sounds, but the onstage movements all seemed rather mechanical.
Milwaukee Banks don’t fit easily into either the electronic or hip hop category, but what’s more significant is the twosome are integrating rhymes and beats with exceeding personality. Here, they proved adept at taking charge of a big stage too, which shows triple j Unearthed were right in choosing them to open up next year’s Laneway festival.
While any tangible sign of New York-style remained glaringly absent, Banoffee’s closing set was pleasantly melodic enough to keep this Sunday-sesh rolling forward. Martha Brown (as she’s otherwise known) gave us a set of textured electronics coated with one tasty melody after another. The slick sonics were accompanied by some slightly clumsy banter, which only enhanced her appeal. It was a stimulating performance that offered plenty of incentive to keep an eye on where Banoffee goes from here.
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Photo by Ian Laidlaw
Loved: The Stiffys.
Hated: No blocks.
Drank: Bloody Mary, please.
