It’s 9pm inside Melbourne’s Forum Theatre. A swarm of 18-year-old hipsters are circling to get the best vantage point for headline act Bombay Bicycle Club. While sipping ciders and checking texts, they glance up to see three heavily bristled bandmembers and a frontman who has no facial foliage whatsoever.
The hipsters look puzzled, a little worried perhaps. It’s not exactly the warm up act they were expecting. The dishevelled quartet – otherwise known as I, a Man – proceeds to unleash a set that blows the following performance of Bombay Bicycle Club away. Confusion turns to appreciation and the hipsters can’t help but be converted.
Such a reaction has not been uncommon during the live shows of I, a Man.
Like most local up-and-coming bands, they have trekked the obligatory live Melbourne circuit. It’s a rite of passage that stretches from the confined Northcote Social Club, winds its way down Swanston Street to the Toff and lands on the spew-stained stairs of Revolver.
Unlike other young acts that take this road and taper off into relative obscurity, the talent of I, a Man cut through. Their live virtuosity led to several high-profile gigs, including the aforementioned support act at the Forum and a triple j Unearthed slot at Falls Festival.
“It’s a festival the band and I have attended numerous times,” says guitarist Ash Hunter. “To go as a performer was not only exciting but also set us a benchmark of what we need to do to get there and what to expect. To say we shared the same stage as the likes of Fleet Foxes and Unknown Mortal Orchestra is also pretty flattering.”
To pigeonhole I, a Man solely as a ‘live band’ would be underestimating their breadth of talent. It implies that their recorded material is not up to the same standard. Anyone who has sampled EPs such as You’re Boring Us All and their latest single ‘The Scenic Route’ would attest otherwise. There is an atmospheric yet muscular swagger to their sound that is grounded by the angular arpeggio work of Hunter and melodic vocals of frontman Dan Moss.
On first impressions, Moss looks the odd man out. For starters, he’s the only member who owns a Mach 4 razor. “I’m not sure if it’s by choice or just that Dan can’t grow any facial hair,” says Hunter with a laugh. “You’d have to check with him on that one.” Despite his stand-alone features, Moss is an integral part of the band, not only acting as frontman but also as one of the chief songwriters.
“With the process of the songs we’ve released up to date, it’s all sort of started with Dan,” says Hunter. “He’s had an idea with a structure, guitar part or vocal melody. The rest of the band works on it from there. It’s not a strict formula, though.”
It’s this chemistry within the group that makes their collective output work. Nearly all of the members were mates prior to the band’s incarnation, which makes late night slots at Revolver and rehearsals down at Inkerman Street in St Kilda far more bearable.
“It helps because, with the music we write, it’s pretty personal and emotionally driven most of the time. We’re close. We understand each other without knowing exactly where each other comes from; so that helps with the band’s dynamic,” explains Hunter.
Given their camaraderie and talent, a venture to overseas shores beckons. Still, there is a modesty and humbleness within the band that reminds them of goals that still need to be achieved at home. This includes the continuous pounding of the Melbourne circuit, beginning with their triumphant show at the recently refurbished Ding Dong Lounge.
“There’s a big picture that we’d like to get to. At the same time you have to start somewhere and we have plenty of stepping stones to go,” Hunter says. “We’re focusing on the next task at hand, whether it be the tour or the next release. Looking forward we’d definitely like to take our music overseas to see how it will be received around the world.”
Remaining humble to the end, Hunter adds, “we realise we have to work it in Australia first, though.”
You’re Boring Us All is out now through Shock. I, a Man are currently on their A Scenic Route Tour. Full dates and details here.
