Opening act, Colonies are a band that has a lot going for them, mainly their strong songwriting; a clever collection of post punk that has indie twangs, feedback squeals, tiny picked guitar lines and stunning sonic texturing. Their songs are clean and polished for the most part. However where their songs soar, their professionalism lacks.
Colonies’ changeovers were sloppy, and for a band that is playing a gig at FBI Social, you’d hope they’d realise that this isn’t their local band competition. What Colonies would benefit from is a clear image; their music is strong enough to deserve a wider audience, but they’re still in their formative years. Colonies have enormous potential for an interesting band but more work is needed.
Second up was, Drawn From Bees, a band that makes charismatic folk music. The three-piece was a tight unit, with strong vocal harmonies and hooky melodies. They have a top stage presence, frontman Dan James is a bold, charming personality who interplays well with bassist Stew Riddle and drummer Matt Wedmaier. Their friendship is what gives the band its character. What does feel a bit underwhelming is the band’s lack of variety in their songwriting, which caused a standard set time to feel much too long. They are however, superb musicians with charming unorthodox music.
Blackchords’ frontman Nick Milwright’s dancing training was not in vain. The charismatic singer/songwriter moves and pulses with the music with their collection of lush alternative rock. What sets Blackchords apart from many other bands is the fact that each movement and tone has purpose and conviction. Milwright’entire persona overpowers, which contrasts with the rather shy personality he displays between songs.
Although each of the songs follow a very similar structural rise and fall, the band make up for it through their tight musicianship, clear sound, intriguing synth lines and strong stage presence. Blackchords songs may have dark undercurrents but there is hope in them. All is not lost in the world of Blackchords.
They superbly and creatively kept the mixed audience interested (Milwright’s even decided to join in the drummer with some bashing of the ride cymbal). The future is anything but black for the Blackchords.
-Patrick Weyland-Smith
