Imagine a night where you can see 3 amazing bands for just $7? Well this is the concept behind Stop Start’s $7 Social Club at Melt Bar in Sydney. They even give you a free CD on entry! Awesome much?
Tonight saw Hungry Kids of Hungry from Brisbane headlining the night, and Pluto Jonze open up proceedings – but it was very much Maniac’s show. Interestingly enough, tonight was their first EVER performance, despite having formed quite a while ago. When you notice the fact that Jake Grigg from Something With Numbers and Shawn Harris from The Matches are among the featured performers, however, it starts to make sense why we had yet to see them on the stage – it had been hard enough to get in a room together, let alone onto a stage! But more on them later…
First up, Pluto Jonze jumped on stage with his usual TV setup (TVs set either side of the stage, complete with visuals matching whatever was going on on stage). The instrumental numbers were incredibly catchy and while the sound wasn’t great in the venue, they definitely showed off why there is a bit of buzz about them. Track “Living In The Submarine” which opened the set was of particular mention, having a certain Aphex Twin “Windowlicker” vibe about it. Nice.
As mentioned before, tonight was Maniac‘s first time on the stage in an official capacity, warming up for their gig at Gosford’s Coaster Festival the next day. Quite a contrast to their side projects, and even Hayley Foster’s Chaingang (who made a brief appearance on the Saxophone), was the doo-wop 1950s/60s feel to it all. I’m not sure if this is what it’s like on record, but it’s not what I expected from Jake Grigg and friends at all! But I have to say I liked every minute of it.
“Give it Up” was a standout, with a whole heap of drums – a feature which also closed out the set in a track called “Three Kings Day”. I’m not quite sure what the plans are for this band, but I love what I hear. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
Headliners of the night, also warming up ahead of their Coaster Festival appearance, were Brisbane’s Hungry Kids of Hungary. This is a band quite versatile in nature – rarely do they make two songs that sound the same – but it all fits nicely under the banner that is Hungry Kids of Hungary. There is some doo-wop here, some old fashioned rock and roll there, and even some new sounds over behind the tree. Hungry Kids of Hungary have it all, and are a worthy addition to any stage – tonight being no exception. But I think for much of the crowd, they could do little to take the thunder away from Maniac’s shining debut.
Not bad value for $7, that’s for sure. Make sure you pop by Melt Bar sometime soon to have a Stop Start $7 experience of your own!
