Saturday 2 November
Supports: Darcy Baker, Tiny Red Houses
Located on Brunswick’s Sydney Road, The Bergy Bandroom is set in an area constantly abuzz with activity. Accessing the 200-capacity room through the bar, gives the feel of being a whole world away from the outside world. Tonight, the stage belonged to Brisbane’s own Bad Neighbour. On the road to celebrate the release of their debut album Millions, the band have Melbourne boy Darcy Baker with them for the course and a rotating roster of local bands. This evening, it’s up to Melbourne up-and-comers Tiny Red Houses to open the show.
For the early punters, Tiny Red Houses, were a real treat. The fresh Melbourne four-piece have only played a handful of shows since their debut single ‘the end‘ came out in February, however that isn’t apparent in their stage presence. The band’s confidence clearly grew throughout their set. Their pop-punk sound coupled with lead singer Natalie Simms’ impeccable vocals meant they pulled no punches.
During their short set, the band managed to squeeze in their 4 singles, some unreleased tracks, and even a pepped up, pop-punk cover of The Kooks’ 2006 indie banger ‘Naïve’. Tiny Red Houses are an exciting prospect who are looking ready to take over the Melbourne pop-punk and alt-rock scene in the near future. Some of my favourite bands I have discovered as openers or supports, and the way these guys are going, they’re going to be up there for me.
Next up, a homecoming of sorts. Melbourne lad, Darcy Baker took the stage in a room growing in voice. Performing on the eve of his debut single ‘Leaving’ anniversary, Darcy brought his sad songs for now to life. Playing a range of tracks from debut EP Reservoir, Darcy’s confidence visibly grew as his hometown crowd sang words of unreleased track, about getting it right, back to him. Even while performing their sad songs, Darcy, and the band joining him, still looked like they were having nothing short of the best time of their lives on stage and that feeling was easily felt amongst the crowd.
Darcy too found room for a cover in his set. His cover of Australian treasure, Missy Higgins’ 2007 track ‘Steer’, brought shades of the early 2010 pop-punk revival. To bring his set to an end, Darcy brought out ep title track ‘Reservoir’, which went down a treat with the crowd. Followed by his arguably most popular track- ‘North Road’. While on record, this song usually features vocals from Caitlin Henry of Eat Your Heart Out. During the live performance on this particular evening, we were treated to an early appearance of Bad Neighbour’s Cooper Riley, who’s brief cameo was a great preview of what was to come. It’s always a pleasure to get to witness up and coming talent and Darcy Baker is no exception. Baker is very clearly destined for big things.
A quick turnover in stage set up meant that the crowd of a close to sellout room weren’t kept waiting for too long. Walking out to Melanie’s 1971 track ‘Brand New Key‘, Bad Neighbour brought the Queensland warmth to the stage. Playing their biggest gig outside of QLD to date, Bad Neighbour opened with the album’s title track ‘Millions’. A fitting opener to demonstrate what was to come over the next hour of ripping alt-rock. But it was second song on the setlist, ‘Paul Avery’, a track with a bit more road-wear, that really got the band going. It’s ripping chorus brought the crowd into full voice too. Just two songs in and Bad Neighbour had set themselves up for a solid night.
Having spent much of the last few years playing support act for bigger and international bands, like Hot Mulligan, Badflower and Spanish Love Songs, the band have clearly learned a lot from these bands and have used it to shape their own headline show.
Cooper’s raw vocals, alongside guitarist Zoe Middleton’s absolute shredding solos and melodic riffs, bassist Liam Sumner’s screams, and drummer Jack Parkes’ flawless rhythm, the band fully kicked Melbourne in the chest with how big they made the space feel. While the band room itself is quite small, Bad Neighbour filled the room as if they were playing an arena.
The album release was the main focus of the night, playing tracks like ‘Carried’, ‘Heart Pumps Blood, and ‘In the Car’, the band demonstrated their talent and ability in bringing the record to a live performance impeccably. The band did flex some of their classics too, playing ‘Lowway’, and even closing their set with ‘When the World Explodes’ followed by ‘Slip Away’. While the band do have a discography strong enough to fill their hour set, they couldn’t resist playing their cover of American post-hardcore outfit Microwave’s track ‘Vomit’, which admittedly is a banger. The cover went down incredibly well with the crowd and does the original more than enough justice.
The Brisbane quartet did not disappoint. They have a strong Melbourne fanbase who filled the room out with excitement and who were well rewarded. While the debut album was six years in the making, Bad Neighbour have clearly hit onto something good. The stage presence of the four long-time friends reflects that while they write sad songs, they still know how to have a good time. With the band interacting with nothing but smiles on their faces and Liam closing the show by throwing rubber ducks into the crowd.
This show was a real treat from start to finish. Lots of potential on show from three incredible bands, all at different levels in their journeys. For Tiny Red Houses, to see them grace a stage so professionally while killing their set at such an early stage of being a band is impressive. To see a local boy come into a show that isn’t his, and hit it as had as Darcy Baker did is a feat to be incredibly proud of. For a band to launch an album, pour their heart, souls, and pockets out for the tour and to get on stage and absolutely kill it, was a real delight and privilege to behold. Bad Neighbour are on the brink of exploding and live shows like this one, are an immaculate foundation to build from. Catch them while you can.
Review by Ethan Cooke
Photos by Andrew Faram Photography
Bad Neighbour and Darcy Baker wrap up the ‘Millions’ tour in their hometown of Brisbane this Friday night at the Valley Loft. Grab remaining tickets here
