Despite its nostalgic critics and the loss of that beautiful silver curtain, the newly reopened Ding Dong Lounge couldn’t be a more perfect location for a local band’s EP launch.
The Corsairs, lucky enough to pick up a slot on Saturday night to celebrate their new EP, I’m Feeling Social, fit the atmospheres, agenda and surrounds with ease.
First act for the night, were a fresh young band, The Latonas. The four-piece garage pop rock band played with an Angels and Airwaves feel to their sound, and backed it up with impressive energy and interestingly unique elements.
The band, however, remains awkwardly unpolished for their pop sound, and they would do better to straighten out the messy organisation to their vocals set – too many cooks were spoiling their musical broth.
Despite the heavy-handed criticism, the band’s playful chats to motivate the audience between songs – from a football score update and to tales about being the “whitest band on Facebook” – were received with enthusiasm from the room.
Next up was the happy-go-lucky Melbourne outfit, Young Maverick. These upbeat pop-rock guys resemble a Melburnian amalgamation of the Kooks with Vampire Weekend and a dash of Artic Monkeys.
Crisp vocals were teamed with uplifting instrumentals and bright smiles – you could tell the band was at ease on the stage and genuinely enjoyed themselves. The highlight of their set was most definitely Matt Sheldon’s onslaught of harmonious, yet brutal guitar work that seemed to slice through the room like a hot knife though butter.
Young Maverick was the perfect accompaniment to The Corsairs surf-pop sound. It became a credit to the preceding ensemble that by the time the band of the hour were ready to step on stage, the crowd were warmed up and prepared to experience what was to be an amazing set.
The Corsairs began with a melodic and swirling instrumental tune with a soft, almost cooing “ohh ohh’s” from each of the vocalists. From there they bounded into the first song, a poppy and upbeat rock tune.
The entire set exuded talent and effortlessness. Talent, because the boys enlivened the audience with both outward enthusiasm and sheer skill, causing fits of dancing and cheering sporadically throughout their set. Effortlessness, for their sheer “whatever” attitude; a difficult spirit to master with such a clean-cut style of music.
After their intro of several rock tracks delivered in a surfy swirl, the band slammed themselves into a harder sound that reflected a unique and modern development upon 1960s pop rock – a sound The Corsairs will do well to hone in on and protect.
From the second last track onwards, the lead singer from Young Maverick stepped back onstage to help the band out with a star-shaped mini tambourine. Given his happy electricity, he only aided the band’s animated mood.
As the band were packing up after the end of their set, guitarist Adam Morgan, delightedly screamed out – “do you wanna hear another song?!” The audience went berserk – and the band played their final tune as well as they had their others. We have a lot to expect of this respectable band in the future.
– Tara Emily
