Pigeons either crap everywhere or carry important messages to fair maidens trapped in castles.

These connotations from the name of this Brisbane based indie-electro band meant their single launch in Melbourne could either get messy, or place the crowd under an enchanted spell.

Thankfully Pigeon (the band) chose to carry a message from North to South, that when unrolled to the small crowd at The Workers Club read: “we are one of the best new party bands in Australia right now and you get to witness this awesome intimate show before we become the darlings of the festival circuit. Yours Sincerely, Pigeon.”

The five instantly likeable boys are all incredibly talented; it is very obvious just how hard they have worked at perfecting their sound. Their timing is impeccable. Only forming last year, Pigeon have already featured at quite a few big festivals, such as Splendour in the Grass and Parklife.

The line-up originally consisted of singer and guitarist Danny Harley and percussionist Nick Kirk, but the addition of a full band, including a kick-ass saxophonist/trumpeter – who provides an earthiness to the electronic beats – sets them miles ahead of their counterparts.

Sonically, comparisons could be made to Depeche Mode, The Presets, Electric Six and The Chemical Brothers, with a little funk and jazz thrown in for good measure.

Pigeon also know how to engage their audience by being incredibly fun and interactive on stage. They are so in tune with each other that – even though they individually dance to their own beat, and Kirk hops about like an Energizer Bunny – it looks like they have some kind of choreography going on. Pigeon’s love of larking about is infectious and every single person in the small crowd danced and knew they were witnessing something special.

A flawless cover of Paul Simons’ “You Can Call Me Al” suited the wacky style of the quintet and induced the kind of dancing where arm flailing is a must and punters don’t care if their freshly purchased beverages slosh onto the floor.

Their set finished with the single “Hebe”, an ambient slow burner that explodes into a dance anthem at just the right moment.

Pigeon really are magical. Keep an eye out for their new release slated for October.

– Kristy Sullivan

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