Island/Universal – September 25 2009

There seems to be a growing market these days for small girls with big voices – just look at the scene, with the likes of Kate Miller-Heidke and Lenka making the rounds with ease. Aussie-based Kiwi Gin Wigmore is no exception – following the release of a successful EP, she drops her debut album with some big tunes. First single ‘Oh My’ offers a cheeky mix of cynicism and danceable bursts, but it’s ‘Freak Show’ that really nails what Gin is about as she sticks it to a guy she dated, in the process probably cementing herself as a heroine for jaded and/or heartbroken teenage girls everywhere.

Recruiting The Cardinals as her backing band on this record wasn’t a bad idea either – the dudes known best as Ryan Adams’ band buds are solid as ever, with some truly kickass brass and string arrangements packing a hefty punch on top of their usual guitar mastery. There are also some forays into more downbeat introspective territory, but it’s the energetic songs where Gin excels – and ‘One Last Look’ makes for some unexpected slack-jawed rollicking alt-country fun.

But unfortunately her raspy vocals won’t please everyone – like Amy Winehouse, Gin has the type of voice that you either love or hate, one that balances expertly on the fine line separating quirkiness and irritation. On the same note, for those who like their ladies bullshit-free and opinion-filled it’ll hit all the right spots but for others, despite the definite promise evident in her songwriting, it might feel a little too girl-power during the most crucial moments.

TRACK LISTING:
01. Oh My
02. Hey Ho
03. New Revolution
04. Don’t Stop
05. I Do
06. Too Late For Lovers
07. Mr Freakshow
08. One Last Look
09. Golden Ship
10. Dying Day

Photo: Wayne Massingham

Supported by: Bridezilla, Songs

Local four-piece Songs started the night, playing their fuzzy dream-pop tunes to early arrivers. The vocal chemistry between Max Doyle and Ela Stiles was mesmerising and, though the set was slightly long, the band managed to capture the shoegaze sound so revered in the early ‘90s whilst still remaining calculated and fresh.

Sydney’s favourite hot young things Bridezilla were clearly excited to be there, with fresh-faced vocalist Holiday Sidewinder constantly repeating how thrilled she was to be sharing the stage with Malkmus. Bridezilla never incite a notably bad audience response – whether or not you’re a fan of their music, there’s no denying that they’re a talented bunch. Those who’d seen the five-piece before knew what to expect but those who hadn’t were treated to their rustic sounds as they roared through staples like ‘Brown Paper Bag’, as well some new tunes.

“Fuckin’ Pavement!” was tonight’s catchphrase thanks to one keen punter up the front – he wasn’t the only one thinking it, with the reformation of Malkmus’ former band having been announced just days earlier. Before the band had even started, though, bassist Joanna Bolme threatened to kick anyone mentioning Pavement out of the venue – this was to be strictly a Jicks gig. Starting with ‘Jenny and the Ess-Dog’, Malkmus and his three pals (Bolme, drummer Janet Weiss and keyboardist/guitarist Mike Clark) powered through 90 minutes, including a three-song encore, of material spanning their four albums. Songs from the latest record Real Emotional Trash were a real treat – a few of them, like the title track and the excellent ‘Baltimore’, sprawl across several sections with some incredible instrumental breakdowns that sound even more dynamic in a live setting. Malkmus is as masterful on the guitar as he’s ever been, signature licks flawless and even more so when in call-and-response with Clark. His voice still has that apathetic drawl (as a surprisingly deft rendition of ‘Pencil Rot’ proved), but he’s also developed a stronger sense of flexible vocal melody, demonstrated on ‘Gardenia’ (on which Bolme and Weiss provided charming backing vocals, as they did on ‘Baby C’mon’). It’s hard to fault a man who has made such an impact on the musical world over the last two decades – Malkmus is a brilliant musician and performer, entertaining the crowd with his antics in between songs.

No, there was no fuckin’ Pavement, but the Jicks deserve recognition separate from that – they write tight songs and they perform them even tighter. And the moment of the year was seeing all those hipsters’ faces when, just before leaving the stage, Malkmus exclaimed “see you all at the Big Day Out…not!”

Interview for Drum Media

Jesse Lacey the person, as opposed to Jesse Lacey the musician, is hardly what you’d expect. For one thing, he’s still pretty flabbergasted at the idea of screaming girls handing him their phones at shows to talk to their friends, even though he’s been getting that for years. For another, music isn’t his only talent – when he picks up the phone, the first thing he says after hello is an emphatic “I’m making brownies!”

(more…)