Live Review: Flowertruck, Major Leagues

The frontwoman of Major Leagues looks like a grungier, more hip version of Baby Spice. Her platinum blonde hair swings around as she jams on her Fender Mustang. A sharp snare seems out of place during mellow verses, but is soon balanced out with the straight rhythmic bass that climbs into each chorus. Lyrics aren't exactly audible, which is suitable for their music. The placing of vocals in the mid-ground of their garage-pop helps the mix to resonate that same drifty feeling of songs played during a summer road trip. This drives the atmosphere of Shebeen Bandroom into a cruisey vibe - no one is in a great rush to party or strike some exuberant dance moves.

After a 20-minute break, a synth with the same unbearable squeakiness of a rubber duck randomly booms through the speakers. We're not sure if it's intentional or a last-minute sound check, but the Flowertruck band members take it as their cue to climb on stage. During their first few songs, we realise that the synth played by Sarah Sykes infuses their indie music with a danceable, '80s flair. She swaps between a bunch of timbres, including square wave octaves and filtered slow release pads, while also temporarily offering angelic backing vocals.

Lead singer Charles Rushford entertains us as he strikes theatrical expressions carved out by his animated facial features. His mouth takes the opportunity to over-emphasise each syllable; his eyes wide open, piercing into the crowd. In between songs, he takes the time to explain what testicle cancer is, and why there should be a measuring guide installed in every men's bathroom. Elaborating even further, we start to assume that his absurd story will eventually result in the inspiration for their next song. Surprisingly, it doesn't and the quartet continues as if Rushford hasn't just discussed the size of his balls in front of 50 people. More unrelated banter continues throughout the set, bringing out a down-to-earth character in each of the band members.

It's nice to see the musicians from previous bands cheering and dancing from the front of the crowd. "We love you, Sarah," they yell, before she calls back, "I love you too, Major Leagues!" Even band members from a few Melbourne indie groups can be seen mingling in the audience. "Thanks for having us, Brisbane," Rushford mistakenly blurts out to mark the end of their hour-long set.