Live Review: Mutemath - The Hi-Fi

The Cairos welcomed the punters that had turned out early with some light banter and killer haircuts. They're one of those bands you know more of their songs than you think. They have a uniquely Australian guitar twang that for those of a certain vintage echoes The Triffids. Meanwhile the bass-led melody and Alistar Richardson's vocals create a sonic doppelganger for Dave Faulkner and the Hoodoo Gurus. For the younger readers, think Eddy Current Suppression Ring rock abandon with The Shins' pop sensibilities. Basically, they're awesome. Shame and We All Buy Stars owned the room, while new track, Minute Second, hinted at more indie rock goodness to come from the Brissie lads.

Mutemath have exploded in the last six months. Their most recent album, Odd Soul, is receiving rave reviews and their reputation for live shows meant the packed Hi-Fi was heaving with anticipation. By entering from the rear of the room in a procession under fairy lights, they set the scene for what was a crowd-inclusive gig. There almost seemed to be a supergroup on stage with J Mascis, Freddie Mercury, Jeff Beck and Keith Moon accurate alter egos for each of the Mutemathians. They played a mix of old and new tracks, but there was a chasm between them. The newer stuff is definitely stronger, less wanky and just more damn fun. Blood Pressure, Odd Soul and Cavalries were all killer.

With a stage full of keys, keys and more keys, plus three of the four band members playing them at different times, there are some inevitable comparisons. Frontman Paul Meany does sound like Freddie Mercury, Sting and Thom Yorke all rolled into one and with the cave of keys you have to think Coldplay at some stage. He had undeniable charisma and a way of welcoming the crowd into his private world of performance. The funk of the bass was sublime while band newbie Todd Gummerman showcased mad guitar and tambourine skills. By far the standout of the night was drummer Darren King. The Keith Moon comparison was not just conjured by the gaffer-taped headphones, but the intensity and melody that he managed to produce from a percussion instrument. Although others would probably point to the crowd involvement of Meany and the amazing crowd-surfing super lilo, their live antics are good fun, but their new music is even better.