Live Review: Blackchords, King Colour & Civilans

The storm raging outside was a world away from the fun times going on down the gallery side at the OAF. Civilians, a six-piece with two trombonists, an electric uke and violin, presented an unusually smooth sound for such a big line-up. Sixties doo-wop-rock lay underneath Augie March-style alt. folk with tracks like The Great Reset to the fun.-esque Green Strings. The lads have been recording at Albert's, but you can probably find the bootleg that was filmed Saturday night online.

A Finer Thought nicely sums the dance-driven summery groove King Colour deliver so well. Young Enough To Be Dumb Enough was a highlight, and one of their new tracks too, which is promising for the soon to be released work. With just the right amount of cowbell, Didn't Know runs a line from Nancy Sinatra's strut through to Children Collide's dance party. The vocals are smooth, the band tight and the solos notable without being showy – a great blend.

Blackchords don't get to Sydney that often. When they do it's great to see that they still throw in a mix of old and new material. It was amazing to hear the band playing Broken Bones live again. More downbeat than the openers, Blackchords have a maturity and introspection that lends sincerity to their high-tension builds and sparse (but not bare) soundscapes. The newbies Dance Dance Dance and Oh No play well alongside their older material. They have evolved as a band, moving slightly from the Interpol intellectualisms towards a Two Door Cinema Club indie pop vibe, but their brooding honesty is still there, setting them apart and ahead of the rabble.