Live Review: Jill, 101A, Kaimokujisho, Sparky Quano

10 April 2014 | 10:46 am | Andrew McDonald

These kind of non-English events are so rare, and it was wonderful to have a snapshot of a musical culture so far removed from Sydney’s own.

Despite only opening in early-2014, The Roller Den in Erskineville has already put on a number of rather excellent shows, and from Sparky Quano's opening grooves, this night seemed destined to continue the trend. Quano, playing electric and acoustic guitars, played with loops and drones to make a bigger sound than would be implied from one man with no mic. He served as a perfect opener to the evening and the more chaotic sounds of Kaimokujisho. The group's dreamy female vocals contrasted wonderfully with the booming percussive and grunge guitar wall of sound. As their set went on, they proved themselves to be a brilliant punk group, traipsing around the stage and belting out four-chord punchiness.

Shoegazers 101A took the stage next, and kept the energy levels higher than their albums would imply, opting for a grungy and vibrant set of rocking tunes drenched in reverb and shimmering guitar effects. The three-piece were at their best when they let slip the dogs of noise and behaved like the brutal band they knew they were. Ostensible headliners Jill certainly upped the Japanese factor by having their singer arriving in full kimono garb before stripping down to a gothic Lolita outfit. Their music did the real talking though, dirty as hell riffs and crunchy effects undercut by infectiously poppy hooks and J-Pop grooves. Despite the language barrier, the banter proved to be engaging and charismatic, if only in feel.

While the legitimacy of the night's moniker, Japanese Music Festival, is somewhat questionable, there should be no arguing about the talent on stage. These kind of non-English events are so rare, and it was wonderful to have a snapshot of a musical culture so far removed from Sydney's own.