Live Review: Bastille, Tigertown, Lurch & Chief

Lurch & Chief only got started in Melbourne a little more than 12 months ago but, working really hard during that time, the outfit have penned a sweet collection of tunes to take on the road. Around Hayden Somerville and Lili Hall's duelling male and female lead vocals the rest of the band smoothly bring '70s rock influences together with big, indie-dance beats. Their single We Are The Same is an obvious highlight that showcases the band at their tight and confident best. Tonight Lurch & Chief capably demonstrate why they are yet another fabulous addition to the local music scene. Definitely an act to watch.

Next up, Sydney's Tigertown look as though they have popped some kind of glamour pill for the occasion as they deliver a floppy Fleetwood Mac-esque moment that revolves around lush harmonies and sweet melodies. It's a winning formula that allows the band to steal many hearts. As Tigertown move from the glowing folksy warmth of Lions And Witches to the more buoyant thump of What You Came Here For there is a light breezy vibe to their tunes. The outfit are aiming for dreamy, indie pop but at times they are so super-smooth that it starts to feel a little like yacht rock.

Its 11pm and the sold-out venue is overflowing with Bastille fans who shriek with delight when the lads appear on stage while Twin Peaks' Falling plays on the PA. It is entirely appropriate given lead singer Dan Smith's much-publicised fascination with David Lynch. There isn't anything too surreal about tonight's gig as these pretty-boy indie popsters from South London deal a proper blast of seriously uplifting tunes. Practically every song off their debut album Bad Blood starts with slow verses that build into massive anthemic sing-a-long choruses that soar, instilling a sense of euphoria in the room that threatens to send wide-eyed fans into outer space. A dazzling light show sears our eyeballs with intense strobe effects that energise the crowd and add to the general feeling of mayhem that's unfolding. Between Bad Blood, Laura Palmer, Icarus, Things We Lost In The Fire and Flaws they satisfy by playing pretty much everything that their fans have come to hear. Encores turn the gig into a monster dance party with the bounce of Rhythm Is A Dancer evolving into Corona's classic Rhythm Of The Night. Concluding the night, Pompei comes with an irresistible hook that sounds like it was written by New Order. Bastille tread a very fine line between indie cool and complete crossover, which is where it seems these lads are ultimately headed.