Live Review: Deep Sea Arcade The Standard 0612

It is always a special night for a band when they get to celebrate the release of their debut album and it was clear on arriving at The Standard and seeing sold-out signs that Deep Sea Arcade's fanbase was keen to raise a beer and congratulate the band on their achievement.

Woe & Flutter kicked things off with a spirited set that saw them blur the line between Mudhoney and The Strokes. There were indie jangle, blues riffs, raw screams and guitar rock that made for a varied and energetic performance. Frontman Dusty Anastassiou can sound as lazily laconic as Julian Casablancas on their new single, Sharehouse Blues, and then change things up with the grind and churn of Cities Of The Red Night. Confident and self-effacing, they'll be ones to watch as they hone their craft.

The Cairos also played a well-received set and they too displayed a fair amount of diversity ranging from tough rock to a more textured and dreamy sound and at one point venturing into disco territory reminiscent of Skunkhour. Their bass player looked the odd one out with his pub rock flannel and ripped jeans and AC/DC 'locked in the groove' stage presence, but he kept things anchored magnificently. They threw in a cover of Bette Davis Eyes that caused many a wry smile and nod from the crowd, affirming that they'd done the song justice.

After seeing Deep Sea Arcade pay their dues at many smaller Sydney venues this felt like a coming of age for the quintet. They played the role of hometown heroes complete with intro music, some well-chosen images (real film on projectors), crowd participatory handclaps and a genuine call for an encore. Naturally, the setlist was predominately taken from their album, Outlands, with the infectious melodies of Girls, Steam, Don't Be Sorry and If The Devil Won't Take You and the majestic guitar hook of Lonely In Your Arms. They also blew some minds with their cover of The Chemical Brothers' Let Forever Be. As well as they do catchy upbeat songs, they also got hazy and psychedelic on the dreamy Ride and the closing Outlands, which showed what a great rhythm section they have. Proving they can deliver the goods both in the studio and on stage, Deep Sea Arcade are surely destined for still bigger things.