Live Review: Fox & Fowl

“I didn't know we had so many friends in Melbourne!” exclaims a stunned Lachlan Smart, lead singer from Brisbane outfit Fox & Fowl. From the moment the curtain is drawn back to reveal this young five-piece, clad in summery nautical gear that reflects their Queensland provenance, the well-rehearsed boys are eager to prove themselves.

Here in Melbourne for the last leg of a three-city tour promoting their debut EP, Fox & Fowl kick things off with an extended, building intro into Pilot, which is probably the punchiest of their new songs. Smart's soaring vocal line juxtaposes with the frenetic energy of the rest of the band. Just add busy, smoky guitar riff and all builds nicely into a dancey festival song. Spark is a highlight in the first half of their set; a slow and airy affair until its rigid drum beat transforms the track into a safe pop number. A cover of Kim Carnes' Bette Davis Eyes never quite manages to take off and it's hard to understand why it was included in the set, except perhaps as a guaranteed singalong. The band's receptiveness is maintained through Neon Colours and Bird On A Wire, and then we're rewarded with the vibrant Jungle Punch. This last song, which closes the set, has easily the most mainstream appeal of all of their tracks. Energetic and uplifting – and with various textures employed over charming, high-pitched vocals – it works the audience into a frenzy as beach balls are hurled into the air.

Though the band is consistent and each band member performs well individually (especially drummer Matthew Smail, who provides a strong, unfaltering core), Fox & Fowl are hindered by their frankly unoriginal sound. The resolving chord progressions, unnecessary bridges and breakdowns, and the lack of variety mean that the band is unable to truly surprise us punters. This is not to say they lack appeal, however. After the last chord is played, our spirits are high and the energised crowd cheers for more.