Live Review: Major Leagues, The Ocean Party, Super Galaxies

Sydney duo Super Galaxies were on first – or half of them, as guitarist Nick Hollins explained, “We just had a son.” Stripped-back and very bare-bones, the set hinged around Hollins' spacey guitar tone, and was composed of simple songs that didn't offer a great deal more than atmosphere. Featuring a Beach House-y backing of synth and beats, I couldn't help but wonder what the missing part was.
As the second band were setting up I was a bit nervous to see three electric guitars AND a keyboard. Thankfully, The Ocean Party's arrangements showed admirable restraint, with lead lines snaking in and out of one another unobtrusively. It all seemed to gel quite well, and never felt crowded, even if it was pretty non-confrontational and nothing all too revolutionary. I shudder at the pun but the only word that really seems to fit these guys is 'cruisy'... so shit, maybe they're in on the joke.
Brisbane quartet Major Leagues' set was a perfect balance of tracks from their still-fresh debut EP Weird Season and a handful of new ones, which showcased their developing style of woozy, grungey garage-pop. Still giddy from a pretty huge 2013, the band were in fine form, and all seemed to be having just the best time onstage, not least with the opportunity to crack out some new songs. A particular stand-out sounded like an off-cut from Pavement's Wowee Zowee. (I wonder if Major Leagues know they sit right next to Stephen Malkmus on record shelves around the world...)
However, the crowd really lost it for the more familiar tunes. Feel ended with a huge swirling crescendo of guitar noise and huge drums, whilst the room sang along to the boppy chorus of Endless Drain. Major Leagues are one of the stand-out bands from Brisbane's incestuous-but-brilliant indie-rock scene, and their live show is not one to miss.