Perth three-piece Methyl Ethel pull out an interesting set for Plan B Small Club, pushing their recordings over the line from well produced shoegaze into a considered and articulate performance, proving that they can hold their own in a crowded genre.
This doesn't initially seem like it will be the case: they open with a four-minute, slow-burning, looping jam that sets the scene but doesn't necessarily promise variety. Soon, however, they ease into the evening to reveal not only a very tight arrangement, but a varied and articulate set. For one thing, they punctuate their set with eerie, 'late night at beach' sounds: pre-recorded interludes to keep the atmosphere going while they tune for the next song. This gives their set cohesion and air to breathe. Their songs become little vignettes that are allowed to stand apart, knocking the 'hit-and-hope' out of a genre that can often just sound a lot like garage band noise. Drummer Chris Wright is doing a lot of the work, he saves what is at moments a slack-jawed sound, keeping the band moving forward and grounded. He smooths the corners on the colony of effect pedals at the feet of his band members and pulls Jake Webb's vocals down to earth.
Before launching into Architecture Lecture, they shout out to warm-up act Jaala who proceed to pass the crowd bananas and apples from their rider. For the rest of the set's duration faces in the crowd can be seen eating their good will, which adds to the late night house party vibes. This is music to shrug your shoulders to and know that tomorrow probably won't be better, but it's worth enjoying right now. They play to a room of fans (that shout out requests and the occasional banter) who don't hold back their approval.
