Live Review: Phantastic Ferniture, Sweater Curse, Merpire

Dream-pop ensemble Merpire is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt. Backed by a new band she merges introspective lyrics with lo-fi indie-rock and woozy '80s synths. What really makes Merpire standout is Atkinson-Howatt's lush vocals and honest songwriting. Very impressive.

Brisbane's Sweater Curse have only been on the scene for about a year but the delightful trio create a buzz with their industrial indie-pop. Heads are bobbing and feet are tapping as their melodic tunes strike a chord with the rather diverse audience in attendance. The dual male/female vocals of Chris Langenberg and Monica Sottile create an interesting dynamic, with drummer Rei Bingham filling the spaces with quality stick work. The thrilling Can't See You Anymore closes out their set to great applause.

Forming after a drunken night at Frankie's Pizza in Sydney, Phantastic Ferniture are the surprise packet of the Aussie music scene in 2018. Led by the enigmatic Julia Jacklin, alongside songwriter and guitarist Liz Hughes and drummer/producer Ryan K Brennan, the trio of accomplished musicians have recently released their self-titled debut, a nine-track collection of garage-rock musings that sound just as beguiling live as they do on record.

Arriving on stage to Kylie Minogue's classic Spinning Around, Phantastic Ferniture waste no time getting stuck in, much to the pleasure of the sold-out crowd. Swashbuckling opener Take It Off sets the scene with its old school rock'n'roll guitar lick accompanying Jacklin's soulful vocals. Gap Year is a driving spark of indie-pop goodness, Parks a slower '70s-style Shangri-la rocker and Uncomfortable Teenager, a wonderfully bubbly garage pop number with an infectious bass line.

While Jacklin is front and centre as the band's frontwoman, drawing the crowd in with her emotive vocals and bad dad jokes, both Hughes and Brennan are just as important to the success of Phantastic Ferniture. Hughes dishes out wild guitar riffs and contributes gorgeous harmonies while Brennan's steady drumming ties their sound together. Shout out to Tom Stephens who adds a touch of wonder with his soothing bass. Together the four create a feel-good energy that quickly spreads throughout the crowd, with even the bar staff turning their heads to watch.

Album highlight I Need It is just as magnetic in a crowded club venue as it listening on a record player at home, sounding like Tame Impala fronted by Angel Olsen. Yes, the song is that good. Bad Timing has a guitar riff that just won't quit while Mumma y Papa sees one rowdy punter spill his drink but keep on dancing, entranced by the music. Hit single Fuckin 'N' Rollin elicits handclaps from the back and brings an end to Phantastic Ferniture's short but engrossing performance.