Live Review: Scott & Charlene's Wedding, Peak Twins

Out of the bedroom and into The Curtin, Peak Twins are here before a hip crowd to open for their friends Scott & Charlene's Wedding. These bands go way back. After releasing a split album of tidy indie rock together in 2012, the boys of Peak Twins blacked out after its release while the rest of the wedding party continued.  

Guitarist and lead vocalist Liam Kenny certainly knows his way around a winding little tune, but the lack of passion in his voice might be a drag for some. Tracks like China White and Your Love roll along nicely as this crowd doesn't seem to mind their niggling lack of choruses or the unfocused, lover-boy melodies. Still, there's definitely some enjoyment to found in the Peak Twins live show, which hints at potential for greater things. And a second record maybe? 

Though we're informed it's still on air, the RSL melodrama of Neighbours is so irrelevant now that a band name like Scott & Charlene's Wedding carries just the right amount of ironic distance for 2018. It's the band's first headlining show of the year and they are here at The Curtin to showcase a formidable new line-up and set of songs from their upcoming record along with some old favourites. 

Lead singer Craig Dermody's scratchy ramble recalls early shades of Gordon Gano with the bounce of an Australian Lou Reed. It's the perfect type of voice for what the group describe as "slacker pop". Songs like Scrambled Eggs or Epping Line, which pores over the finer details of miserable days in Footscray, utilise a cutesy monotone that's sure to divide new listeners. But the crowd tonight eats up both the classics and the soon-to-be classics with as much glee as they can muster. Clapping while holding a drink in the packed bandroom of The Curtin is an act best left to circus contortionists, so fans just stick to hooting and hollering.  

After performing a few solo numbers on his clean-driven guitar, Dermody and the rest of the band launch into some of their new material. Many of these fresh tracks feature some very J Mascis-esque, atonal solos from the band's new lead guitarist, adding yet another dimension to the righteous inaccessibility of the band's sound.

While some of these songs are clearly meant to be driven by frustrated barks and wails, Dermody's voice often struggles to hit the high notes, much to the amusement of his bandmates. "Sorry, guys, too many darts tonight!" he laughs. Without hesitation, a true-blue voice comes soaring across the venue from the back of the crowd, "She'll be right, mate! Play it again!"