The Internet ProfileMelbourne experimental punk band Jaala strolled on stage looking like a modern cartoon version of The Breakfast Club brought to life on the stage in front of us. Despite looking a bit like four strangers who accidentally formed a band and went with it, they worked really damn well together. Their set was a bit edgy, a bit grungy and totally had the vibe of a '90s punk band. "This song is about making a flower garden." Lead vocalist/guitarist Cosima Jaala has a voice that slightly channels that of folk singer/harpist Joanna Newsom and Jaala are easily one of the best support acts we've seen to date.
LA's The Internet rocked up just after 10pm, with vocalist Sydney Bennett (aka Syd Tha Kyd) noticeably high as fuck, decked in an oversized black hoodie with a Star Of David on a chain around her neck. They kicked off with a bang, and the playful, lighthearted chemistry between all of the members of the band was infectious. Anyone doubting the concept or the mere existence of swag needn't look any further than Bennett. There's something that this woman just gets.
After a slow clap from the audience started to fizzle out she yelled "I didn't tell y'all to stop clapping!" resulting in more screams and yells of laughter from every person in the room. She definitely knows how to work a crowd.
The Internet are just one of those bands that are flawlessly and effortlessly cool, without really even trying. The whispery, sensual vocals of Bennett flow impeccably through the duration of their funk-infused/trip-hop/electronica/jazz set, from crowd favourite Girl, to Just Sayin'/I Tried released in June last year. As an audience member, you kinda got the feeling they were just a couple of friends jamming on stage — and felt privileged to really just be a part of that.
