Live Review: The Murlocs, Baptism Of Uzi

It's spring eve and while the long, cold Melbourne winter holds on, the open fire in the Tote front bar manages to keep the place sweltering. You can hear the start of Baptism Of Uzi's set from Johnston Street and once inside the bandroom it is clear that their long-form jams are almost too big for the venue. Their sound – produced by two synths, two guitars and a heavy rhythm section – fills out every part of the room the punters haven't squeezed into. Towards the end of their set, they invite The Murlocs' Ambrose Kenny-Smith onstage to add some atmospheric harmonica. Another jam ensues, which at some point morphs into Baby Please Don't Go. It's pretty special. Baptism Of Uzi finish with Stray Current, which mixes their usual spiralling instrumentation with a great pop refrain.

The room half empties as many retire outside for a smoke. Remaining inside are a few older patrons who could only have made the trip up from Ocean Grove to catch their sons launching their second EP of the year. Assorted members of The Murlocs head to the stage. Kenny-Smith is last to do so and, after a quick blow on his harp, the sound guy gives them the okay. Step And Stagger is first and the audience is soon moving to its off-kilter quality. Kenny-Smith announces that they will be playing both EPs in tracklisted order. Dead Regrets introduces harmonica and the faster section of the song sees the band let go for the first of many times tonight. What sets The Murlocs apart from many of their garage contemporaries is their genuine passion. Kenny-Smith has been blessed with a great set of pipes. He effortlessly hits the sweet spot on Casual Friend but for the most part sings dirtier than on their recorded output. He has a manic, shamanic frontman quality about him and tonight he sings with something beyond angst, seemingly brought about by the non-appearance of the band's usual rhythm guitarist. The other members have a great feel, and Callum Shortal's lead work is excellent. The band seem happy to get through the first half of the set and increase their energy when playing songs from their new EP, Tee Pee. The new songs expand on their sound a bit and Gutless is particularly powerful and progressive.

An impressive headline set from a band that seems versed in the blues well beyond what their age would suggest. Kudos to the kids and the parents.