Live Review: The Soft Moon, Erasers

It is apparent that post-punk is in the midst of a mini revival in and around Perth. A number of local bands are getting sets around town, while international acts are, more often than not, stretching their tours to include our little isolated corner of the world. Wednesday night saw Louis Vasquez's act The Soft Moon touch down for their first ever Perth show.

Erasers were the perfect act to open the evening. This local two-piece is electronica stripped down to the bare metal. Simple mono-synths playing mechanical loops and squelches mixed with monotone vocals. Sometimes the sound could be a little too minimalist, a dash more reverb or delay would probably give their sound some coherence.

The Soft Moon is equal parts dark electronics, pounding rhythms and buzz saw guitars. Anyone who has spent the evening dancing at nights like Sin, Dominion or Hexx will recognise the sound. Obvious comparisons can be made to acts like Nitzer Ebb, Nine Inch Nails and Joy Division.

Vasquez records all of The Soft Moon's albums as a solo endeavour. However, when on the road, he expands the show to include live bass and drums. Percussion came in the form of electronic drum pads, live drums with triggers and even a metal bin that looks like it was from Bunnings.

The translation from album to live is a dramatic reinterpretation. The sound is much more visceral, with an aggression that leapt from the stage. The nearest experience could be envisioned for those who have seen New York rockers A Place To Bury Strangers live. Walls of white noise and feedback are coupled with shouted vocals. The delicacy is lost in an exorcism of pain before the audience.