Live Review: The Trouble With Templeton, Ali Barter

A fair chunk of Melbourne's population seem to be flocking to NSC and getting rowdy in preparation for Brisbane band The Trouble With Templeton's album launch. Ali Barter brings a guest band that fits together remarkably well, supplementing her charismatic personality and sultry voice. That voice is put to good use in Barter's set, which includes both solo songs and songs that utilise the entire band. While her songs are well put together, and she is obviously talented, most incorporate similar motifs, tempos and styles. By the end of the set, a lot of people tune out and head to the bar.

When The Trouble With Templeton head out on stage, the mood changes dramatically. They bring a bracing hit of rock'n'roll, with vocals that are sometimes distorted and muffled, at other times completely clear. Although lead singer Thomas Calder admits he's quite unwell – you can hear in his speaking voice that he's clearly still recovering – his singing voice is still remarkably strong. The dynamic five-piece traverse the lines between indie, rock'n'roll and alternative music without a hiccup. Although The Trouble With Templeton put on a great show, this Friday night crowd seem restless, chattering constantly to the point of rudeness. The music drowns them out but, in between songs, it becomes quite distracting. The fact isn't lost on the band either, with Calder remarking the punters seem particularly talkative, while not explicitly chastising them.

Still, apart from the loud crowd, The Trouble With Templeton are an excellent band to see live. They incorporate older songs including Six Months in A Cast alongside songs fresh from their newly released album Rookie. The band are electric and revitalising, making indie rock loud and fun.