Live Review: Twerps, Fabulous Diamonds, The Shifters

Twerps play regularly to buoyant loyal crowds. Selling out this show at The Shadow Electric proves local devotion remains despite a string of critically bashed performances in late-2013 (including Chapterfest 21 – the infamous shambolic collaborative set with Dick Diver during Melbourne Music Week).

The Shifters lay down twangy riffs and are out to surprise by using a clarinet, violin or melodica at various stages. For change of pace, Fabulous Diamonds perplex and bedazzle with their spooky rhythms and melodies. The crowd gathers inside to hear music that seems like it was composed in a haunted cathedral. It is an apt way to transfix an audience before Twerps arrive to launch their Underlay EP.

Opening with Consecutive Seasons, Twerps have got their mojo back. 2013’s indiscretions are a distant memory as their signature guitar tone with solid bass and drum backing works into a contagious jam. It looks like the tightly-packed crowd is in for a classic Twerps gig – a return to form, a statement of longevity. But as the gig rolls on, this optimism starts to wear down.

The initial excitement subsides and it becomes clear that the band is exporting two different moods: Songs sung by Marty Frawley and those sung by his wife, Julia McFarlane. Frawley’s new material provides highlights such as the well-constructed and dynamically interesting Hypocrite. Old favourites Dreamin and He’s In Stock are also very well received. Frawley’s shy-guy banter is affable and he can be forgiven for the odd missed entry or out-of-key intro.

McFarlane’s efforts resemble sullen Irish drinking ballads more than the ‘Melbourne pop’ that has successfully defined Twerps. She is touted as the talented lyricist in the band but, save for a few moments of jangly instrumentation, the songs where she takes centre stage are blandly perpendicular to that which Twerps fans are accustomed. It feels as though they would have been more suited to a side-project.

To finish, Twerps play the cute track Wait Til You Smile, which perfectly sums up their performance. There are moments that are so close to recapturing their unique, hype-affirming formula, but ultimately the set is disappointing and repetitive.