26, Benchplayer, The City Riots, Tim & Emily
Jive
Thurs 13 July

Tim & Emily began procedures by alternating between a variety of instruments, both powered and organic, be they keyboards, a synth-box, an acoustic guitar, a single standing snare drum and all sorts of bells and whistles, so to speak. Plaintive and simple was both the approach and delivery of their ditty-like repertoire and it was this casualness between the pair and their audience that made for a set that was no less than delightful and extremely entertaining as they touched upon subjects as an homage to the Rundle Street keyboard busker, to a fantastic cover of Star's Your Ex-Lover's Dead. I can see this act rapidly becoming an Adelaide favourite from cafˇs to front bars everywhere, especially given that this was only their second ever gig.

Right from their very impressive and mightily well executed multi-leveled stage entrance, which was heralded by a pulsating, resonant and guttural synthesised keyboard sound, The City Riots immediately became one band I reckon you'd better keep an eye on. Playing all four tracks off their fantastic self-titled EP, among others, if there was a common thread to be found in their music it would be the definite '80s glam influence with a clear-cut modern day twist that's evident amongst their catchy melodies; one description that sprung to mind was that of Icehouse's grungier cousins.

After about half way through the second song of Benchplayer's set I honestly just wanted them to stop, and yes because they sounded awful. Now before I cast my opinion any further, I do have it on very good authority that Benchplayer are in fact a good band, and for sure I could appreciate the talent shown by each of the individual players and, for what few lyrics I could actually handle focusing in on, I'm even going to acknowledge their songwriting prowess, as fledgling as it may still be. But for God's sake guys, learn to restrain yourselves and actually listen to how you present what you do and stop trying to compete with each other, for all that came across was just one big thick wall of noise that honestly didn't do you any favours.

Thank heavens for Brisbane band 26; here is a band that truly knows the meaning of both musicianship and artful, evocative song-crafting. Showcasing both their new singles, Friendly Fire, and as closer for their set, Let Down. While both songs certainly proved themselves as stand-outs, this was in no way to the detriment of any of their other material that they chose to share with us on their first visit to Adelaide. Picking around a 50-50 selection of songs from their debut album, 'The King Must Die', and the upcoming, 'Friendly Fire', 26 demonstrated a varied balance of different tempo tunes; each with palatably sweet multi-layered levels to totally absorb and enjoy. Absolutely.

Steve Jones