On the back of a whole lot of love from both the local music scene and Triple J, Melbourne duo Big Scary launched their Autumn EP to a sold out, loved up crowd at Northcote Social Club.

We catch the end of opener Bean , described as a “one woman music machine”.  With a guest guitarist, the diminutive vocalist provides a delightful set of delicate, melancholic tunes.  Whilst the female singer-songwriter genre is clogged with much of the same, Bean presents mature and witty songs sung with tenderness.

Second act Cameras are a little more hit and miss.  Their female vocalist is strong, and the band produces a deep, lush sound as her voice swells over the deliberately simple guitar lines.  Single “June” captures the potential of the band, however in live form it seems the group devote too much attention to the aesthetic impact of the performance rather than focusing on the balance of their output.

The band seems a little at odds with the Melbourne crowd, however the group improve throughout their set, with “Defeatist” proving a highlight as gravely male vocals interplay with gentle female contributions.  Cameras seem to be caught between the traditional indie-pop form and a more experimental approach.  Committing to one will no doubt see the group attract a loyal following nationwide.

Big Scary prove that they really are well worth the hype.  They are one of the most exciting local bands around at the moment, and drummer Jo Syme is pretty much the coolest girl in music right about now.

Big Scary seem to straddle a gulf between a folkish ‘indie’ sound, and a harder more traditional rock angle.  Therefore, it was interesting to see how this would translate live. The result? The intensity and sentiment of each song is increased, as is the volume. And it really works.  There is an energy and spirit which comes from Jo Syme’s utterly incredible drumming which is so infectious, it carries the room.

Tom Iansek’s vocals are even stronger live, and he can easily jump from the gentle harmonies of “Autumn” to the overt swagger in rock ballad “Hey Somebody”. 

2009 single “The Apple Song” has the crowd in full sing-a-long mode, chanting the inspired line “we are f*cking up our lives, but we are having a good time...” proving it’s anthemic status.  “Polly” retains its vintage summer feel, whilst Autumn EP track “Home” shows the duo demonstrating quiet vulnerability.

It is impossible not to like this band- the focus of Iansek is complimented by the contrast of Syme’s hypnotising drumming style.  Their hour-long set confirms that this group is destined for seriously big things in 2010.

Header Photo by Lily Daley - Courtesy of the Big Scary


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