A Little Red gig guarantees light-hearted fun, and as rumours of their rambunctious live shows had spread to commercial radio, resulting in a packed out Oxford Art Factory.

Wons Phreeley worked hard to introduce this mood in his warm-up set.  Combining up-beat tunes and outright bribery (tossing sweets into the audience), the band charms the audience into dance.  They are an excellent choice of support for Little Red, sharing that same fondness for a funk-pop revivalism.  Track “The World Has a Bank Account” is particularly enjoyable, featuring a chorus firmly rooted in pop, juxtaposed to an almost-spoken word verse, ever so slightly reminiscent of Jamie T. Wons and band create an infectious energy perfectly suited to the Little Red experience.

Big Scary (pictured below)continue to stake their claim as the best emerging band in Australia.  Although the majority of the audience seem unfamiliar with the bulk of their work, it is impossible to avoid hearing exclamations of astonishment at just how good the band is.  Their sound is difficult to pigeonhole, and for once this is a strength rather than an indicator of musical immaturity.  

Singer Tom Iansek is blessed with vocal versatility, and can oscillate between an almost uncomfortable stillness and loud intensity in a matter of moments.  This is best exemplified in “Lullabies, Lies and Goodbyes” in which Jo Syme’s percussion underpins harmonic verses which shift to all out rock- transported by Iansek’s growling voice.

“Autumn” brings nods of recognition from those familiar due to Triple J airplay, whilst “The Apple Song” captures the fun and frivolity being carried throughout the evening (despite more sinister lyrical content).

The band launches into a cover of Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman”, with Syme cheekily claiming they were covering a Kanye West original.  It is perhaps opening track “This Weight” which is most exciting, demonstrating the breadth of sound which can be produced by just two musicians, as well as capturing their own little brand of sexy- Iansek’s groaning sending a little shiver through the room. Big Scary win over a room full of the previously uninitiated, and make life a little tougher for Little Red.

Little Red (pictured above and below) play a set which mixes older tracks with material from their upcoming second LP.  Opening with “It’s Alright” taken from debut Listen to Little Red and quickly following with “Fight Song” the band prompt the formation of an extremely crowded dance floor in the sold out Oxford Art Factory.  Four vocalists, drummer and horn section fill the stage, really capturing the spirit of their original record.

It seems understandable that the unfamiliar material does not get quite the same crowd reaction, however it seems that the songs seem to lack that innocent essence of their earlier work.  Radio favourite “Rock It” elicits an enthusiastic response from both crowd and vocalist Dom Byrne; however the other inclusions just don’t seem to resonate in the traditional Little Red way.

It’s the Tom Hartney-led songs which have the most soul. “Little Annie” is a brilliant rock revival track, with his deeper voice the perfect accompaniment to 50’s style dancing.  However, it is their stand out track which really makes the night. I dread to think how many times this band has had to play “Coca-Cola”, yet they still give the vibe that they adore playing it, and this continues to the audience atmosphere. The standard audience handclaps and chanting, as well as drummer Taka Honda’s dance on top of the drumkit all contribute to the Little Red ritual, which is as enjoyable today as it was when “Coca-Cola” was first released all those years ago.

The night cements the reputation that Little Red is the ultimate party band, whilst recruiting many more followers to the Big Scary legend. 

Photos by Larry Heath.