Live Review: Belle & Sebastian, Twerps

A mellow Wednesday night crowd progressively begins to trickle into the venue, as Melbourne foursome Twerps quietly take the stage in a modest and humble manner.

The crowd seems difficult to warm, as perhaps mid-week blues hold strong, but Twerps are nonetheless enthusiastic to be playing The Tivoli, as expressed by lead singer Marty Frawley. As the self-described “janky pop” outfit, janky-pop being a clear distinction from “jangly-pop”, Twerps roll through tracks from their new album, Range Anxiety, with effortless ease and understatement. While it’s a slow start in terms of engrossing the audience, each new song resonates more strongly than the one before, and their music begins to stand on its own, leaving indelible impressions. Drummer Alex Macfarlane proves to be a particular delight, his enthusiasm for each strike and beat palpable and reinforcing each song with such strength. The undeniably catchy vocals featured in Back To You and Stranger ensure they remain crowd favourites, as all attention is suddenly fixated on the four-piece. A brilliantly chosen opener for the occasion, Twerps eventually manage to warm the rather icy crowd, and successfully set the tone for a night of indie-pop.

After a short wait, Belle & Sebastian enter the stage and are welcomed with cheers. Diving straight into their set, the Scots open with new single, Nobody’s Empire, and while it’s less well known among genuine fans, it goes down a treat, still photographs serving as an intriguing backdrop to the jangling percussion and shimmering guitar lines.

As the evening progresses, Belle & Sebastian, supported by a small string ensemble, perform old favourites, among them The Boy With The Arab Strap and Legal Man, each to much fan delight. Despite Belle & Sebastian’s sophisticated and darling indie-pop, and lead singer Stuart Murdoch’s continual banter with the audience (a prior mix-up between deodorant and insect repellent serving as a funny anecdote), it isn’t until another new single, The Party Line, that the crowd finally begins to display signs of (minor) joviality. Although somewhat heavier than their guitar-based tracks, The Party Line offers a new taste from this stalwart band, as the electronica sets in, and dancing takes over. The night comes to a climactic peak in the final stages of the set, as Murdoch insists on bringing fans onto the stage. Elated and beaming with excitement, the lucky few, primarily girls, are instructed to dance and enjoy themselves. However, for some that entails sprightly prancing (yes, prancing) and none-too-subtle kiss attempts aimed at guitarist Stevie Jackson.

Although it proves a hard win, Belle & Sebastian conquer The Tivoli, and leave all attendees on a spirited high as this Wednesday night comes to a close.