Live Review: Pianos Become The Teeth, Mowgli, Dilettantes

Local post hardcore/punk trio Dilettantes had the honour of opening the night’s show and the three-piece made a hammering mark on the small, unsuspecting crowd instantaneously. This writer has had the privilege of experiencing the band numerous times, but there has been an injection of lunacy into their musical delivery. The opening track was a complete departure from Dilettantes’ usual formula, channelling California’s Touché Amoré’s earlier intensity, which included guitarist/vocalist Rick Foster exiting the stage into the audience to scream his heartfelt lyrics.

In all honesty, this scribe was equally enthused to witness the main support act Sydney’s Mowgli as the headliner. Their brash yet delicate emotional math-rock recipe has entranced Australia for a few years, but now the quartet are armed with their recently released self-titled EP and the four-piece’s next chapter is their most exhilarating yet. Mowgli created a dreamy-but-agitated atmosphere which enveloped the few dozen observers fortunate to take part.

This event marked the third Australian visit for Baltimore’s Pianos Become The Teeth, however this was their first headline jaunt and regrettably this audience was to be their smallest. Regardless, if the quintet were at all despondent, their performance was not hindered by it; truthfully the five piece were thankful to share their art with those willing to listen. 

Opening with the immensely infectious Charisma, the energy of the room was transformed, not into a frenzy, but more an enchantment which impressively encompassed Enigma Bar for the entire performance. Ripple Water Shine and Hiding instigated the sing-along from the devotees to the band, April had an amazing Nick Cave element to it and the journey that is Repine moved the venue into another dimension crafted by PBTT.   

Truthfully, it seemed to be all over a bit too soon. With a couple of long-time admirers of the indie-post-hardcore outfit wishing for material from Old Pride or The Lack Long After LPs, it was not to be. It must be said though, the authenticity of the art that was delivered and the “basement show” essence could not be measured and will be long remembered.