Live Review: The Cairos, March Of The Real Fly, Smaal Cats

Northern Beaches’ boys Smaal Cats came on a little late, but were clearly taking themselves seriously. Stop-start rhythms and big choruses gave way to bass-led verses and skilled, bright and angular lead lines from Michael Sacco. Drummer Brad Landy was busy behind the kit.

Ner Ner Ner Ner – one of a number played off their EP – was particularly impressive. Beginning in washing delay and reverb, the powerful, inevitable build saw Charlie Gradon howling a brilliant refrain. The band was a little nervous through the set, but they’ve got some great tunes and are ones to watch. Any inability to connect or command only proved more endearing.

March Of The Real Fly were dancing right from the start, and soon the crowd was really into it. The band helped by mocking their rockstar quality, inviting Daniel Levett’s wife onstage, and giving updates on the pregnancy of singer/organist Anita Miles. It was intimate and cheery, and a real treat for the weary Thursday crowd. New single Flower was lovely, and a great indication of future direction.

The Cairos’ coasting songs were solid and positive, but were weighed down a little by their inconsistency. The first half of the set featured little in the way of highlights, where some songs had a great chorus or verse section, or a biting break, but lacked the cohesion of the best songs from this year’s Dream Of Reason. The singles stuck out, and momentum became a problem for the boys pulling through their set list.

Unfortunately a sizeable crowd didn’t turn out. They played a sturdy set regardless, but there was little in the performance to justify being more than an excellent support band. The band closed strong though with a well-received second half – beginning with Shame and closing with Obsession – before an extended encore. One couldn’t help thinking it’d be alright if Smaal Cats came on to play it though.