Live Review: The Neptunes, The Money War

As well as invigorating a number of clubs that are otherwise underutilised, Fremantle's Hidden Treasures Festival makes a compelling case for taking music out onto the streets. On a dreary, sodden evening High Street was crackling with vim and vigour, aided by acoustic troupes leading hearty singalongs and a constant flow of foot traffic as punters shuffled between venues.

The Money War may have jarred aesthetically with the seasoned gig-goers who comprised the majority of the crowd at the Navy Club, but it didn't stop people getting on board with their brand of melodic pop. Driven by principal songwriters Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper, The Money War's live presence is rather more muscular than their recorded sound, which makes for a more captivating experience. However, the trade-off is that the nuance of Pepper's vocal contributions is sometimes lost, drowned out by her burlier partners. There's no doubting their songwriting talent, though, and if their stage dynamic is refined they'll likely be quite a force.

Speaking of which, the inexorable power of The Neptunes transformed the buoyant crowd into something significantly more unhinged. As drinks took hold and nostalgia set in, these veterans of the music scene - both band and supporters alike - went very hard indeed. The Neptunes never stray from their surf rock fuzz inclinations, but with songs as catchy as Hallucination Bay and I Want My Woody Back, there's no need to. As they spoke fondly of drug experiences from years past, those who were there with them went back in time as well. The total absence of lyrical obfuscation is one of their great strengths - these are tracks to sing along to unashamedly, and to connect with the distinct references to Western Australian geography. Drummer Martin Moon and guitarist Greg Hitchcock, such revered players in the scene, were faultless, and the enjoyment running through the band was profound. While gigs like this have their roots in a distant, foggy past, the joy they offer the present makes them a delight to witness.