In a cruel twist of fate, this Summer Flake album launch landed on the same night (3 March) as likeminded indie icons Pavement very far down the road in St Kilda.
However if it had any impact, you'd never have noticed as the upstairs band room was packed for this stacked triple-threat line-up of Lower Plenty, Mod Con and, of course, trio Summer Flake.First up Lower Plenty enjoyed a decent audience for first openers, and their position on the bill certainly attested to the quality of all bands rather than their status of third best.
Somewhat of an indie supergroup, featuring an ensemble of songwriters who also play in Dick Diver, Deaf Wish and Exhaustion, the indie rockers are a hugely underrated Melbourne live band and this reviewer can't recommend enough catching them if given a chance.
Local favourites Mod Con delivered a simmering, tightly wound, dark post-punk set that once again showcased frontwoman Erica Dunn's vocals and presence. Dunn, also a member of Tropical F... Storm and with her pared-back solo project Palm Springs, is an absolute force out front.
This, along with an impeccable, pulsating rhythm section thanks to drummer Raquel Solier and bassist Sara Retallick, make Mod Con one of the most coveted local acts to see – and it was absolutely no surprise to see how many people had come for this set alone.
But the night belonged to Summer Flake, the fuzzy, happy-sad outfit fronted by songwriter and guitarist Steph Crase, along with drummer Joel Carey and bassist Perry Mahoney.
And Crase deserved it to be her night, because her third and new album 'One Less Thing' is instantly a contender for top albums of 2023.
Drenched in wonderful fuzz, beautiful melancholy and a happy sonic marriage between shoegaze and '90s indie guitar rock, the songs are great on record but even better onstage.
The band wasted no time diving head first into the new material, including an early airing of the absolutely stunning title track. Many highlights from the album followed, with 'Nothing Lasts', 'Long Long Long' and 'The Setting Sun' filling out the front end of the set.
The stage was fittingly smoky, drenched in blue and framing the band in the perfect visual cloak for the loud, moody shoegaze soundtrack.
Crase seemed to be almost surprised by the crowd's enthusiasm, and not even her self-effacing comment about how it was the first time they'd played the dirge-rocker 'Draw The Line', and probably the last, could dampen spirits (and we bet it won't be the last time we hear that song in the set).
While Crase's pedals looked to be giving her some grief, giving up on one altogether and plugging into a backup, her guitar sound was incredible and joyously deafening down the front, without drowning out her ethereal vocals.
Mahoney's bass was a great rhythmic device, as was his great stage presence, and Carey's drums were big, bold and let the songs really breathe.
Finishing off with 'Last Summer' and the wonderfully melodic, countrified 'Stranger', the band had a quick break and returned to play 'Shoot And Score' from 2016's 'Hello Friends', leaving everyone on an upbeat note.
Even though it was an album launch, it was still an absolute delight to have the set planned around just the new material, without trying to cut and paste oldies within the mix. Always a bold move but a rewarding one for fans of both 'One Last Thing' and well-considered set lists.
It was a special night for a special record, and a special artist who deserves all the attention the album launch provided – even if she looked like she might need a bit of getting used to it.
Though she didn't have a lot of time to sit with the great show – Crase jumped off stage and headed to the merch desk to sell some records.
