Brisbane Records: "Worry a Lot" - The Zebras

The Zebras used to live and play around Brisbane a few years back. For a time it seemed like they were the only band that practiced pop music in this town, back when it seemed people stupidly assumed it was wrong to like jangly guitars.

“Worry a Lot” is The Zebras second long-player and featured a more assured direction than the self released debut. Layers upon layers of guitars dominate the album, but most songs are absolute gems. ‘Worry a Lot’, ‘Science Competition’, Fine Lines’ and’ Doong Doong’ are all fine songs and worthy of prolonged attention. Almost as if the band took the best features from their self titled debut – specifically the two first songs from that record ‘Forces of Light’ and ‘Look Confident’ – and employed this formula across the entire follow up. That is not to say that “Worry a Lot” is formulaic, though ‘Fine Lines’ and ‘Science Competition’ sound curiously melodically similar, and even if one did find a certain similarity evident, this doesn’t really mean that much at all; if it works, bloody well use it.

They’ve been doing the rounds in Melbourne, a town that seems curiously more attracted to jangly pop music than the likes of Brisbane, which I’m somewhat annoyed about considering my own fondness for this stuff. It seems Lost and Lonesome have signed up all these bands, and ‘encouraged’ them to move to Melbourne. Not that anyone would need encouragement – it’s a great city. Though, it is a shame they're not here, plying their wares, there is not enough of this in this town.

Quick Review: The Zebras / Je Suis Animal @ Rics Cafe, Brisbane

So I went along to Rics last night to catch The Zebras and Je Suis Animal. A friend of mine, who relocated to Melbourne a few years back, was up in Brisbane for a quick visit. He was also helping out The Zebras with some guitar and percussion work. So little excuse was required for me and a few other associates met up for a quick mid-strength brew and a yarn.

I had been informed by an acquaintance that Rics had ceased the pre-gig, early evening sound check. Rather, all that is offered is a quick sound check of headliner about an hour before they ‘officially’ go on. I’ve been away from Brisbane for some time so I’m not sure if this is simply recent phenomenon or has been going on for more than a year.

Presumably, the venue is trying to save money on employing a sound engineer, which makes some sense particularly in these tough financial times. It is a sign of the times in business nowadays - if anything goes wrong, you can simply blame the GFC.

Unfortunately, sound-checking at this time usually means it done around nine or nine-thirty at night when the bar is half packed. This inevitably gives little time to iron out the any small problems. I have to admit that the sound on this particular night wasn’t really that great at all. Perhaps, in the future Rics may reconsider this policy. I’m not sure, but I hope they do.

Anyway, enough of this boring sound-check policy moaning. To the bands I say!

The Zebras are operating as a three piece tonight – Jeremy, and the two Gregs. Nick Naughtin, the perennial Rics institution, gets up to play some drums for about three to four songs (at break-neck pace, it must be said). It was enjoyable enough – mostly because, as I suspect the band will admit, it wasn’t the most polished performance they’ve ever played. Still, everyone seemed to be all smiles.

The Zebras used to be somewhat of a staple on the Brisbane music scene before they relocated to Melbourne. They write quality pop songs, and no matter how unkempt a performance may be, strong songwriting can always still shine through (presumably that is why people still go to Bob Dylan concerts). We get treated to somewhat minimalist versions of their back catalogue – The Zebras usually have three guitarists strumming away, but tonight it is (mostly) only Jeremy on the six string duties. They complete their set with a rousing rendition of ‘Forces of Light (preloading)’, the opening track from their debut.

Je Suis Animal fair slightly better. These Norwegians play a brand of shoe-gaze ambient pop. I reckon that they sound a bit like Stereolab, or at least a nosier more psychedelic version of Stereolab, but I’m told I’m way off. Still, after seeing them last night, I’m going to stubbornly refuse to change my initial assessment.

Their set is enjoyable enough and those who’ve stuck around despite the sound issues are treated to a good session of pop tunes. Yes, even many of the songs included a discursive and perhaps over-use of the wah-pedal. ‘Secret Place’, ‘The Mystery of Marie Roget’, and ‘Fortune Map’ are performed during what is a solid set. The band finishing with the excellent ‘Hotel Electrique’.

I suppose it was an enjoyable enough night despite the sludgy sound. On the other hand, it was Rics and therefore free, which makes it even more of a bargain. If you’re in other parts of the country and are in the mood for procrastination, I’d recommend checking out Je Suis Animal as they pass through your town.

Je Suis Animal / The Zebras

While scouting around last.fm, I noticed that Je Suis Animal and the Zebras are scheduled to play at Rics Cafe in Brisbane on the 18th of June. Holy crap, this one almost passed me by.

I saw both these bands on the exact same bill a bit less than a year ago in a dungeon like venue near Brick Lane in London. I was drunk, but I remember it vividly as being excellent. I recall complimenting on the bassist on her fine bass skills and fine aesthetics. I think she shook my hand.

For those that don't know, Je Suis Animal are a pop/twee band from Norway. Think Stereolab and you'd be getting close to what they sound like.

I've seen pop-stalwarts The Zebras many a time. They used to played frequently, but not so much now that they are based in Melbourne. I think it is an apt opportunity to embrace the indie pop fan that resides within myself. This will no doubt prove to be an entertaining gig.