Allo Darlin’ @ The Tote, Melbourne - October 4 2012

Being able to say you were at a band’s first ever Australian show is a great privilege. When the band is two-quarters Australian with two albums under their belt before said show it’s just weird. Hopefully that’s something I can use as bragging rights when Allo Darlin’ become huge in the future!

I went along with two friends, both of whom are big fans of The Lucksmiths. Unfortunately, the solo project by bass player Mark Monnone (Monnone Alone) left a lot to be desired. The melodies of the couple of songs we managed to catch were promising but the same can’t be said for his vocals.

The Stevens were the main support and they were good in a Pavement or Dinosaur Jr. kind of way. Good enough to be entertaining but not the sound you’re able to jump on board with on a first listen at what is essentially a pub gig.

Allo Darlin’ were a bundle of fun from the start, particularly led by the ear-to-ear grin and jumping on the spot of bass player Bill Botting. Whether they were feeding off the energy of the crowd or whether the reverse is true is moot, the end result - a dancing and joy-filled venue - was all that mattered.

All of my favourite songs from 2010’s self-titled debut and this year’s Europe made it into the set. Two of my three favourite songs (My Heart Is A Drummer and Kiss Your Lips) finished off the main set and the encore kicked off with a solo rendition by Elizabeth Morris of Tallulah - the third of my favourites. I couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement.

Ratings:

The Stevens - 6/10

Allo Darlin’ - 9/10