A haunting guitar riff, a perfect fourth chord progression that's fun and happy, Nick Rattigan's witty vocals and lyrics about love, death, and growing up…it's a winning recipe. Bandcamp DIY's heyday may be behind us, but bedroom pop is still alive and well.
And why not? It's comforting, endorphin-inducing, and easy to play in the background of your life, but it's also cool and has a knowing, mysterious vibe. I'd cite Current Joys (and Rattigan's other project, Surf Curse) as the jewel in his bedroom pop crown.
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But sometimes, when there's a band, So Great, I'm worried about seeing it live. Is it the kind of music that people enjoy casually, or can it actually fill a room?
As it turns out, there was nothing to worry about with Current Joys. Prince's band room was packed and he had to excuse himself multiple times to get from the bar to the bathroom. Moreover, the audience was surprisingly young. As someone who joined the band for their 2013 debut, Wild Heart, I wasn't expecting that.
And the fans were devoted. After a great warm-up by Melbourne shoegaze outfit Garage Sale (we'll keep an eye on them), the crowd let out a scream as Rattigan took to the stage. Those in the front row were frozen in place. The pastor threw a water bottle into the crowd.
The three-piece delivered a solid set with a nice balance of new songs and old favorites. The songs from her 10th and latest album from the project, “LOVE + POP”, especially shined, even for an old head like me.
The album's title song was energetic and punchy, and it was more punk than pop on stage. Rattigan's screamo growl on Cigarettes and BB Put's percussive flow on Deftones show the album's Drain Gang and Death Grips influences.
Lil Peep's cover of “Walk Away as the Door Slam” was a bit of a flop, mostly due to the band's confusion. After their mock exit, they returned with a five-song encore, closing with two of their debut songs, “New Flesh” and “Symphonia IX,” providing the singalong moment of the night.
Rattigan quit Wild Heart when he was only 20 years old. Eleven years later, his tenacious work ethic and wide-ranging influence have brought him to the top of his game and a fan following to match. As he spilled out of the venue, he realized that his perception of Current Joys was wrong.
The band has grown from its bedroom pop roots into something more considered and precise. More experimental and confident. This may have been their first time in Australia, but I don't think it will be their last. Please come back!
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