As the sun set on yet another sweltering day, choice people in Perth downed their pre-drinks, straightened their peter pan collars, and made their way to Villa in search for a sea change.
Speakeasy: Nautical Edition.
When I entered, I was greeted by sailor hats, maritime decorations, a whir of metal fans and the dulcet synths of M83’s ‘Midnight City’ blaring out over the dance floor.
With green buckets clutched tightly in hands, filled to the brim with ice and alcohol, the crowd was buzzing when Stillwater Giants opened the stage. Hailing from Perth, they delivered a searing set of genuine rock and roll – all grungy riffs and gutsy drumming, three-part harmonies over blazing guitars, voices tinged with gravel. The set was also peppered with various guitar solos and breakdowns that kept the beat rollicking along. A highlight was their take on Daft Punk classic ‘One More Time’, but the obvious crowd favourite was their single ‘Give Into Me’. A slight departure from their other songs, the song featured a sun-drenched vibe and an intro reminiscent of Darwin Deez in the best way possible.
Cocktail buckets: Disputable amount of alcohol, but only $10. So obviously I bought several.
Hot off their #67 showing in the Hottest 100 the day before, headliners New Navy bounced onto the stage and launched into an upbeat set that sounded and felt like a beach holiday. Think Foals, mixed with the Two Door Cinema Club, mixed with pure joy. It was indie pop at its sunniest, with impossibly catchy riffs, pounding beats and smooth vocals, all driven by the jangle of guitars. Personal favourite ‘Tapioca’ delivered melodic tropical goodness, whilst the hooky chorus of ‘Fire Fire’ got the dance floor going. However, it was clear what the audience was waiting for when the quiet whistling of afro beat-laden ‘Zimbabwe’ began. Ridiculously catchy and eminently danceable, the hit single had the crowd jumping until the temperature felt similar to a day in the song’s namesake.
The night was once again played off by Indian Summer DJs, spinning songs from indie stalwarts and Triple J favourites until the last of the messy, sweat-soaked mass spilled out onto the sidewalk into the heat of the night.
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Words by Siao-Sun Hoon.
AC Slater
Pacific Vibes
