Live Review

TeenagersInTokyo – Heebie Jeebies, Liverpool

• 14th Jun 2010

Shockingly, Heebie Jeebies’ Saturday afternoon Aussie BBQ actually had the weather to match. Apt for no one more than Sydney-based BLUE JUICE. Actually sounding like a product of sunshine itself, this is good-time, funk-tinged rock aimed at bringing a smile to the chops and a stomp to the feet. Used to playing to bigger crowds in their native land than the 30-odd crammed into the Heebies courtyard, from the off they were alive with an enthusiasm befitting their style.

They play songs that make it almost impossible not to move, their biggest hit Vitriol being the perfect example. Centred squarely on repetition of a shouty and oh-so-catchy chorus, this song doesn’t leave you in hurry and would make an excellent access point for newcomers. In terms of accessibility itself, I was not alone in being turned onto Blue Juice by this gig. What did come to mind though was the fact that this is music for the ‘here and now’ or even the ‘there and then’, it was very easy to leave these songs behind once the fun was over. Perhaps this points to the fact the band lack the depth and the ideas to stand up to repeated listening. To this end, at no point would I consider the prospect of buying a CD. What can’t be disputed though is that Jack Stone’s boys know how to create a buzz.

Immediately following Blue Juice were an altogether different proposition. One part Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, two parts CSS and ludicrously stylish in all, this is a group that reeked of style over substance, on first sight at least.

Fortunately for me and my rapidly warming beer, these fears were soon allayed. In stark contrast to the laid-back atmosphere preceding them, TEENAGERS IN TOKYO oozed the kind of cool that looks effortless but is in all likelihood cultivated. Yet, behind the groove and style of the likes of Peter Pan and Blackbones there seemed an underlying focus and application. Lead vocalist Samantha Lim even demonstrated a professionalism to go along with the those decidedly punk-edged vocals. She is an obvious asset to the band and seems to have the charisma to go with the talent but she is by no means carrying the band. In fact, with bouncing bass and sweet harmonies, the real excitement comes from the dynamic of the group as a whole. Now based in Shoreditch, they also have an intensity which comes across like a mission statement ensuring that you’re likely to hear more of them.